Rigid Shield for Liquid Guided Laser Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid guided laser cutting tools face challenges in protecting the integrity of the liquid jet and beam path, particularly from feedback, vibrations, and debris, which can lead to wear and damage, necessitating enhanced protective features that also extend the distance between the nozzle and workpiece while maintaining effective cutting.
Innovation Solution
A rigid protective shield with a through hole is positioned in the liquid guided laser path between the discharge nozzle and the target, featuring a thickness at least twice the diameter of the hole to accommodate the laser path, deflecting materials and preserving beam integrity, and is designed to be non-reflective to minimize laser interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thin, replaceable shield is used in the liquid guided laser path, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and protective capability against debris and reflected light is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, replaceable shield that can be easily replaced when worn or damaged. This disposable approach allows the use of simpler, less durable materials that can be quickly swapped out, maintaining ease of operation while providing adequate protection for the intended service life of each shield.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be independently maintained and replaced without affecting other parts of the liquid guided laser system. This segmentation allows the protective function to be isolated and renewed separately, improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the distance between the discharge nozzle and workpiece is extended, then the reliability and protection of upstream components is improved, but the manufacturing precision and cutting effectiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shield acts as an intermediary component positioned between the discharge nozzle and the workpiece. It provides physical protection for upstream components while maintaining the necessary distance for effective cutting. The shield's positioning and design allow it to mediate between the conflicting requirements of distance extension and cutting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield provides localized protection at critical positions in the liquid guided laser path, particularly protecting the discharge nozzle and upstream components from debris and reflected light. This localized approach allows distance extension for protection while maintaining cutting effectiveness at the workpiece interface.
3Reliability
If a rigid protective shield with sufficient thickness is used, then the reliability and protection against debris and reflected light is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be easily installed and removed. By accepting that the shield has a limited service life and can be replaced, the design simplifies the installation process and reduces complexity, while still providing adequate protection during its operational lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield employs a thin-walled cylindrical structure that provides adequate protection through its geometric form and positioning rather than through extreme thickness. This thin-film approach reduces installation complexity and device complexity while maintaining necessary protective capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shield effectively extends the distance between the nozzle and workpiece, enhances durability, and protects upstream components from debris and reflected light, improving the reliability and longevity of the cutting system by deflecting materials and maintaining beam integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The shield deflects materials from the target facing surface
Implementation Method 2
reflected laser and plasma light
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a shield for use in a liquid guided laser system and related method of use. The shield comprises a rigid body with a target facing surface. The rigid body defines a through hole with a diameter that accommodates a liquid guided laser path. The rigid body has a thickness that defines a length of the liquid guided laser path through the rigid body. The thickness of the rigid body is at least twice the diameter of the through hole. The rigid body is positioned in the liquid guided laser path of the liquid guided laser system between a discharge nozzle of the liquid guided laser system and a target.