Rotating Plasma Nozzle Layout for Uniform Laser Surface Working
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices struggle to effectively work larger workpiece surfaces with a laser beam and plasma jet, as the interaction between the laser beam and plasma can reduce the intensity of the laser and lead to re-deposition of removed material, causing contamination and irregular surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatable nozzle head that allows the laser beam and plasma jet to be directed at an angle and offset relative to each other, increasing the area of influence and preventing re-contamination by decomposing removed substances, enabling more uniform and effective surface treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a plasma jet is directed onto the workpiece surface to decompose removed material and prevent re-deposition, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the area of influence remains limited and uniform treatment of larger surfaces is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle head is made rotatable about an axis of rotation, transforming the static plasma jet into a dynamic treatment system. This allows the plasma jet to sweep across a larger area of the workpiece surface, enabling uniform treatment of larger surfaces while maintaining the decomposing effect that prevents re-deposition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational motion as a new dimension to the plasma jet application. By rotating the nozzle head about an axis offset from the plasma jet direction, the treatment area expands from a linear path to a circular or annular pattern, significantly increasing the effective treatment area while maintaining treatment quality
2Device complexity
If the laser beam and plasma jet are directed parallel to each other, then the device structure is simple, but the area of influence is limited and uniform working of larger surfaces is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric arrangement of the plasma jet relative to the axis of rotation. The plasma jet is directed at an angle to the axis of rotation rather than parallel to it, creating an offset configuration that expands the treatment area while maintaining structural simplicity. This asymmetric geometry allows the plasma jet to cover a wider area during rotation without requiring complex multi-nozzle arrangements
3Productivity
If the laser beam intensity is increased to improve material removal efficiency, then the cleaning speed is improved, but re-deposition of removed particles occurs more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma jet is applied concurrently with the laser beam to perform preliminary action on the removed particles. The plasma decomposes the particles immediately after laser removal, preventing them from re-depositing on the workpiece surface. This preliminary decomposition action addresses the re-deposition problem while allowing high-intensity laser operation for improved productivity
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
This configuration allows for larger, uniformly treated surface areas with reduced re-contamination, enhancing material removal and cleaning efficiency while maintaining laser beam intensity.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma nozzle (14) which is configured to generate an atmospheric plasma jet (16)
Implementation Method 2
a laser system (12) for providing a laser beam (8)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for working a surface of a workpiece with a laser beam, with a laser system for providing the laser beam and with a plasma nozzle which is configured to generate an atmospheric plasma jet. The plasma nozzle having a nozzle head from which a plasma jet generated in the plasma nozzle emerges during operation. The laser system and the plasma nozzle are arranged relative to one another and configured in such a way that the laser beam emerges from the nozzle head of the plasma nozzle during operation, and wherein the nozzle head can be rotated about an axis of rotation (R) which extends at an angle and/or offset with respect to the plasma jet emerging from the nozzle head during operation and/or with respect to the laser beam emerging from the nozzle head during operation. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a device.