Rotating Waterjet Cutting Head With Simplified Fluid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining machines with water jet cutting heads face challenges with complex and susceptible high-pressure piping systems, which can lead to interference and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The water jet cutting head is designed to be rotatably mounted, allowing for a parallel arrangement of its axis of rotation with the machining machine's axis, and equipped with a supply line that extends from the machine's axis to the cutting head, reducing the need for costly high-pressure turning clutches and complex flexible pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water jet cutting head is mounted with complex high-pressure piping systems, then the fluid supply to the cutting head is ensured, but the device complexity and susceptibility to interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex high-pressure piping system and rotating clutch mechanisms from the water jet cutting head mounting. Instead, it uses a simple rotatable mounting structure with a projecting supply line that extends from the machine axis to the cutting head, eliminating the need for complex flexible pipes and turning clutches while ensuring continuous fluid supply during rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the supply line itself rotatable rather than using complex rotating joints. The supply line is arranged in a projecting manner (e.g., arc shape) between the connection point on the machine axis and the cutting head, allowing the line to naturally accommodate rotation without requiring specialized rotating connectors
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex flexible pipes and rotating clutches are used for the water jet cutting head, then rotation is enabled, but maintenance costs and device susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex rotating clutches and flexible pipes with a simpler, more robust projecting supply line structure. This simpler structure is easier to replace and maintain if needed, reducing maintenance costs while providing the same rotational functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex rotating mechanisms, the patent allows the supply line to project in a manner that naturally accommodates rotation. The arc-shaped or projecting arrangement of the supply line between the machine axis connection and the cutting head enables rotation without requiring specialized rotating joints
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 design simplifies the supply line, reduces interference, and lowers maintenance costs by eliminating the need for expensive rotating clutches and complex piping, while ensuring continuous supply of fluid to the cutting head during rotation.
Implementation Method 1
Waterjet technology offers several advantages compared to traditional machining methods... Water is compressed in a high-pressure pump and pumped through a high-pressure line to a water nozzle with a diameter of 0.08 to 0.5 mm. At the water nozzle, which is made of sapphire or diamond, the potential energy of the compressed water is converted into the high kinetic energy of the waterjet.
Implementation Method 2
To compress water to high pressure, hydraulic pressure intensifier pumps or direct-drive plunger pumps are typically used. Currently, typical 4,000 bar pressure intensifier pumps can achieve flow rates of 0.8 to 7.6 l/min
Implementation Method 3
The water jet generated by WAIS flows through a mixing chamber in the cutting head, creating a vacuum (Venturi effect) that enables the pneumatic feed of dry, solid abrasive particles.
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a processing machine comprising a waterjet cutting head (2), wherein the waterjet cutting head (2) is rotatably mounted. The present invention further relates to a method for actuating a processing machine.