Soft-Actuated Nozzle Positioning for Precision Cavity Jet Polishing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of abrasive water jet polishing technology in polishing cavity structures with smaller sizes is inefficient due to the need for manual adjustment of the water jet nozzle, leading to poor precision and increased workload, which affects the quality of polishing.
Innovation Solution
A soft-actuated nozzle adjusting device comprising actuated joints, a soft connecting sleeve, a nozzle, an abrasive hose, and soft adjusting filaments, which allows for automated adjustment of the nozzle position using electromagnets and elastic portions to improve precision and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment of the water jet nozzle is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated electromechanical system. The actuated joint includes an actuator (electric motor or servo motor) that automatically adjusts the nozzle position and angle, eliminating the need for manual operation. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with an automated electromechanical system resolves the contradiction by providing precise control through motorized actuators while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuated joint is designed to automatically adjust the nozzle position and angle without requiring external manual intervention. The joint incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that enable it to self-adjust based on the cavity geometry and polishing requirements, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for operator involvement in the adjustment process.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of the water jet nozzle is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical actuated joint system. The motorized actuators enable rapid and repeated adjustments of the nozzle position and angle, significantly increasing the polishing speed and efficiency compared to manual adjustment. This automation allows continuous operation without operator fatigue or intervention, thereby resolving the productivity contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuated joint enables continuous automated adjustment of the nozzle during the polishing process, maintaining uninterrupted useful action. The system can automatically reposition and reorient the nozzle as needed without stopping the polishing operation, ensuring continuous material removal and surface finishing, thereby maximizing productivity while managing device complexity through integrated control.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated nozzle adjustment is implemented, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuated joint is segmented into distinct functional modules: the nozzle assembly, the actuator mechanism, the positioning system, and the control unit. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently adjusted or maintained. This segmentation allows for precise control of the nozzle position and angle while managing the overall device complexity through modular design, making the system easier to understand, maintain, and optimize.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuated joint is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs positioning, orienting, and adjusting of the nozzle. The same actuated joint mechanism handles both radial and axial adjustments, as well as angular orientation, consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated unit. This universality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving precision while controlling device complexity.
4Productivity
If automated nozzle adjustment is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical actuated joint system equipped with motorized actuators. This automation enables rapid, repeated, and precise adjustments of the nozzle position and angle without operator intervention, significantly increasing polishing productivity. The electromechanical system can operate continuously at high speed, maintaining consistent performance and eliminating downtime associated with manual repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuated joint is designed with dynamic capabilities, allowing real-time adjustment of the nozzle position and angle during the polishing process. The motorized actuators can quickly respond to changing requirements, dynamically repositioning the nozzle to optimize material removal rates and surface finishing quality. This dynamic adaptability enhances productivity by eliminating the need for static, pre-programmed positions and enabling flexible, on-the-fly optimization of the polishing parameters.
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 device enhances polishing efficiency and quality by enabling automated nozzle positioning, reducing staff workload, and ensuring precise adjustments in complex cavity structures.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator element may include an electromagnet provided in one of the base body and the moving body, a mating piece provided in the other of the base body and the moving body with ferromagnetic in character
Implementation Method 2
an elastic portion provided between the base body and the moving body. When the electromagnet is in an energized state, the electromagnet may generate a magnetic suction force on the mating piece to cause the moving body to overcome an elasticity of the elastic portion
Data Source
AI summary
A soft-actuated nozzle adjusting device for abrasive water jet polishing is provided, including an actuated joint, a soft connecting sleeve, a nozzle, an abrasive hose, and a soft adjusting filament, and at least two actuated joints are arranged. Each actuated joint includes a base body, a moving body, and an actuator element. The soft connecting sleeve is provided between two adjacent actuated joints, and two ends of the soft connecting sleeve are fixedly connected to the base body and the moving body, respectively. The nozzle is detachably connected to the moving body that is located at an end. The abrasive hose is threaded through the soft connecting sleeve and the actuated joint, and one end of the abrasive hose is provided in connection with the nozzle. A plurality of soft adjusting filaments is provided along a circumferential direction of the actuated joint.


