Stepped Double Nozzle Structure for Stable Laser Assist Gas Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The flow of second assist gas in double-structured nozzles is disturbed due to contact with accumulated metal lumps, leading to a weakened rectifying effect on first assist gas, and spatter scattering causes further disturbances, especially when processing materials like blast furnace materials.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing nozzle with a tubular outer nozzle featuring a stepped part at the tip, including a flat portion and vertical wall, maintains the shape of the outer nozzle opening, preventing contact with metal lumps and minimizing spatter adhesion, thus stabilizing the flow of second assist gas and maintaining its rectifying effect on first assist gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a double-structured nozzle with outer nozzle is used to rectify first assist gas, then the rectifying effect is improved, but the outer nozzle tip is damaged by contact with accumulated metal lumps, disturbing the second assist gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The outer nozzle tip is segmented into a working portion (outer nozzle opening) and a sacrificial portion (tip portion protruding beyond the opening). The sacrificial portion absorbs contact damage from metal lumps, protecting the critical outer nozzle opening from damage while maintaining the rectifying function.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful function (contact with metal lumps) is extracted and isolated to the sacrificial tip portion, separating it from the critical functional portion (outer nozzle opening). This allows the rectifying function to be preserved while the sacrificial portion absorbs the damage.
2Productivity
If laser beam passes through accumulated metal lumps, then spatter scattering occurs, but spatter adheres to the gap between inner and outer nozzles, disturbing the second assist gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The sacrificial tip portion acts as an intermediary barrier between the metal lumps/spatter and the critical nozzle components. It intercepts spatter before it can adhere to the gap between inner and outer nozzles, maintaining assist gas flow stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful spatter that would normally damage the nozzle is converted into a benign situation by directing it onto the sacrificial tip portion. The spatter adhesion is redirected to a non-critical area, preserving the functionality of the nozzle.
3Ease of manufacture
If the outer nozzle tip is designed to be simple and easy to manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but it cannot prevent contact with metal lumps and spatter adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The outer nozzle is segmented into a simple cylindrical body and a sacrificial tip portion. This segmentation allows the main body to remain simple for easy manufacturing, while the tip portion provides the necessary protective function against metal lump contact and spatter adhesion.
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 nozzle design ensures proper flow and rectifying effect of assist gases, enhancing laser processing quality by preventing damage to the nozzle tip and reducing spatter interference.
Implementation Method 1
an inner nozzle opening provided in an inner nozzle tip portion in the direction of the axis, the inner nozzle opening being configured to emit a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
eject a first assist gas through the inner nozzle opening
Implementation Method 3
a second assist gas is ejected through an opening at a tip of the outer nozzle. The second assist gas ejected from the outer nozzle is ejected in an annular manner to surround the first assist gas ejected from the inner nozzle
Implementation Method 4
The stepped part includes a flat portion extending from a peripheral edge of the outer nozzle opening in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the axis, and the inner nozzle tip portion is located between the outer nozzle opening and the outer nozzle tip portion in the direction of the axis
Data Source
AI summary
An inner nozzle tip portion includes an inner nozzle opening configured to emit a laser beam and eject a first assist gas. An outer nozzle includes a stepped part provided at an outer nozzle tip portion and recessed inward from the outer nozzle tip portion, and an outer nozzle opening open to the stepped part to be a concentric circle with an inner nozzle opening, the outer nozzle opening being configured to eject a second assist gas. The stepped part includes a flat portion extending from a peripheral edge of the outer nozzle opening in a direction orthogonal to a direction of an axis, and the inner nozzle tip portion is located between the outer nozzle opening and the outer nozzle tip portion in the direction of the axis.