Stepped Nozzle Holder for Automated Laser Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nozzle changers for laser processing devices are not automated, requiring manual operation and are limited to standard nozzle types, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to frequent nozzle changes caused by contamination, damage, or changes in material or processing strategies.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle holder with a stepped storage chamber and a nozzle changer system that allows for the automated management and storage of various nozzle types, featuring offset storage seats, positive engagement mechanisms, and a drive system for rotational movement, enabling secure and efficient handling of nozzles with different outer contours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional nozzle changers are used, then manual operation is required, but automation and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle holder is designed to enable automated nozzle changing through its stepped storage chamber configuration and positive engagement mechanisms. The system allows the processing head to automatically access, remove, and replace nozzles without manual intervention, with the stepped design guiding proper nozzle orientation and engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional nozzle storage is used, then only standard nozzle types can be stored, but versatility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The storage chamber is segmented into multiple stepped levels, with each level designed to accommodate nozzles of different sizes and types. The segmentation allows each step to hold a specific nozzle type while maintaining a unified holder structure, enabling versatile storage without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped storage chamber utilizes vertical dimensionality to differentiate nozzle storage locations. By offsetting storage seats at different heights along the nozzle removal direction, the system can accommodate multiple nozzle types in a compact vertical arrangement, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing horizontal space or overall complexity.
3Reliability
If nozzles are frequently changed, then process safety is improved, but time loss and operational interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nozzles are pre-loaded into the stepped storage chamber of the nozzle holder before the changing cycle begins. When a nozzle needs replacement, the system can immediately access the pre-positioned replacement nozzle from the holder, eliminating the need for manual retrieval and reducing the time penalty associated with frequent nozzle changes due to contamination or damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle holder for a nozzle changer that is configured for at least one of mounting nozzles to and demounting nozzles from a processing head of a laser processing machine includes a nozzle storage chamber that widens along a nozzle removal direction to a nozzle removal opening. The nozzle storage chamber includes at least two nozzle storage seats that are offset in steps from each other and that store respective nozzles. A nozzle changer includes such several nozzle holders, and a laser processing machine includes such a nozzle changer.