Surface Light Processing for Precise Riblet Structure Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing apparatuses fail to effectively form structures on objects by irradiating them with processing lights, as they lack precise control over the irradiation process based on the object's surface characteristics, leading to inconsistent results and reduced efficiency in forming riblet structures for reducing surface resistance.

Innovation Solution

A processing apparatus equipped with a light irradiation system that adjusts the irradiation state based on surface characteristics, using a control apparatus to measure and respond to the object's surface features, allowing for precise formation of riblet structures by altering the thickness or removing parts of the surface coating through controlled processing light exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional processing apparatus irradiates surface with processing light without measurement control, then processing can be performed, but manufacturing precision and consistency are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure formation precisionVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by measuring surface characteristics (roughness, curvature, temperature) before irradiation and using this information to pre-adjust irradiation parameters. This ensures high manufacturing precision from the start without requiring complex real-time control systems during processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using measurement apparatus to detect surface characteristics and feeding this information back to the control apparatus, which then adjusts irradiation parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control achieves high precision while keeping device complexity manageable through selective measurement points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If processing light is applied to form structures on surface, then surface resistance is reduced, but surface coating durability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface resistance reduction efficiencyVSAvoidsurface coating durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively irradiating only specific regions where structures are needed, rather than treating the entire surface uniformly. This targeted approach reduces surface resistance efficiently while preserving coating durability in non-irradiated areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by adjusting irradiation parameters based on local surface characteristics measured at different positions. This allows optimal structure formation in each region while minimizing damage to the surface coating, achieving both productivity and strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If irradiation parameters are fixed without adjustment, then processing is simple, but processing accuracy varies with surface characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the processing system to automatically adjust its own parameters based on measurement feedback. The control apparatus autonomously modifies irradiation settings according to measured surface characteristics, achieving high precision without increasing operational complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting irradiation parameters (intensity, duration, pattern) based on measured surface characteristics such as roughness, curvature, and temperature. This adaptive approach maintains processing simplicity while achieving high accuracy through automated parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus efficiently forms riblet structures on the object's surface, reducing frictional resistance and improving processing accuracy, while maintaining the durability of the surface coating and allowing for easy reformation without direct processing of the object.

Implementation Method 1

a light irradiation apparatus that irradiates a surface of an object with a processing light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

forming a structure at the surface of the object by removing a part of the surface of the object by the irradiation of the processing light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAblation: Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS20240424601A1Processing apparatus, and manufacturing method of movable body
Publication Date: 2024.12.26 NIKON CORP
  • US20240424601A1 patent drawing
  • US20240424601A1 patent drawing
  • US20240424601A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A processing apparatus has: a light irradiation apparatus that irradiates a surface of an object with a processing light; and a measurement apparatus that measures a position of an irradiation area, which is formed on the surface of the object by the light irradiation apparatus, relative to the object.