Tiltable Gas Nozzle Sleeve for Non-Planar Laser Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas nozzles for laser machining struggle to effectively handle non-planar and inclined workpiece surfaces without mechanical damage and require multiple variants for different materials and machining methods, leading to increased downtime and spare parts inventory.
Innovation Solution
The gas nozzle design features a tiltable sleeve with a conical centering bead and run-up slants, allowing it to adapt to uneven surfaces while maintaining contact, and transitions between single-bore and multi-duct nozzle configurations to accommodate varying workpiece thicknesses and machining methods, reducing the need for multiple nozzle variants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed gas nozzle design is used, then the nozzle structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to non-planar and inclined workpiece surfaces without mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The gas nozzle incorporates a tiltable sleeve that can dynamically adjust its angle relative to the workpiece surface. The sleeve is mounted on a tilting mechanism that allows it to pivot and adapt to non-planar and inclined surfaces, transforming a static nozzle into a dynamic system that responds to surface variations without mechanical damage
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is divided into separable components including an inner nozzle, an outer nozzle, and a tiltable sleeve that can move independently. This segmentation allows the sleeve to tilt and adapt to surface variations while the main nozzle body remains stable, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzle variants are used for different materials and machining methods, then the machining precision is improved, but the downtime and spare parts inventory increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas nozzle is designed as a universal multi-functional device where a single nozzle body can accommodate different machining requirements through the tiltable sleeve and adjustable gas flow configuration. The sleeve can be tilted to adapt to different workpiece geometries while the gas flow can be adjusted between single-bore and multi-duct modes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized nozzles for different materials and machining methods
3Reliability
If the sleeve is mounted in a fixed position, then the manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot maintain form-fitting contact with uneven workpiece surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is mounted on a tilting mechanism that allows it to dynamically adjust its orientation to maintain form-fitting contact with uneven workpiece surfaces. The tilting capability enables the sleeve end face to conform to surface variations, ensuring reliable gas seal and contact without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve end face is designed with a curved or rounded geometry that can conform to the workpiece surface contours. This curved design, combined with the tilting capability, allows the sleeve to maintain reliable contact with uneven surfaces while keeping the mounting mechanism relatively simple
4Adaptability or versatility
If the gas nozzle uses a single-bore configuration, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate varying workpiece thicknesses and machining methods
Solution Approach 1:
The gas nozzle incorporates a dynamic gas flow configuration where the tiltable sleeve can adjust the gas flow path between single-bore mode (gas flows only through the inner nozzle) and multi-duct mode (gas flows through both inner and outer nozzles). This dynamic adjustment allows the same nozzle structure to accommodate varying workpiece thicknesses and machining methods without requiring multiple fixed-configuration nozzles
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 enhances the efficiency of inert gas in laser machining, reduces gas consumption, and minimizes downtime by allowing the nozzle to adapt to non-planar surfaces and varying workpiece thicknesses, while maintaining precise control over gas flow and contact pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve is pre-tensioned to a rearward end position thereof by a spring
Implementation Method 2
the front end face of the valve sleeve on the internal side and/or the external side can have a run-up slant, for example in the form of a 45° chamfer
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes laser machining head gas nozzles that have an exit opening for passage of a laser beam onto a workpiece; an annular gap surrounding the exit opening; and a sleeve disposed and guided displaceably within the annular gap for axial displacement between a rearward and a forward position. The sleeve projects beyond the exit opening at least in the forward position, and the sleeve is tiltably mounted in the annular gap.