Water Jet Lance Oscillation via Eccentric Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface working machines, such as those used for concrete surfaces, face challenges in adjusting working width and depth without interrupting the operation, as they require manual intervention and cannot dynamically change these parameters during continuous operation.

Innovation Solution

The water jet unit employs an eccentric mechanism with two stable eccentric positions, allowing the oscillation angle of the lance to be adjusted by changing the direction of rotation, thereby enabling real-time adjustment of working width and depth without stopping the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the working width and depth are adjusted by manual intervention and stopping the machine, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the productivity is reduced due to operation interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the oscillation angle of the lance adjustable during operation. The oscillation unit can change the oscillation angle between different stable positions (e.g., first stable position with first oscillation angle, second stable position with second oscillation angle) while the machine is running, eliminating the need to stop for adjustments and enabling continuous productivity with variable working parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the oscillation angle parameter of the lance during operation. By changing the oscillation angle between different stable positions of the oscillation unit, the working width and depth parameters are dynamically adjusted without interrupting the working process, thus maintaining productivity while achieving precise parameter control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the oscillation angle is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is limited for different working conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillation unit is designed with multiple stable positions (first stable position, second stable position, etc.) corresponding to different oscillation angles. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different working conditions by switching between stable positions while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structure with defined stable states, balancing complexity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillation unit serves multiple functions by providing different stable positions with different oscillation angles. A single oscillation unit structure achieves multiple working modes (different working widths and depths) without requiring separate mechanisms for each angle, thus improving adaptability while controlling device complexity through multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution allows for seamless adjustment of working width and depth during operation, enhancing efficiency and productivity by allowing continuous operation with variable oscillation angles and sweeping speeds.

Implementation Method 1

A working sweep is made in one direction and the lance carrying the water mouthpiece is then turned to make an attack angle in the other direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJet erosion: Jet Erosion

Data Source

PatentEP3423635B1Water jet unit and method for working a surface
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 CONJET
  • EP3423635B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3423635B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3423635B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

A surface, e.g., a concrete surface, is worked by guiding a lance (23) which comprises a water jet mouthpiece (27) coupled to the high-pressure water over the surface in a working path and at the same oscillating the lance transversely to the working path. The oscillation is driven by an eccentric mechanism (30, 31) and has a stable eccentric position when the mechanism is rotated in the one direction and a stable eccentric position when it is rotated in the other direction. The two positions have a different eccentricity and impart different widths to the working. The working depth and the working width can be changed by changing the direction of rotation.