Weld Joint Heat Treatment via Beam Splitter Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat treatment systems for weld joints do not effectively modulate heat treatment according to different weld types or materials, leading to inconsistent metallurgical properties and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a beam generator, beam splitter, reflector, and modulator to control the heat treatment of weld joints, allowing for precise modulation of heat application based on specific weld types and materials, with optional programmable computer controls for efficient operation across various components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional laser heating is used for weld joint heat treatment, then the heat treatment can be applied to improve microstructure and strength, but the system cannot modulate the heat treatment to accommodate different weld types or materials
Solution Approach 1:
The beam from the laser source is divided into multiple separate beams using beam splitters, with each beam directed to a different location on the weld joint. This segmentation allows independent modulation of heat treatment at different locations and times, enabling adaptation to different weld types and materials while using a single laser source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses movable mirrors and adjustable beam splitters that can be repositioned to direct beams to different locations on the weld joint. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the same hardware to adapt to various weld geometries, types, and material requirements without physical changes to the system.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single heat treatment system is used for all weld types, then the system structure remains simple, but the metallurgical properties and structural integrity become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies heat treatment with different characteristics to different locations on the weld joint using multiple separated beams. Each beam can be independently modulated in intensity, duration, and timing to provide locally optimized heat treatment that achieves consistent metallurgical properties across diverse weld types and materials.
3Productivity
If hardware changes are made between different welds, then the heat treatment can be precisely optimized for each weld type, but the welding process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser source with beam splitting and modulation capabilities serves multiple functions by directing processed beams to different locations and configurations on the weld joint. This universal system eliminates the need for hardware changes between different weld types while maintaining optimized heat treatment for each specific application.
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
Enhances the structural integrity of weld joints by precisely controlling heat treatment, accommodating different materials and weld designs without requiring hardware or software changes between welds, thus improving the welding process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a beam generator that produces a beam directed at the weld joint
Implementation Method 2
a first beam splitter between the beam generator and the weld joint diverts a first portion of the beam along a first path
Implementation Method 3
A first reflector receives the first diverted portion of the beam and directs the first diverted portion of the beam to a first point proximate to the weld joint
Data Source
AI summary
A system for heat treating a weld joint includes a beam generator that produces a beam directed at the weld joint. A beam splitter between the beam generator and the weld joint diverts a portion of the beam along a path. A reflector receives the diverted portion of the beam and directs it to a point at the weld joint. A modulator in the path controls passage of the diverted portion of the beam. A method for heat treating a weld joint includes directing a beam at the weld joint, diverting a portion of the beam, and reflecting the diverted portion of the beam in the direction of the weld joint. The method further includes modulating the diverted portion of the beam to control the passage of the diverted portion of the beam.