US 12,138,739 B2
Automatic adjusting hydro-mechanical fluid nozzle apparatus
Eduardo Pinoncely, Brighton, MI (US); Joseph Gerard Lovasz, Ortonville, MI (US); and Scott A. Hucker, Ortonville, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIOS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on May 21, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/303,149.
Prior Publication US 2022/0371156 A1, Nov. 24, 2022
Int. Cl. B24B 53/007 (2006.01); B05B 15/68 (2018.01)
CPC B24B 53/007 (2013.01) [B05B 15/68 (2018.02)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for operating on a workpiece with a tool, the apparatus comprising:
a nozzle assembly configured to convey a fluid to a target zone defined on at least one of the workpiece and/or the tool, wherein the target zone has a location that varies over time;
a spring configured to apply a spring force to bias the nozzle assembly toward the target zone, the spring configured to move the nozzle assembly as the location of the target zone varies; and
a stop disposed an initial distance from the nozzle assembly with the spring between the stop and the nozzle assembly, and the stop spaced away from the spring, the stop configured to limit movement of the nozzle assembly away from the tool in response to a hydrodynamic force,
wherein the nozzle assembly is configured to move to a target position relative to the target zone by a combination of action of the spring force and of the hydrodynamic force of the fluid,
wherein the stop is configured to prevent movement of the nozzle assembly away from the target zone more than the target position.