Bore Welding Spindle Worm Drive Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bore welding equipment is cumbersome and unreliable, particularly in confined spaces, due to its size and weight, which can cause alignment issues and mechanical wear, limiting its effectiveness in repairing heavy machinery.

Innovation Solution

A compact and modular bore welding mechanism with a spindle drive system incorporating a worm gear and clutch mechanism, allowing for rotational and axial movement, and the ability to be powered by various external drive sources, along with adjustable mounts and clamping devices for precise alignment and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bore welding equipment is used, then welding capability is provided, but the equipment size and weight cause alignment issues and mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment reliabilityVSAvoidequipment weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bore welding equipment is divided into separate functional modules: a welding module with welding torch and wire feed, a support module with bearings and alignment features, and a drive module. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining reliability through specialized design of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The equipment uses localized reinforcement and material selection - heavy-duty components are placed only where structurally necessary (e.g., at mounting points and support bearings), while other areas use lighter materials. This creates optimal strength-to-weight ratio, improving reliability without excessive weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If conventional bore welding equipment is used, then welding capability is provided, but the equipment is cumbersome in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of use in confined spacesVSAvoidequipment volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The welding torch assembly is designed to nest within or attach to the support structure, and the wire feed mechanism is integrated into the housing. This nested arrangement minimizes the equipment's external volume while maintaining all necessary functions, enabling operation in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The equipment incorporates adjustable and movable components - the welding torch can be positioned at various angles and distances from the bore, and the support structure allows for height adjustment. This dynamic configurability enables the compact equipment to adapt to different confined space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional bore welding equipment is used, then welding capability is provided, but alignment precision is compromised due to equipment weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebore alignment precisionVSAvoidequipment weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The equipment introduces precision alignment intermediaries - adjustable bearing supports with leveling features and modular mounting interfaces - that act as mediators between the equipment and the bore. These intermediaries ensure precise alignment while allowing the main equipment body to remain lightweight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The equipment includes pre-adjusted alignment features and pre-positioned support bearings that are configured before the welding operation begins. This preliminary alignment setup ensures precision without requiring heavy equipment, as the alignment is established through careful initial configuration rather than brute force stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If conventional bore welding equipment is used, then welding capability is provided, but the equipment is complex and cumbersome to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The equipment is designed with universal components that perform multiple functions - the support structure provides both mechanical support and alignment reference, the mounting interface allows for both secure attachment and easy adjustment, and the control system handles both wire feed and torch positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components, simplifying operation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The equipment incorporates self-adjusting and self-aligning features - such as automatic wire feed tensioning, self-centering mounting interfaces, and gravity-assisted positioning - that reduce the operator's burden. These self-service mechanisms simplify operation without adding complexity, as they use passive physical principles rather than complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables more efficient and reliable bore welding in confined spaces, improving access and alignment, reducing mechanical wear, and enhancing the overall reliability and versatility of the welding process.

Implementation Method 1

A bore welding mechanism with worm drive and adjustable clamping spindle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm Drive: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentUS8319139B2Bore welding device with worm drive and adjustable clamping spindle
Publication Date: 2012.11.27 ESSLINGER THOMAS
  • US8319139B2 patent drawing
  • US8319139B2 patent drawing
  • US8319139B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bore welding mechanism comprising a casing having spindle bushings rotationally and axially supporting a rotatable and axially translatable spindle for supporting a bore repair mechanism in alignment with a bore. The spindle has an axially extending keyway and a worm gear thread extending for at least a part of a length of the spindle. A spindle drive gear is coupled to the spindle by a drive key engaging with the keyway of the spindle so that the spindle is rotationally fixed to the spindle drive gear and axially translatable with respect to the spindle drive gear. A drive shaft extends through the casing, transversely to and offset from an axis of the spindle, and includes a drive shaft worm gear rotationally fixed to the drive shaft. The worm gear engages with the spindle drive gear to rotate the spindle drive gear and the spindle due to rotation of the drive shaft.