Brazed Joint Assembly Geometry for Excess Braze Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brazing methods face challenges in controlling the flow of excess braze material, which can drip randomly and interfere with part assembly, fluid holes, and high stress regions, especially in large or geometrically complex parts, and require labor-intensive braze stop coatings that may not be effective.
Innovation Solution
The design features a first part with a sloped region and a well to collect excess braze material, assisted by gravity, and an optional collection capillary to direct and collect the excess material, preventing it from reaching sensitive areas and allowing for potential reclamation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If careful control of braze filler material volume and joint gap is used to prevent dripping of excess braze liquid, then the ability to prevent excess braze flow is improved, but it becomes difficult or cumbersome to precisely control the applied volume of braze filler and joint gap, particularly when joining large parts and parts having a lot of surface variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific geometric features (sloped regions and wells) at particular locations on the part surfaces. These localized features control braze flow in specific areas without requiring precise control of the entire joint gap or braze filler volume across the whole assembly. The sloped regions and wells provide localized flow control that accommodates surface variation and large part geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bottom surface into distinct functional zones: sloped regions that direct flow and wells that collect excess braze material. This segmentation allows different areas to perform different functions - the sloped regions handle flow direction while the wells handle collection - making it easier to control excess braze flow without needing precise overall control of braze filler application.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If braze stop coatings are applied to protect surfaces from excess braze flow, then the protection from excess braze flow is improved, but the process becomes labor intensive involving both application and removal of coatings, and may interfere with the integrity of the braze joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the part geometry itself to control and collect excess braze flow. The sloped regions and wells are integral features of the part that automatically direct and collect excess braze material without requiring external coatings or additional process steps. The part structure serves its own protection function, eliminating the need for separate braze stop coating application and removal processes.
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
Effectively directs and collects excess braze material away from sensitive features, reducing waste and assembly issues, and enabling efficient reclamation of valuable braze material, particularly useful for complex geometries and large parts.
Implementation Method 1
The sloped regions and the at least one well are configured to have collected excess braze material from the brazed joint
Implementation Method 2
the collection capillary is configured to have collected the excess braze material from the at least one well
Implementation Method 3
a brazed joint joining the first surface to the second surface to provide the assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~10
AI summary
An assembly (10) comprises a first part (14) including a first surface (20), and a second part (16) including a second surface (22) and a bottom edge (24) having sloped regions (26) and at least one well (29) between the sloped regions. The assembly further comprises a brazed joint (12) joining the first surface to the second surface. The at least one well is configured to collect excess braze material (32) from the brazed joint.