Flux-Cored Brazing Preform With Protrusions to Prevent Dislodgment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brazing preform shapes, typically circular or rectangular, tend to dislocate or move during component assembly and transport before brazing, leading to manufacturing delays and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A brazing consumable with a primarily circular cross-section and at least one protrusion extending from its outer surface, which secures the consumable in place during movement or transport by engaging with the components to be brazed, preventing dislodgment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional circular or rectangular preform shapes are used, then the brazing consumable is simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but the preform tends to dislocate or move during component assembly and transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreform position stabilityVSAvoidpreform structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by adding protrusions to the otherwise circular or rectangular preform cross-section. These protrusions create an asymmetric geometry that provides mechanical engagement features, preventing the preform from rotating or dislocating during assembly and transport while maintaining the simplicity of the base shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If preforms are moved during assembly and transport, then flexibility in manufacturing workflow is improved, but manufacturing delays occur due to repositioning and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidrepositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by designing the preform with protrusions that pre-establish mechanical engagement with the component surfaces before brazing. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures the preform remains securely positioned during transport and assembly operations, eliminating the need for time-consuming repositioning and preventing damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3223995B1Flux-cored brazing preform
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 LINCOLN GLOBAL INC
  • EP3223995B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3223995B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3223995B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to flux-cored brazing consumables and preforms which have at least one protrusion (205) which extends from an outer surface of the consumable such that the protrusion engages with a surface of a component (100) to be brazed. The protrusion aids in securing the brazing consumable in position during manufacture, assembly and transport of an assembly to be brazed, prior to a brazing operation.