Ceramic Pipe Shrink-Fit Assembly Using a Chuck Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for shrink-fitting ceramic heat exchanger components, such as using frog type jigs, double-sided tapes, or adhesives, face challenges like shape and size adjustments, reduced adhesive force due to heat, and frequent usage, leading to instability and reduced productivity in assembling ceramic heat exchangers.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a chuck mechanism with gripping and protruded portions to securely position and shrink-fit a hollow ceramic body within a metal pipe, ensuring stable and cost-effective assembly by gripping the ceramic body using a chuck mechanism with adjustable gripping portions and protruded surfaces, and employing a heating mechanism to achieve precise positioning and secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frog type jig, adhesive, or double-sided tape is used to fix the ceramic body, then the ceramic body can be positioned in the metal pipe, but the adhesive force is reduced due to heat and the assembly becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesives and double-sided tapes) with a pure mechanical gripping system. The chuck mechanism uses gripping portions that physically clamp the ceramic body from the side, eliminating reliance on thermal-resistant adhesives while maintaining secure fixation during the shrink-fitting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frog type jig as an intermediary component between the chuck mechanism and the ceramic body. This jig serves as a mediator that transfers the gripping force from the chuck to the ceramic body, enabling stable positioning without direct contact between the chuck and the ceramic body, thereby preventing heat transfer and adhesive degradation.
2Ease of manufacture
If frog type jig or adhesive is used for assembly, then the ceramic body can be fixed, but the device complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the chuck mechanism: gripping, positioning, and securing of the ceramic body are all achieved through a single integrated device. The frog type jig simultaneously serves as both a positioning aid and a fixing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate adhesive application steps and reducing overall assembly complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the chuck mechanism grips the inner peripheral surface of the ceramic body, then stable positioning is achieved, but the gripping force may damage the ceramic body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the gripping portions to contact only specific regions of the ceramic body's inner peripheral surface. The frog type jig distributes the gripping force across multiple contact points, concentrating the mechanical action in localized areas that do not compromise the overall structural integrity of the ceramic body.
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
This approach allows for easy and stable arrangement of ceramic components, enhancing productivity and quality while reducing costs, ensuring high thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance for heat exchanger applications.
Implementation Method 1
the metal pipe is heated, and the pillar shaped ceramic body is inserted into a predetermined position in the metal pipe, and then cooled
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a shrink-fitted member by arranging a hollow type pillar shaped ceramic body inside a metal pipe and shrink-fitting them, the hollow type pillar shaped ceramic body including: an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface in a direction substantially parallel to an axial direction; and a first end face and a second end face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. The method includes arranging the hollow type pillar shaped ceramic body inside the metal pipe while gripping the hollow type pillar shaped ceramic body using a chuck mechanism.