Composite Cast Part Assembly with Inverted Casting Sequence

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of composite cast parts, such as brake discs, is labor-intensive and time-consuming due to limited working space, making it difficult to automatically insert connecting elements into the friction ring before casting the second part with a higher melting point.

Innovation Solution

Reversing the manufacturing order by first producing the part with a lower melting point and then casting the higher melting point material onto the connecting element, allowing for automatic attachment and using techniques like pressure casting, hot pressing, or stamping, and optionally heating the connecting element to facilitate insertion and prevent material deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the conventional manufacturing order is used (producing the friction ring first, then casting the second part), then the first part can be produced with high precision, but the production process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming due to limited working space for inserting connecting elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of first partVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional manufacturing sequence by first producing the second part (brake pot) with the connecting elements already attached, then casting the first part (friction ring) around these pre-assembled components. This reversal eliminates the working space problem that plagues the conventional approach, as the connecting elements are attached externally rather than being inserted into the confined interior of the friction ring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching the connecting elements to the second part (brake pot) before the final assembly step. This allows the connecting elements to be positioned and secured in advance, eliminating the need for complex automated insertion operations into the friction ring's limited interior space during the final casting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the friction ring is produced first and connecting elements are inserted manually, then the connecting elements can be positioned accurately, but the process becomes labor-intensive and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracy of connecting elementsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting connecting elements into the friction ring's interior, the patent inverts the approach by attaching connecting elements to the external surface of the brake pot first. This external attachment method provides ample working space for accurate positioning and eliminates the need for complex automated insertion systems required by the conventional approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If the second part with higher melting point is cast onto the connecting element, then the materials can be properly joined, but the connecting element may be damaged or deformed due to high temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidintegrity of connecting element
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the thermal parameters during the casting process to protect the connecting element. By carefully managing the casting temperature and cooling rate, the process achieves proper material joining while preventing excessive heat damage to the connecting element made from materials with lower melting points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method simplifies the production process, reduces labor costs, and enables easier temperature compensation through movable connecting elements, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective composite casting process.

Implementation Method 1

The connecting element is heated before step c. is carried out. The heating can be done inductively or by means of a gas burner. The heating of the connecting element has the advantage that the temperature difference between the fluid second material and the connecting part during step c. is lower. As a result, quenching of the second material can be avoided.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

The heating can be done inductively or by means of a gas burner.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3524843B1Method for producing a composite cast part and composite cast part
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 JOHANN GROHMANN
  • EP3524843B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3524843B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3524843B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method for producing a composite casting (1) comprises the following process steps: a. producing a first part (2) from a material having a first melting point, b. attaching or inserting at least one connecting element (4) onto the first part (2), c. at least partially overmolding or filling the at least one connecting element (4) with a second material having a higher melting point than the first material, in a fluid, in particular liquid, state, in order to form a second part (3) connected to the first part (2) via the at least one connecting element (4).