Defocused Laser Welding for Fuel Pipe Joint Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling fuel supply pipes fail to achieve high stiffness and anti-corrosion performance at the joint portion between the pipe body and the short cylindrical member, which is critical for preventing fuel leakage during side collisions and ensuring durability against corrosive fuels.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a defocused laser beam to weld the end portion of one cylindrical member to the outer peripheral surface of another, with controlled rotation to increase weld strength and prevent corrosion, while maintaining productivity and workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the wall thickness of the fuel supply pipe is increased to enhance stiffness, then the stiffness is improved, but the weight and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the thickness enhancement specifically at the joint portion between the pipe body and short cylindrical member, rather than uniformly increasing the wall thickness throughout the entire pipe. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary stiffness at the critical joint area while maintaining thinner walls in other sections, thereby reducing overall weight and manufacturing costs.
2Strength
If the wall thickness of the fuel supply pipe is increased to enhance stiffness, then the stiffness is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the thickness enhancement specifically at the joint portion between the pipe body and short cylindrical member, rather than uniformly increasing the wall thickness throughout the entire pipe. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary stiffness at the critical joint area while maintaining thinner walls in other sections, thereby reducing overall weight and manufacturing costs.
3Productivity
If conventional welding methods are used to join the pipe body and short cylindrical member, then the assembly is completed, but the joint portion lacks sufficient stiffness and anti-corrosion performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a multi-layer structure at the joint portion consisting of the base metal materials plus a weld metal layer formed by laser beam welding. This composite structure provides both the structural integrity needed for assembly completion and enhanced stiffness and anti-corrosion performance through the specialized weld metal composition and layered architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing laser beam welding parameters (defocused beam, rotation during welding) to create a unique weld metal layer structure that differs from conventional welding. These parameter changes result in a weld joint with superior stiffness and anti-corrosion properties compared to traditional welding methods.
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 method enhances the weld strength and anti-corrosion performance of the joint, reducing porosity and the need for additional surface treatments, thus improving the fuel supply pipe's crash safety and environmental resilience.
Implementation Method 1
While a laser beam in a defocused state is being emitted to impinge on an end portion of the outer one, the first and second cylindrical members are rotated through one complete turn relative to the laser beam about a cylinder center line, thereby melting an entire periphery of the end portion of the outer one
Implementation Method 2
a laser beam emitter that emits a laser beam in a defocused state
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device for assembling a fuel supply pipe of which a joint portion between a pipe body and a short cylindrical member has a high strength and which has high anti-corrosion performance. Specifically, while a laser beam in a defocused state is being emitted to impinge on an end portion of the pipe body that overlaps the short cylindrical member, the pipe body and the short cylindrical member are rotated through one complete turn relative to the laser beam, thereby melting the entire periphery of the end portion. While the laser beam in a defocused state is being emitted to impinge on the melted end portion, the pipe body and the short cylindrical member are rotated through at least one further complete turn, thereby joining by welding the end portion to the outer periphery of the short cylindrical member.