Double Ring Forming via Rolling Groove and Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming double ring structures from precious metals often result in mismatched outer diameters due to limitations in minimum thickness production, leading to increased material wastage and manufacturing costs, as well as the need for post-finishing operations like trimming.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of a circumferential groove in one annular-sectioned element by rolling, allowing for the expansion and trapping of another element without cutting, thereby reducing material requirements and eliminating the need for post-finishing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a groove is formed by cutting or machining on a lathe, then the groove can be formed in the ring element, but material wastage increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting or machining operations with a rolling process to form the circumferential groove in the ring element. This substitution eliminates material removal and wastage associated with cutting while reducing manufacturing costs through a more efficient forming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameter from subtractive cutting to additive/deformative rolling. By applying rolling pressure to deform the metal and form the groove, material is conserved and manufacturing efficiency is improved, directly addressing the contradiction between material wastage and manufacturing cost.
2Manufacturing precision
If the basal ring element is expanded by stretching to increase diameter, then the outer ring element can be trapped in the groove, but fracture may occur if expanded by too great an amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the stretching/expansion process with a rolling process to form the groove. This substitution provides more precise control over groove depth and shape, allowing the groove to be formed to the exact required depth without over-expansion, thereby preventing fracture while ensuring the outer ring element is properly trapped.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove is formed by rolling before the final assembly and expansion steps. This preliminary action allows precise control of groove dimensions and ensures the groove is ready to receive the outer ring element without requiring excessive expansion that could lead to fracture.
3Productivity
If cutting operations are used to form the groove, then the groove can be created, but post-finishing operations like trimming are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cutting operations with rolling to form the groove. This single rolling operation creates the groove with the required depth and shape in one step, eliminating the need for subsequent trimming or finishing operations, thereby improving productivity and reducing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling process forms the groove in a continuous deformation action without interruption for trimming or finishing. The groove is created with the final required dimensions directly, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the manufacturing process and eliminating idle time between operations.
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 enables the production of double ring structures with thinner annular-sectioned elements, reducing material usage and manufacturing costs while minimizing wastage and the requirement for post-finishing processes.
Implementation Method 1
forming a circumferential groove in one of the first and second elements by a process of rolling
Implementation Method 2
expanding the first element such that the circumferential groove in the one element receives therein the other of the said elements
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(f)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A method of forming an article such as a jewellery ring or bangle comprising: providing a first substantially annular-sectioned element (120R) and a second substantially annular-sectioned element (130R), an outer diameter of the first element (120R) being less than an inner diameter of the second element (130R); forming a circumferential groove (125) in one of the first and second elements (120R, 130R) by a process of rolling; positioning the first and second elements (120R, 130R) together with the second element (130R) positioned circumferentially around the first element (120R); and expanding the first element (120R) such that the circumferential groove (125) in the one element receives therein the other of the said elements.