Flexible Hold-Down Tool for Tolerance-Compensated Laser Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Classic laser welding systems are limited in their ability to compensate for shape and position tolerances of contact components, leading to non-flat positioning and contamination of the weld area.
Innovation Solution
A hold-down tool with a flexible contact element, designed as a tubular hollow body with flexible contact elements, such as pins or rings, that can adapt to the shape and position of the contact components, ensuring even force application and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid hold-down tool is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot compensate for shape and position tolerances of contact components
Solution Approach 1:
The hold-down tool incorporates flexible contact elements that can dynamically adapt their position and shape to compensate for tolerances in the contact components being welded, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptive one
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible contact elements (such as spring-mounted pins or flexible membranes) that can deform and conform to the actual geometry of the contact components, enabling tolerance compensation through flexibility rather than rigid precision
2Manufacturing precision
If contact elements are distributed evenly, then force is applied evenly and tolerances are compensated over large area, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hold-down tool is divided into multiple discrete contact elements distributed across the contact surface, allowing each element to independently adapt to local variations while collectively providing even force distribution and tolerance compensation over the entire welding area
3Ease of operation
If the contact element is spring-mounted, then the structure is robust and cost-effective, but the flexibility to adapt to non-flat positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-mounted contact elements utilize elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism, allowing the contact force and position to automatically adjust according to the actual geometry of the workpiece while maintaining a simple robust spring-based structure
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 flexible hold-down tool compensates for shape and position tolerances, ensuring flat contact and preventing contamination, thereby improving the quality of the weld.
Implementation Method 1
at least one contact element, which is designed to be flexible and/or is held in a flexible manner and provides a tool contact surface for bringing the contact element into contact with a contact component to be welded
Data Source
AI summary
A hold-down tool for a laser welding system, comprising a tubular hollow body which has a lateral surface that is designed to be closed in a laminar manner at least in some sections. At least one contact element is designed to be flexible and/or is held in a flexible manner and provides a tool contact surface for bringing the contact element into contact with a contact component to be welded. A laser welding system comprising a laser source, which comprises an optical unit for shaping a laser beam provided by the laser source and for providing a focused laser beam, and comprises the hold-down tool. The focused laser beam being guided through the hollow body of the hold-down tool.