Double-Action Friction Stir Tool Cleaning for Shoulder Surface Buildup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double-action friction stir joining systems face challenges in effectively cleaning the inner circumferential surface of the shoulder member, where material from the joined object adheres, limiting the system's efficiency and requiring complex configurations.

Innovation Solution

A double-action friction stir joining system incorporating a cleaning mechanism with a dressing member, such as a cutting tool or wire brush, and a robot that contacts the inner surface of the shoulder member, facilitated by a control device to manage the movement and rotation of the pin and shoulder members, allowing for efficient removal of adhered material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cleaning mechanism with a dressing member is added to the double-action friction stir joining system, then the cleaning effectiveness of the shoulder member's inner surface is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing member is inserted into the interior space of the shoulder member, utilizing the existing structural cavity. This nesting approach allows the cleaning function to be integrated within the existing device footprint without adding external complexity, as the dressing member operates within the already-present interior space of the shoulder member

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pin member is utilized for dual purposes: both for the friction stir joining operation and for assisting in the cleaning operation. By making the pin member reciprocatable within the shoulder member's interior space, the system uses its own components to perform the cleaning function, reducing the need for entirely separate cleaning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the pin member is made reciprocatable within the shoulder member's interior space for cleaning, then the cleaning capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the primary tool for friction stir joining and simultaneously acts as a cleaning element by reciprocating within the shoulder member's interior space. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a completely separate cleaning mechanism, thereby improving cleaning capability while minimizing increases in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning action is nested within the existing structural framework by having the pin member move within the interior space of the shoulder member. This nesting allows the cleaning function to be achieved using the existing device geometry without requiring additional external components or mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 system enables simple and effective cleaning of the shoulder member's inner surface, improving the joining process by ensuring the removal of adhered material, thus enhancing the system's operational efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a dressing member (111) that removes a material of a to-be-joined object (60) adhered to an inner circumferential surface of a shoulder member (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3842174B1Double-action friction-stir joining system and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP3842174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3842174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3842174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A double-action friction stir joining system is provided, which includes a double-action friction stir joining device (101), a cleaning mechanism (110) having a dressing member (111), a robot (120), and a control device (130). The double-action friction stir joining device (101) includes a first rotary driver (57) configured to rotate a pin member (11) and a shoulder member (12), and a tool driver (53) configured to reciprocate the pin member (11) and the shoulder member (12). The control device (130) is adapted to (A) operate the tool driver (53) so that the pin member (11) is thrusted into the shoulder member (12), (B) operate the first rotary driver (57) so that the shoulder member(12) rotates, and (C) operate the robot (120) so that the robot (120) holds the double-action friction stir joining device (101) and the dressing member (111) contacts an inner circumferential surface of the shoulder member (12).