Hydrostatic Pressing Medium for Uniform Workpiece Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forming workpieces with complex configurations requires multiple die presses to apply even pressure, increasing complexity and cost, whereas existing techniques aim to minimize these requirements by using a hydrostatic pressing medium within a single acting die to ensure uniform pressure application.
Innovation Solution
The method and apparatus involve a hydrostatic pressing medium with high viscosity, such as glass, positioned within the die cavity to apply even pressure to the workpiece, allowing for the formation of complex configurations using a single acting die by repeatedly cycling the workpiece between temperatures above and below its phase transformation range, facilitated by an induction heating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple die presses are used to apply even pressure to complex workpiece configurations, then uniform pressure distribution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrostatic pressing medium is introduced as an intermediary between the single acting die and the workpiece. This fluid medium transmits pressure uniformly to all surfaces of the workpiece, achieving even pressure distribution without requiring multiple complex die presses. The hydrostatic medium acts as a mediator that converts directional mechanical pressure into omnidirectional pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydrostatic pressing medium (fluid) to apply pressure to the workpiece. By utilizing hydraulic principles, the system achieves uniform pressure distribution through a single acting die, as the incompressible fluid transmits pressure equally in all directions according to Pascal's law, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical die presses.
2Device complexity
If a single acting die is used to form complex workpiece configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but uniform pressure application becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrostatic pressing medium serves as an intermediary that enables a single acting die to achieve uniform pressure application. The fluid transmits and distributes the pressure from the single directional source evenly across all surfaces of the complex workpiece, resolving the limitation of single-acting dies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the pressing medium to achieve uniform pressure distribution. By using a hydrostatic fluid with specific viscosity characteristics, the system transforms directional mechanical pressure into uniform omnidirectional pressure application, enabling complex workpiece formation with simplified equipment.
3Reliability
If high pressure and temperature are used to consolidate workpieces, then consolidation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and processing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the hydrostatic pressing medium to achieve consolidation at lower temperatures. The fluid undergoes phase changes that enable effective pressure transmission and workpiece consolidation without requiring excessively high temperatures, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining consolidation effectiveness.
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 approach reduces the complexity and cost of the die assembly while ensuring uniform consolidation of workpieces with complex configurations at lower pressures and temperatures, achieving efficient material processing and uniform material properties.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating coil is positioned proximate the first and second dies for generating electromagnetic energy, such as an oscillating electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic energy travels through the dies and interacts with the susceptor, thereby rapidly heating the susceptor. Since the workpiece is in thermal contact with the susceptor, the heating of the susceptor also serves to heat the workpiece
Implementation Method 3
a hydrostatic pressing medium disposed within the die cavity so as to be proximate at least one side of the workpiece
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A
AI summary
A method and apparatus (10) for forming a workpiece (14) having a desired configuration as well as an associated preform assembly are provided. The forming method and apparatus (10) as well as the preform assembly include a hydrostatic pressing medium (26), such as a layer of glass, disposed within the die cavity proximate to at least one side of the workpiece (14). The hydrostatic pressing medium (26) is configured to have a relatively low viscosity at the temperatures at which the workpiece (14) is processed, thereby- facilitating the relatively even application of pressure to the workpiece (14). As such, a workpiece (14) having a complex configuration may be formed utilizing a single acting die.