Interlocking Component Assembly Without Adhesive Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing methods for components, such as gluing or press-fitting, are time-consuming and costly due to the need for specialized bonding processes and adhesives, and can compromise component longevity.

Innovation Solution

A method where the peripheral wall of a second component is deformed using a tool to fill a recess in the first component, preventing axial, radial, or rotational movement without the need for additional components or curing processes, utilizing a form-fitting and non-positive engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gluing components together is used to fix the first component in the second component, then the fixation is secure, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming due to specialized bonding processes and adhesive curing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidcuring time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive curing process) with a mechanical deformation system. The peripheral wall of the second component is deformed using a tool to create material projections that mechanically interlock with recesses in the first component, eliminating the need for adhesive curing time while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the peripheral wall material through localized deformation. By applying mechanical force to deform the peripheral wall into the recesses, the material undergoes plastic deformation to create a permanent mechanical lock, replacing the time-dependent chemical bonding process with an immediate mechanical fixation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If gluing components together is used to fix the first component in the second component, then the fixation is secure, but the process becomes expensive due to special bonding processes and adhesive costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive and specialized bonding equipment) with a mechanical deformation system. The peripheral wall of the second component is deformed using a tool to create material projections that mechanically interlock with recesses in the first component, eliminating adhesive costs and specialized bonding process expenses while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the material of the second component itself to create the fixation mechanism. The peripheral wall material is deformed to form projections that lock into the recesses, meaning the component serves its own fixation function without requiring external adhesives or additional fixing materials, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If press-fitting parts into one another is used to fix the components, then the process is simpler, but movement prevention may be insufficient compared to chemical bonding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidmovement prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fixation interface into multiple interlocking elements: recesses in the first component and corresponding material projections in the deformed peripheral wall of the second component. This segmentation creates multiple mechanical lock points that collectively prevent movement in various directions, providing superior movement prevention compared to simple press-fitting while maintaining process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides a quick, cost-effective fixation that extends component lifespan by eliminating the need for adhesives and curing processes, ensuring stable positioning without external pressure on bearing areas.

Implementation Method 1

the peripheral wall of the second component is deformed from the outside using a tool in such a way that material from the peripheral wall of the second component penetrates into the recess provided on the outside of the peripheral wall of the first component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3639943B1Fixing methods and structure made therewith
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3639943B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A method for fixing a first component (1) within a second component (7) and a resulting assembly are described. In this method, a recess (4) is provided in the outer surface of a circumferential wall (8) of the first component (1). The first component (1) is then inserted into the second component (7). Subsequently, a circumferential wall (10) of the second component (7) is deformed with a tool (5) guided against this circumferential wall (10) from the outside, so that material from the circumferential wall (10) penetrates the recess (4) and the first component (1) is thus fixed within the second component (7). This eliminates the need for a complex adhesive bonding process.