Joined Member Separation Using a Threaded Rotating Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating members joined by friction stir welding, such as those described in JP2012-160318A and JP2007-54848A, are either time-consuming or damage sensitive components due to heat treatment, and do not provide a convenient way to rejoin the members without additional material or debris.
Innovation Solution
A method using a separating rotating tool with a screw thread probe to lift and convert the bonded part into a tubular projection, allowing easy separation and subsequent rejoining without heat damage or debris, utilizing a clamp ring and rotating tool to displace and reattach the material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heat treatment is applied to create an intermetallic compound layer for separation, then the members can be separated more easily, but the thermal influences damage sensitive components and prevent rejoining at the original joined portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal separation method with a mechanical separation method. A rotating tool with a probe is inserted through the bonded part and rotated to mechanically break the bonding between members, eliminating thermal damage while achieving easy separation. The mechanical action of the rotating probe directly disrupts the bonded structure without generating harmful thermal influences.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotating tool with screw thread is used to mechanically separate the members, then thermal damage is avoided, but the bonded part material must be effectively displaced to prevent debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bonded part material from the bonding interface by using the rotating probe to lift and displace it. The screw thread on the probe engages with the material and extracts it from between the members, preventing debris formation. The material is taken out of the separation zone and deposited elsewhere, maintaining a clean separation process.
3Ease of operation
If the bonded part material is lifted away from the second member, then the members can be easily separated, but the material must be properly managed to enable rejoining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers the bonded part material after separation. The rotating probe lifts the material away from the bonding interface and deposits it in a controlled location. This recovered material can then be used during the rejoining process to restore the bonding between members, maintaining the original joined state without requiring additional material.
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
Enables convenient and reliable separation and rejoining of members with minimal thermal impact, eliminating the need for additional material and avoiding debris, thus preserving the original state and functionality of the components.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating tool is pressed against a pair of mutually overlapping members so that the material of the members adjacent to the rotating tool is plastically stirred and displaced by frictional heat
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for separating a first member (1) and a second member (2) joined to each other comprising the steps of placing a clamp ring (14) on the surface of the first member, plunging a rotating probe (17) having a screw thread on a peripheral surface thereof into the surface of the first member through a through hole (10) of the clamp ring until a tip end of the probe reaches beyond an interface between the first member and the second member, the screw thread being directed so as to lift material of the bonded part away from the second member as a lifted part. The two members can be rejoined to each other by collapsing the lifted part into a bonded part once again by using a rotating probe and a clamp ring.