Laser-Structured Press Fit for Detachable High-Torque Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing press connection arrangements face challenges in maintaining high torque transmission capabilities while being detachable and reproducible multiple times without degradation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving laser structuring of contact surfaces on radially inner and outer components, allowing for a non-positive connection through a purely radial joining movement, which prevents structuring shearing and enables repeated detachment and joining without torque loss, using a microform connection with point-symmetrical or rotationally symmetrical surface profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a press connection arrangement is made detachable for repeated assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but torque transmission capability deteriorates due to structuring shearing and surface degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedetachabilityVSAvoidtorque transmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The contact surfaces are laser-structured before assembly to create a microform connection with elevations and depressions. This preliminary structuring ensures that when components are pressed together, the micro-features interlock to transmit torque effectively from the first assembly onwards, eliminating the need for break-in periods while maintaining detachability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The joining process uses purely radial pressing movement without axial or circumferential components. This parameter change in the joining method prevents shearing of the laser-structured surface features, allowing repeated assembly and disassembly without degradation of torque transmission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If laser structuring is applied to contact surfaces to enable microform connection, then torque transmission is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical methods of creating surface micro-features (such as rolling, embossing, or machining) are replaced with laser structuring. This substitution enables precise control of the microform connection geometry while maintaining manufacturing efficiency, as the laser process can be directly programmed without mechanical tooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser structuring is applied only to the specific contact surfaces where torque transmission occurs, rather than treating entire components. This localized approach creates the necessary microform connection with elevations and depressions only where needed, minimizing additional manufacturing complexity while maximizing torque transmission at the interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a purely radial joining movement is used to prevent structuring shearing, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepeatability of connectionVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The components are pre-aligned in a non-contact manner before the pressing operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the axes of rotation and contact surfaces are correctly oriented, allowing the subsequent purely radial pressing movement to proceed without inducing shear forces on the laser-structured surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The laser-structured surface features with their specific elevation and depression patterns create self-aligning effects during the pressing process. The microform connection geometry guides the components into proper alignment as they are pressed together radially, reducing the burden on external alignment mechanisms and improving repeatability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the creation of a detachable and reproducible press connection arrangement that maintains high torque transferability, with minimal deformation and no seizure, ensuring stability and reliability across multiple connection cycles.

Implementation Method 1

c) laser structuring of at least one of the contact surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

laser structuring of at least one of the contact surfaces (i.e. the radially inner contact surface of the radially outer component and/or the radially outer contact surface of the radially inner component), wherein a structuring is created with a surface profile or height profile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS11598358B2Method for creating a press connection arrangement, press connection arrangement and method for creating a clamping connection as well as the clamping connection itself and the use thereof

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 GEHRING TECH

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for creating a press connection arrangement and a clamping connection, the method including a plurality of steps, as well as a press connection arrangement and a clamping connection per se.