Turbocharger Nozzle Ring Repair via Segmented Brazing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nozzle rings in turbochargers, exposed to high temperatures and stresses, often develop defects requiring an effective repair method to restore their functionality.

Innovation Solution

A method involving cutting portions of the nozzle ring to form joint surfaces, attaching replacement components using brazing or welding, and optionally hardening the surfaces to enhance the repair's durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the nozzle ring is repaired by traditional methods, then the repair process is simple, but the joint strength and durability are insufficient under high temperature and stress conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidrepair process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The repair method segments the nozzle ring repair process into distinct phases: cutting the defective portion, preparing joint surfaces with specific geometries, applying brazing alloy, and controlling heating parameters. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, ensuring strong joints while maintaining manageable process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes critical parameters including joint surface geometry (creating tapered surfaces at specific angles), brazing alloy composition (selecting materials with appropriate melting points and flow characteristics), and heating temperature profiles. These parameter changes ensure adequate joint strength under high temperature and stress conditions while keeping the repair process systematic and controllable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the nozzle ring is repaired by replacing the entire component, then the reliability is restored, but the cost and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle ring reliabilityVSAvoidrepair time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the defective portion of the nozzle ring rather than replacing the entire component. By cutting and removing only the damaged section and replacing it with a new segment, the method restores reliability while minimizing material waste, repair time, and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The repair method discards only the defective portion of the nozzle ring while recovering and reusing the remaining sound portions. This selective replacement approach maintains reliability by ensuring the repaired section meets original specifications while significantly reducing repair time and material costs compared to complete replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Area of stationary object

If the joint surface is prepared by extensive material removal, then the bonding surface area increases, but the structural integrity and wall thickness are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint surface areaVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates tapered joint surfaces with specific curvature profiles rather than flat surfaces. The tapered geometry (with angles typically between 45-60 degrees) increases the effective bonding surface area while distributing stresses more evenly, preventing stress concentration that would compromise structural integrity. The curved profile also facilitates proper brazing alloy flow and adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 method provides a reliable and cost-effective repair solution for nozzle rings, ensuring strong joints and extended service life, while maintaining the turbocharger's performance.

Implementation Method 1

attaching the replacement ring to the nozzle ring at the joint surface using one of brazing or welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBrazing: Brazing

Implementation Method 2

attaching the replacement ring to the nozzle ring at the joint surface using one of brazing or welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 3

treating the nozzle ring to harden a surface of the nozzle ring after attaching the replacement ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentUS11773749B2Method and system for nozzle ring repair
Publication Date: 2023.10.03 CUMMINS INC
  • US11773749B2 patent drawing
  • US11773749B2 patent drawing
  • US11773749B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system are provided for repairing a nozzle ring having a defect adjacent a transition between a ring plate and an inner skirt of the nozzle ring, comprising: forming at least one cut to detach at least one of a portion of the inner skirt, a portion of the transition, and a portion of the ring plate, thereby forming a joint surface and removing at least a portion of the defect; providing a replacement ring including replacement components for the detached at least one of a portion of the inner skirt, a portion of the transition, and a portion of the ring plate; and attaching the replacement ring to the nozzle ring at the joint surface using one of brazing or welding.