Pipe Coupling Friction Welding With Controlled Molten Mass Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Friction welding of pipes leads to the formation of abrasion particles that contaminate the pipe interior, particularly in fuel pipes, due to the emission of molten mass during the welding process.

Innovation Solution

The method involves controlling the location and quantity of the molten mass generated during friction welding by using a multi-step process of linear and rotational relative movements between the pipe end and the coupling, allowing for precise positioning and reduction of molten mass emission into the pipe, and optionally using lubricants to reduce friction and control the welding area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If friction welding is performed to connect pipes to coupling, then strong welded joints are achieved, but abrasion particles are formed and penetrate inside the pipe causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelded joint strengthVSAvoidpipe contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into two distinct chambers: a first chamber that receives the pipe end and a second chamber that receives the tool. The partition wall with opening separates these chambers, allowing controlled emission of molten mass from the first chamber through the opening into the second chamber, preventing contamination of the pipe interior while maintaining welding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall with opening acts as an intermediary structure between the first and second chambers. It provides a controlled pathway for molten mass to pass from the welding zone to the tool reception zone, serving as a barrier that directs harmful emissions away from the pipe interior while allowing the welding process to proceed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the pipe end is inserted deeply into the coupling to ensure strong welding, then welding strength is improved, but molten mass is more likely to be emitted into the inside of the pipe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelded joint strengthVSAvoidmolten mass emission into pipe
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is segmented into two chambers separated by a partition wall. This segmentation allows the pipe end to be inserted deeply into the first chamber for strong welding while the opening in the partition wall provides an escape route for molten mass into the second chamber, preventing it from entering the pipe interior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall with opening introduces a new spatial dimension (through-wall passage) for molten mass emission. Instead of molten mass being constrained to move only along the pipe axis where it would contaminate the interior, the opening provides an alternative emission path in the radial direction through the partition wall into the second chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If friction welding is performed without controlling molten mass generation, then welding speed is maintained, but cleaning operations are required after welding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding speedVSAvoidpost-welding cleaning requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful byproduct (molten mass) is extracted from the welding zone and directed into the second chamber through the opening in the partition wall. This extraction prevents molten mass from contaminating the pipe interior, thereby eliminating the need for post-welding cleaning operations while maintaining high welding speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The molten mass, which is normally a harmful byproduct requiring cleaning operations, is redirected into the second chamber where it serves as a beneficial indicator of proper welding progress. The controlled emission through the opening confirms that welding is occurring correctly while preventing contamination, converting a harmful effect into a useful process indicator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 significantly reduces contamination of pipes during friction welding, enhancing safety and enabling automation of pipe joint production by minimizing the need for post-weld cleaning and ensuring a strong, contamination-free welded joint.

Implementation Method 1

connecting the device to a pipe by friction welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

connecting the device to a pipe end (2) of a pipe by friction welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction welding: Friction Welding

Implementation Method 3

the end of the pipe and the coupling are brought together in a first step by an essentially linear relative movement, whereby the pipe end and the coupling are moved relative to one another up to a predetermined position or until a predetermined resistance is obtained

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressive stresses: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20060060634A1Method and device for connecting pipes; motor vehicle with a device of this type
Publication Date: 2006.03.23 HDT VERITAS HESSEN GMBH
  • US20060060634A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for shaping pipes with the steps connecting a pipe end with a coupling of a connection device for pipes, in particular a quick connector, through friction welding and controlling the region of formation of the molten mass formed during friction welding. The contamination of the inside of the pipe due to welding beads can be prevented with the aid of the invention.