Ring Enlargement Using Induction Welding and Preformed Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for enlarging rings often result in damage due to excessive heating and manual labor, and struggle with matching the curvature and size of inserts, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal results.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a milling device to sever and expand rings, with preformed bars of matching curvature and width for induction welding, minimizing manual work and heat exposure, and utilizing induction welding for quick and localized joining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a jeweler's torch is used to heat the ring and insert for soldering, then the joint can be joined together, but substantial heating of large portions of the ring and insert occurs which can damage various alloys and exacerbate pitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using induction heating to concentrate thermal energy precisely at the joint area where soldering is needed, rather than heating large portions of the ring and insert. This localized heating approach maintains joint strength while avoiding damage to alloys and reduction of pitting in areas not requiring heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical torch heating system with an induction heating system. The induction heating apparatus uses electromagnetic fields to generate heat directly in the metal at the joint area, substituting the mechanical flame heating method that causes excessive and uncontrolled heating of surrounding areas.
2Reliability
If flat stock is manually fitted to match the ring ends, then the insert can be joined to the ring, but substantial manual labor is required and matching the curvature and shape is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the insert with the correct curvature and shape to match the ring ends before the fitting process. This preliminary preparation of the insert's geometry eliminates the need for extensive manual shaping and fitting work, while ensuring accurate matching of the insert to the ring curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating an insert that replicates the curvature and shape characteristics of the original ring. The insert is formed to match the ring's profile, allowing it to fit seamlessly into the gap without requiring extensive manual adaptation or shaping work.
3Length of moving object
If the ring is severed and expanded to increase size, then the ring can be enlarged, but the ends of the ring become flat and require substantial work to match with the insert
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the insert with curved ends that match the expected curvature of the severed ring ends. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the ring is severed and expanded, the insert will already be shaped to match, minimizing the additional work required to achieve a proper fit.
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 minimizes damage, reduces manual labor, and achieves precise size and curvature matching, resulting in a more efficient and effective ring enlargement process with improved finish and reduced pitting.
Implementation Method 1
induction welding, which can be used to quickly heat only a limited portion of the ring and insert
Data Source
AI summary
A method of enlarging a ring. A ring to be enlarged is severed, preferably with an end mill, and then expanded. The end mill will preferably cut a circular section from the ring, so that the ends of the now severed ring are concave. A plurality of preformed bars are also provided. The bars will have curved ends that match the curvature of the ring ends. The curvature of the bars and the ring will also match. The width of the various bars, between the ends, will be selected to correspond to desired increases in the ring circumference. A cross-sectional slice will be cut from a bar of the appropriate width and inserted into the severed ring. The ring and the cross-section will then be joined together, preferably with an induction welder, which can be used to quickly heat only a limited portion of the ring and insert.