Shrink-Fit Member Connection for Precise Longitudinal Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting methods, such as shrinkage fitting, face challenges in achieving accurate dimensional alignment and stable connections between members due to variations in clearance and thermal expansion, leading to inconsistencies in the longitudinal dimensions of connected components.

Innovation Solution

A connecting method and apparatus that measure control dimensions, determine relative positions, and utilize thermal expansion management through heating and cooling processes to ensure precise alignment and fixation of members, either by thermal expansion restraint or controlled heating, thereby reducing variations in the connected member's length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If shrinkage fitting is used to connect members, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variations in clearance and thermal expansion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidlongitudinal dimension accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the relative position of members based on measured control dimensions before actual connection. The processing amount is calculated in advance considering thermal expansion characteristics, allowing the first member to be positioned accurately before heating and connection, thus preventing longitudinal dimension variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by measuring actual control dimensions (length, outer diameter, inner diameter) and adjusting the processing amount accordingly. The system calculates optimal heating parameters and relative positioning based on measured dimensional parameters, adapting the connection process to actual component variations rather than using fixed parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If thermal expansion is used to facilitate insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to unpredictable expansion variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion easeVSAvoiddimensional alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by measuring actual control dimensions of members and using this information to determine the relative position and processing amount. The system continuously monitors dimensional parameters and adjusts the connection process accordingly, ensuring accurate longitudinal dimensions while maintaining ease of insertion through controlled thermal expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the optimal relative position and processing amount before actual connection based on measured dimensions. The system determines heating parameters and positioning in advance, allowing controlled thermal expansion that facilitates insertion while maintaining precision through pre-calculated parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If additional heating process is applied to increase connection strength, then connection strength is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating process for thermal expansion with the heating process for plastic deformation. Instead of separate heating steps, the system performs both functions in a single integrated heating process, achieving both insertion facilitation and connection strengthening simultaneously, thus reducing total processing time while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves accurate longitudinal dimensions of connected members by minimizing length variations caused by clearance and thermal expansion, eliminating the need for additional adjustment processes and ensuring consistent performance.

Implementation Method 1

the connection insertion portion is expanded in diameter by thermal expansion of the second member through heating of the second member beforehand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the first member and the second member are connected to each other by utilization of shrinkage in diameter of the connection insertion portion upon cooling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS11541486B2Connecting method and connecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A connecting method includes: measuring at least one of control dimensions that influence a dimension of a member obtained by connection of a first member and a second member to each other, the second member including a connection insertion portion where the first member is inserted; determining, according to the at least one of the control dimensions, a relative position for positioning the first member and the second member by insertion of the first member in the connection insertion portion; heating the second member to a first temperature; inserting the first member in the connection insertion portion to place the first member and the second member in the relative position; and stopping the heating of the second member and maintaining the first member and the second member in the relative position.