Spark Plug Resistance Welding Electrode Elastic Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional resistance welding methods for spark plug manufacturing face instability due to dimensional and positional variations of components, leading to potential weakening of joint strength between spark plug members.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a second welding electrode with an elastically deformable intermediate portion to maintain a stable pressing state during resistance welding, allowing for consistent load application and improved joint strength by adjusting the position and movement of the welding electrodes based on positional information and dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional resistance welding is performed with rigid welding electrodes, then the welding process is simple, but dimensional and positional variations of components cause unstable welding conditions and reduced joint strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidwelding electrode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding electrode structure is changed from rigid to flexible by incorporating an elastically deformable intermediate portion, allowing the electrode to adapt its shape and maintain stable contact pressure despite dimensional and positional variations of components, thereby improving welding reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The welding electrode is designed with a flexible intermediate portion that can dynamically deform elastically during the welding process, enabling the electrode to self-adjust to component variations and maintain stable welding conditions, rather than relying on rigid fixed-position contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the welding electrode is made flexible with an elastically deformable intermediate portion, then stable welding conditions are achieved despite component variations, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding condition stabilityVSAvoidwelding electrode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical property parameter of the welding electrode is changed from rigid to flexible by adding an elastically deformable intermediate portion, enabling the electrode to maintain constant contact pressure and stable welding conditions while accommodating component dimensional and positional variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastically deformable intermediate portion acts as a mediator between the rigid electrode body and the workpiece, absorbing dimensional and positional variations through elastic deformation while transmitting stable contact pressure to ensure consistent welding conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 stabilizes the welding condition, ensuring strong joints between spark plug components by compensating for variations in component dimensions and positions, thereby enhancing the overall strength and reliability of the spark plug.

Implementation Method 1

a second welding electrode which has an elastically deformable intermediate portion and which is in contact with the second member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first member and the second member are joined together by resistance welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistance welding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2667465B1Manufacturing method for spark plug
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 NITERRA CO LTD
  • EP2667465B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2667465B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2667465B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a spark plug includes a joining step of joining a first member and a second member which constitute the spark plug. In the joining step, a first welding electrode in contact with the first member and a second welding electrode which has an elastically deformable intermediate portion and which is in contact with the second member are electrically connected through the first member and the second member, whereby the first member and the second member are joined together by resistance welding.