Spherical Articulating Fixture for Braze Paste Application

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The manual application of braze paste to gas turbine engine components is inefficient, often resulting in contamination and operator fatigue, as operators struggle to accurately apply the paste to specific areas without transferring it to unintended surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A spherical articulating fixture that allows components to be securely held and oriented in any position, enabling precise application of braze paste or coatings, while minimizing torque and allowing for easy rotation and access to all surfaces, and an additive manufacturing method to create such fixtures with controlled surface finishes for stability and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual application of braze paste is used, then operators can apply paste to components, but paste is transferred to unintended surfaces causing contamination and waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaste application precisionVSAvoidbraze paste waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a fixture as an intermediary device between the operator and the component. The fixture includes a clamp that secures the component and a spherical articulating mechanism that positions the component at optimal angles for paste application. This intermediary system provides stable support and precise positioning, enabling operators to apply braze paste accurately to intended surfaces only, preventing transfer to unintended surfaces and reducing paste waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If operators manually hold and manipulate components, then paste can be applied, but operators experience fatigue from repeated manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent manipulation easeVSAvoidoperator fatigue time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture is designed to self-hold the component securely through its clamp mechanism, eliminating the need for operators to continuously support and stabilize the component during paste application. The spherical articulating mechanism allows the component to be positioned once and then remains stable, enabling operators to work without repeated manipulation and reducing physical fatigue while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If components are held in fixed positions, then stability is maintained, but access to all surfaces for paste application is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent stabilityVSAvoidsurface accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture incorporates a spherical articulating mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the component position. The clamp can rotate and articulate the component to various angles while maintaining secure holding. This dynamic capability enables operators to access all surfaces of the component for paste application, including difficult-to-reach areas, while the component remains firmly secured throughout the process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3357621B1Spherical articulating fixture ; method of using such fixture

Publication Date: 2020.04.29 RTX CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to a fixture (10), which includes a base (14) with a bottom (18) and a rim (24), a clamp (16) with an exterior in a shape of a portion of a clamp sphere and a component space that is wholly within the clamp sphere, wherein the clamp (16) is positioned such that the clamp exterior is in contact with the rim (24).