Spring-Biased Friction Stir Tool for Machining Center Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining devices for friction stir welding are complex and expensive, making it difficult to implement load control on machining centers intended only for position control.
Innovation Solution
A rotary tool with a stirring member and an elastic member that biases the stirring member towards the distal-end side, allowing for load control by controlling the insertion depth of the stirring pin into the joint member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a joining device uses load control with pressure detection units and reference point setting units, then joining quality and precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load control function from the complex robotic system and implements it locally at the tool level using a simple elastic member (spring) in the stirring member assembly. This eliminates the need for complex pressure detection units and reference point setting units while maintaining pressing depth control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive load control systems with a simple, inexpensive elastic member (spring) that provides the necessary pressing force control. This simple component is much cheaper than robotic load control systems while achieving the same functional outcome.
2Ease of manufacture
If a joining device is designed for position control only on machining centers, then device cost is reduced, but load control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring member assembly is designed to be self-regulating through the elastic member, which automatically adjusts the pressing force based on the reaction force from the workpiece. This eliminates the need for external load control systems, allowing machining centers to perform both position and load control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the stirring member by introducing an elastic member that can deform under load. This allows the system to transition from rigid position control to compliant load control, enabling machining centers to achieve both control modes.
3Device complexity
If the stirring member is fixed rigidly to the rotary shaft, then structural simplicity is maintained, but pressing depth control and load control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic flexible connection using an elastic member (spring). This allows the stirring member to move axially under load while maintaining rotational connection, enabling automatic pressing depth control through elastic deformation.
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
Enables load control in friction stir welding using a machining center, maintaining consistent joining quality while reducing the complexity and cost of the joining device.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that biases the stirring member toward a distal-end side relative to the axial direction of the rotary shaft
Implementation Method 2
a stirring member that has a stirring pin inserted into the joint member to perform friction stirring on the joint member
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary tool used in a joining device that performs friction stir welding of a joint member. The rotary tool includes: a main body having a fixed unit attached and secured to the joining device, and a rotary shaft for transmitting a rotary force from the joining device; a stirring member that has a stirring pin inserted into the joint member to perform friction stirring on the joint member, that is arranged so as to be rotatable by receiving the rotary force from the rotary shaft, and that is provided on the main body so as to be movable relative to an axial direction of the rotary shaft; and an elastic member that biases the stirring member toward a distal-end side relative to the axial direction of the rotary shaft.