Laser-Welded Spring Ring Component for Oxidation-Free Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machines for producing spring rings face issues such as oxidation, waste material formation, thermal distortion, and the need for additional equipment and maintenance due to traditional welding methods, resulting in uneven products and increased production times.
Innovation Solution
A machine utilizing laser welding to join metallic elements without additional material, reducing waste and maintenance needs, and minimizing thermal distortion by using the elements' own material for the connecting region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional welding with added material is used, then the metallic elements can be joined, but oxidation occurs in the welding region requiring subsequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional arc welding with laser welding technology. The laser beam provides concentrated thermal energy for melting and joining the metallic elements without requiring additional welding material or protective gas systems, thereby eliminating oxidation issues associated with traditional welding methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the welding parameters by using laser welding instead of arc welding. This involves changing the energy source, heating rate, and temperature distribution parameters to achieve clean welding without oxidation, eliminating the need for subsequent cleaning operations.
2Strength
If traditional welding with added material is used, then the metallic elements can be joined, but waste material is formed that must be refined and reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional welding with added material with laser welding that joins metallic elements using only their own material. This substitution eliminates the formation of waste material from welding alloys and eliminates the need for refinement and reuse processes.
3Strength
If traditional welding is used, then the metallic elements can be joined, but thermal distortion is created causing assembly problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional arc welding with laser welding, which provides highly concentrated and localized heating. This substitution reduces thermal distortion by confining the heat-affected zone to a minimum area, thereby preventing assembly problems with other spring ring components.
4Strength
If traditional welding equipment is used, then the metallic elements can be joined, but additional equipment and maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex traditional welding equipment (gas cylinders, generators, safety systems) with a laser welding system. This substitution simplifies the equipment by using only the laser device and handling means, eliminating the need for additional welding material storage and delivery systems.
5Strength
If flame welding is used, then the metallic elements can be joined, but the flame must be adjusted according to environmental conditions causing variation in welding results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flame welding with laser welding, which uses a laser beam as the energy source instead of a flame. This substitution eliminates the need for flame adjustment according to environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature, ensuring consistent welding results throughout production.
6Strength
If welding with added material is used, then the metallic elements can be joined, but the connection portion has a clearly defined border making the product uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welding with added material with laser welding that joins metallic elements using only their own material. This substitution creates a connection portion without clearly defined borders, resulting in a smooth and uniform surface that maintains the aesthetic quality of the spring ring.
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 machine achieves faster production with uniform results, reduced waste, and lower maintenance costs, eliminating oxidation and thermal distortion while maintaining a precise connection.
Implementation Method 1
said welding means comprise a laser device adapted to provide a laser weld for joining said first element and said second element
Implementation Method 2
said first element and said second element being joined with a connecting region constituted exclusively by their own material
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (10, 110) for providing a component (11, 111) for spring rings, a component (11, 111) provided with the machine (10, 110), and a method for providing it. The machine (10, 110) comprises: - first handling means (12) adapted at least to pick up a first metallic element (13) and to position it in a welding station (14), - second handling means (15) adapted at least to pick up a second metallic element (16, 116) and to arrange it in the welding station (14), - means (17) for welding the first element (13) with the second element (16, 116), in the welding station (14), so as to provide the component (11, 111). The welding means (17) comprise a laser device (18) adapted to provide a laser weld for joining the first element (13) and the second element (16, 116), the joining being provided exclusively with their own material. The component (11, 111) comprises a first metallic and substantially annular element (13) and, joined thereto by laser welding, a second metallic element (16, 116) so as to constitute a link, the first element (13) and the second element (16, 116) being joined with a connecting region constituted exclusively by their own material.