Straight Metal Matrix Composite Insert Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing rectilinear CMM inserts are costly and inefficient, leading to significant losses of coated wires and inducing stresses that result in deformation during cutting, particularly when producing non-circular shapes like oval forms.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the arrangement of coated wires in a straight gutter tool, where they are bonded together in layers and cut to specific lengths, then integrated into a metal container for hot isostatic compaction, reducing wire loss and enabling automated, high-speed production of straight inserts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If coated wires are wound around an annular support to form rectilinear inserts, then the inserts can be produced for non-circular shapes, but significant losses of coated wires occur and deformation happens during cutting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to produce rectilinear inserts for non-circular shapesVSAvoidloss of coated wires
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The insert blank is divided into multiple rectilinear insert elements through cutting. Each element is a separate segment that can be individually processed and integrated into the final part, allowing for precise control and reduced material loss during the segmentation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from winding coated wires in three-dimensional space around an annular support to arranging them in a two-dimensional flat configuration on a support structure. This dimensional change eliminates the complexity of winding stresses and enables straightforward cutting without deformation, while also reducing coated wire loss through more efficient material utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If winding is performed on oval shapes, then rectilinear inserts can be formed, but stresses are induced in the wound insert that relax and cause deformation during cutting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverectilinear shape of insertsVSAvoiddimensional stability during cutting
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coated wires are pre-formed into rectilinear configurations on a support structure before the cutting operation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the insert elements are already in their final shape, eliminating subsequent deformation issues during cutting and improving manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of winding coated wires around an annular support to create rectilinear sections, the patent inverts the approach by directly arranging and bonding coated wires in straight configurations on a flat support. This reversal of the manufacturing sequence eliminates the induction of winding stresses that would otherwise cause deformation during cutting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple systems for holding coated wires are used during cutting, then the coated wires can be maintained in line, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment of coated wires during cuttingVSAvoidnumber of holding systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the coated wires in alignment during arrangement, provides a base for bonding operations, and facilitates the cutting process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate holding systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of wire arrangement, holding, and cutting support into a single integrated support structure. By merging these previously separate functions into one component, the device complexity is reduced while the alignment and precision of coated wires during cutting are maintained through the unified design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If the intermediate step of compacting insert blank followed by cutting is used, then rectilinear insert elements can be produced, but the manufacturing process becomes lengthy and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrity of insert elementsVSAvoidmanufacturing speed and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate compaction step from the manufacturing process. By directly arranging and bonding coated wires in their final rectilinear configuration, the process removes an unnecessary intermediate operation, thereby increasing productivity and reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the integrity of insert elements through proper bonding techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 significantly reduces coated yarn losses and simplifies the manufacturing process, allowing for cost-effective and efficient production of straight inserts that can be easily industrialized and integrated into metal parts, maintaining the integrity of ceramic fibers.

Implementation Method 1

the coated threads are bonded together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMetallurgical bonding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

hot isostatic compaction of the first container, followed by the machining of the latter to form a rectilinear insert element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHot isostatic pressing: Hot Isostatic Pressing

Data Source

PatentEP2513350B8Method for manufacturing a straight insert made of metal matrix composite material
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a straight insert intended to be built, by means of hot isostatic compaction (HIC), into a metal container, said insert including a bundle of coated wires that are connected therebetween and have a predetermined length. Said wires are made of metal-coated ceramic fibers. Said method is characterized in that said bundle is obtained by means of the juxtaposition of the rectilinear coated wires (13) over a predetermined length and by means of the connection therebetween. The invention also relates to the manufacture of a metal part having a fibrous insert built therein by means of the HIC technique.