Titanium Bolt Pressing via Conical Channel Hydrostatic Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing titanium alloys, such as Ti64ELI, for implants are not suitable due to potential toxicity from released elements, and require high equipment expenditure for achieving high structural homogeneity and mechanical properties through severe plastic deformation processes like ECAP.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a pressing tool with angled channels, where the second channel has a smaller cross-sectional area to generate controllable hydrostatic pressure without additional mechanical components, and a temperature control strategy to achieve homogeneous and fine structures with reduced pressing force and equipment expenditure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a pressing tool with a conically tapered second channel is used to generate hydrostatic pressure, then structural homogeneity and mechanical properties are improved, but the pressing force required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural homogeneityVSAvoidpressing force
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the pressing tool, specifically tapering the second channel conically to generate hydrostatic pressure. This parameter change improves structural homogeneity by creating more uniform deformation conditions, while the increased pressing force is accepted as a necessary trade-off for achieving the desired material quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If temperature is reduced during pressing processes, then structural homogeneity is improved, but the pressing force required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural homogeneityVSAvoidpressing force
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies temperature as a controllable parameter, reducing it during pressing processes to improve structural homogeneity. The lower temperature suppresses unwanted deformation mechanisms and promotes more uniform microstructure formation, despite the associated increase in required pressing force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If Ti64ELI alloy is used for implants, then mechanical properties are improved, but toxic elements are released into the body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidtoxic element release
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the toxicity issue by applying severe plastic deformation through ECAP processing. This intensive deformation refines the microstructure and can reduce the release of toxic elements like vanadium and aluminum by stabilizing the alloy structure, thereby converting the harmful effect into a beneficial outcome while maintaining the mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 method allows for the production of bolts with high structural homogeneity and mechanical properties suitable for implants, while minimizing equipment costs and preventing toxic element release, by using a pressing tool with a conically tapered second channel and controlled temperature processes.

Implementation Method 1

a bolt introduced into the pressing tool and pressed in it is deformed under increased hydrostatic pressure, the pressure being specifically controllable within certain limits

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a workpiece or semi-finished product used is massively deformed, in particular in order to increase mechanical parameters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2646591B1Method for producing an object from a metal or an alloy by means of large plastic deformation and pressing tool therefor
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 AIT AUSTRIAN INSTITUTE OF TECNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP2646591B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2646591B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2
  • EP2646591B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing an object from a metal or an alloy, in particular a titanium alloy, wherein in a pressing process a pin (1) is pressed through a first channel (3) of a pressing tool (2) and a second channel (4) of the pressing tool connected to the first channel optionally several times, whereupon the object, such as an implant, is created from the pressed pin (1). According to the invention, the pin (1) is pressed through a second channel (4) having a smaller cross-sectional diameter than the first channel (3) at least at one point. The invention further relates to an object, in particular an implant, which can be obtained according to a method according to the invention, and to a pressing tool (2) that is suitable for carrying out a method according to the invention.