Two-Piece Welding Collet for Axial Clamping and Transverse Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear friction welding machines face challenges in securely holding workpieces while applying axial force and resisting transverse loading, particularly due to the limitations of unitary collets that require axial loading and are not ideal for accommodating various workpiece sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece collet assembly with movable halves that can be locked in place, allowing for secure axial and transverse positioning of workpieces, featuring a sliding insert mechanism and locking actuators to maintain clamping force, and accommodating different sizes through removable collet halves with flared ends and keyed connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a unitary one-piece collet is used to hold the workpiece, then the workpiece can be securely held against axial movement, but the workpiece cannot be easily loaded and unloaded and the device requires more clearance space
Solution Approach 1:
The collet is divided into multiple segments (first collet segment and second collet segment) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the workpiece to be loaded and unloaded by moving the segments apart, while still providing secure holding when closed, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet structure is made dynamic by allowing the collet segments to move between open and closed positions. The first collet segment can move independently to facilitate workpiece loading/unloading, while the second collet segment provides stable support during welding operations, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational phases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unitary collet is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various workpiece sizes and shapes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the collet into multiple segments with different degrees of freedom, the structure can accommodate various workpiece sizes and shapes. The first collet segment can adjust its position independently to adapt to different workpiece dimensions, while the second collet segment provides stable support, enabling versatility without requiring completely different collets for each workpiece size.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-segment collet design provides universal functionality by being able to hold various workpiece sizes and shapes through coordinated movement of the segments. The same collet structure can adapt to different workpiece configurations by adjusting the relative positions of the segments, eliminating the need for multiple specialized collets.
3Force
If axial loading is required for workpiece insertion, then the unitary collet can provide simple loading, but it cannot resist transverse loading effectively during oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The collet is segmented into a first movable segment and a second support segment, where the first segment handles the loading direction (allowing easy axial insertion) while the second segment provides transverse support (resisting lateral forces during oscillation). This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different functional responsibilities to different segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the collet structure are given different mechanical properties and degrees of freedom: the first collet segment is designed for movement in the loading direction to facilitate easy insertion, while the second collet segment is designed for stability to resist transverse loading. This local differentiation of mechanical characteristics resolves the contradiction between ease of loading and transverse force resistance.
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 efficient axial and transverse movement of workpieces, improved resistance to lateral forces during oscillation, and facilitates faster cycle times, reduced clearance requirements for unloading, and easier flash removal without contamination, enhancing the operational efficiency and versatility of linear friction welding machines.
Implementation Method 1
Friction welding is a method of welding workpieces together that includes urging the workpieces toward each other while oscillating at least one of the workpieces relative to the other workpiece
Implementation Method 2
The at least one movable collet half can be supported in a sliding insert that is slideable relative to the welding head
Implementation Method 3
The at least one movable collet half can include at least one locking actuator movable between a locked position locking the slideable insert in a closed position
Implementation Method 4
Linear friction welding is a method of welding workpieces together that includes urging the workpieces toward each other while oscillating at least one of the workpieces relative to the other workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A linear friction welding machine having a two-piece collet for holding a workpiece. The two-piece collet includes first and second halves that can be separated for loading the workpiece in a transverse direction, and brought together about the workpiece and locked in place to both secure the workpiece against axial movement as well as support the workpiece against transverse loads.