Ultrasonic Staking System Power Overload Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic staking systems face challenges in preventing power overloads during the staking process, leading to increased costs or longer completion times, as existing solutions either require additional power supplies or slow down the motor, both of which are undesirable.

Innovation Solution

A system that detects the contact point between the ultrasonic horn and the second plastic part by monitoring power requirements and adjusts the motor speed to maintain power below overload levels, using a power detector and stepper motor to control the motion system, ensuring a stable power supply and efficient weld completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the motor speed is increased to complete the staking task faster, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases causing overload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestaking completion speedVSAvoidpower supply rating
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts motor speed based on real-time power consumption monitoring. The motor operates at high speed during low-power phases (approach and melting) and automatically slows down when power consumption approaches the supply rating, optimizing both productivity and power utilization without overload

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a power monitor that continuously measures power consumption and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of motor speed to maintain power consumption within safe limits while maximizing staking productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Power

If additional power supplies are added to handle high power demands, then power capacity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidnumber of power supplies
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a single power supply that serves multiple functions through intelligent control. The same power supply handles both high-speed approach (low power) and melting/staking phases (high power) by dynamically adjusting motor speed, eliminating the need for multiple power supplies or upgradeable power modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If the motor speed is reduced to prevent power overload, then power consumption is controlled, but productivity and staking time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption controlVSAvoidstaking completion time
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic high-speed operation during low-power phases (approach and melting) followed by controlled speed reduction when power consumption nears supply limits. This periodic alternation between high and low speed maintains productivity while preventing sustained overload conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 allows the use of lower wattage power supplies without extending the weld time, ensuring a proper bond is formed while preventing power overloads, thus optimizing cost and efficiency in ultrasonic staking operations.

Implementation Method 1

a horn having an end vibrating at a frequency in the ultrasonic range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the ultrasonic vibrations of the end of the horn cause melting of the post

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction heating: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2285520B1System to prevent overloads for ultrasonic staking applications
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 SONICS & MATERIALS INC
  • EP2285520B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2285520B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2285520B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A system for performing an ultrasonic staking operation in order to join a first part having a post protruding therefrom and a second part having a hole through which the post is passed includes a horn having an end vibrating at a frequency in the ultrasonic range and a motion system operatively connected to the horn, the motion system being capable of selectively moving the horn toward and away from the parts. The motion system moves the horn, with the end of the horn in contact with the post, toward the parts at a first speed such that the ultrasonic vibrations of horn cause melting of the post, and once a determination is made that the end of the horn has contacted a surface of the second part, the motion system moves the horn toward the parts at a second speed, the second speed being slower than the first speed.