Adjustable Robotic Cable Fitting for Thru-Arm Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thru-arm robotic welding torch systems face fitment issues and potential cable longevity problems due to variations in power cable length, which can deviate by up to 0.75 inches from the specified length, affecting the system's operation and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cable fitting that allows for length adjustment up to 1 inch in either direction, utilizing a telescoping mechanism with a female and male member, a compressible sleeve, and locking nut to ensure the cable length is within 0.25 inches of the specified length, ensuring proper operation and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed-length power cable is used in thru-arm robotic welding systems, then the cable structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cable length may deviate by up to 0.75 inches from the specified length, causing fitment issues and affecting cable longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable fitting structure is made adjustable through a telescoping mechanism with a movable shaft that can be positioned at different lengths within the female member, allowing the effective cable length to be dynamically adjusted to compensate for manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 2:
The cable fitting is divided into separate male and female members with a telescoping shaft, allowing the length-adjusting portion to be independently adjusted without affecting the entire cable assembly
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the power cable length varies by up to 0.75 inches from the specified length, then manufacturing and cable production is simpler, but fitment issues occur and cable lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The effective cable length parameter is made adjustable by varying the extension of the shaft within the female member, allowing compensation for initial manufacturing variations and ensuring the final cable length falls within the optimal range for longevity
3Manufacturing precision
If an adjustable cable fitting is implemented to compensate for length variations, then cable length precision is improved, but the fitting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting incorporates a telescoping mechanism with a movable shaft that can be adjusted to different positions and locked, providing dynamic length adjustment capability while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable structure
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 adjustable fitting ensures the power cable length is consistently within the optimal range, enhancing the system's performance and extending the cable's lifespan by accommodating variations in robotic arm specifications.
Implementation Method 1
A compressible sleeve may be disposed on the shaft, and the nut may be fitable around the compressible sleeve to compress the compressible sleeve onto the shaft
Implementation Method 2
The nut may have an inner surface including a chamfer, and the rear end of the female member may include a chamfer. The chamfers on the nut and the female member may compress the compressible sleeve when the nut is tightened
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable cable fitting for a thru-arm cable of a robotic welding torch includes a female member formed of an elongated tubular body having a forward end, a rear end, and a through hole extending axially from the forward end to the rear end. The forward end includes a nose portion for connection to a welding cable. A male member is cooperable with the female member in a telescoping manner. The male member includes a shaft received in the through hole of the female member, a receiver connected to the shaft for receiving a power pin, and a through hole extending axially through the shaft and receiver. A nut is disposed on the shaft for locking a position of the shaft relative to the female member. Adjustment of a disposition of the male member relative to the female member varies an effective length of the power cable.