Adjustable Welding Torch Geometry for Reach and Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current welding and cutting torches have fixed lengths and angles, requiring users to switch between multiple torches for different tasks, leading to increased costs and space requirements due to the need for multiple tools and difficulty in achieving desired cutting or welding paths.
Innovation Solution
The development of welding/cutting torches with multiple adjustment features, including telescoping, pivoting, and rotational capabilities, allowing the torch head to be reconfigured in terms of length, angle, and orientation relative to the handle, enabling users to adjust the position and orientation of the torch tip for specific operations without needing multiple tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a longer torch is used, then visibility of the torch tip, manual control responsiveness, reach, and safety are improved, but maneuverability in tight spaces and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescoping mechanism that allows the torch to dynamically change its length between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic adjustment enables the torch to provide long-length advantages (visibility, control, reach, safety) when needed, while collapsing to a compact size for maneuverability in tight spaces and improved portability, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed length benefits and operational flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple torches of different lengths are used to accommodate different tasks, then task-specific performance is improved, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal torch that can perform multiple cutting and welding tasks by combining telescoping length adjustment with pivoting and rotational capabilities. This single multi-functional torch replaces the need for multiple specialized torches of different lengths and configurations, reducing both the quantity of equipment needed and the associated costs and space requirements while maintaining task-specific performance
3Stability of the object's composition
If the torch head is fixed at a specific angle to the handle, then consistency for specific applications is improved, but adaptability to various positions and operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pivoting mechanism that allows the torch head to dynamically change its angle relative to the handle between 0 degrees (coaxial) and 90 degrees (perpendicular), with intermediate positions possible. This dynamic angular adjustment enables the torch to maintain consistent angles for specific applications when needed, while also adapting to various positions and operations, thus resolving the contradiction between angle consistency and position adaptability
4Device complexity
If a fixed-length torch is used, then structural simplicity is improved, but the need to switch between multiple torches for different tasks increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates telescoping, pivoting, and rotational mechanisms that allow the torch to dynamically adjust its configuration. While these mechanisms increase the internal complexity of a single torch, they eliminate the need to manage multiple separate torches, thereby reducing overall system complexity in terms of equipment inventory, storage, and task switching procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A torch having first and second housing portions may contain multiple adjustment features such as an adjustable length, an adjustable pivot angle of the second housing portion, and an adjustable rotational angle of the second housing portion. The second housing portion may be both slidably and rotationally coupled to the first housing portion. The second housing portion may be configured to slide along a longitudinal axis of the torch to adjust a length of the torch. The second housing portion may be further configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the torch to adjust the rotational orientation of the second housing portion with respect to the first housing portion. At least a section of the second housing portion may be configured to pivot about a transverse axis with respect to the first housing portion, the transverse axis being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the torch.