Articulated Welding Jig for Offset Beam Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating full-moment connections between beams and columns in building frames struggle to accommodate vertical, horizontal, or compound offsets, requiring complex angular adjustments that are difficult to implement efficiently and inexpensively.
Innovation Solution
A unique, plural-axis articulated jig structure with adjustable head-stock and tail-stock components, equipped with motor-driven motion systems and robotic welders, allows for precise angular positioning of beam-end components relative to the beam, enabling effective welding regardless of offset conditions within a ±8° range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional welding methods are used for beam-end components, then the welding process is simple, but it cannot accommodate vertical, horizontal, or compound offsets requiring angular adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable articulation structure with multiple degrees of freedom that can dynamically adjust to different angular positions. The articulation structure includes movable joints and positioning mechanisms that allow the welding system to adapt to various offset conditions (vertical, horizontal, and compound offsets up to ±8°) while maintaining welding precision. This dynamic capability enables the same welding system to handle diverse beam configurations without requiring multiple specialized fixtures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex angular adjustments are implemented to accommodate offsets, then adaptability improves, but the difficulty and cost of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The welding system is divided into modular components including the articulation structure, positioning mechanisms, and welding apparatus. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and adjusted independently, simplifying the overall implementation. The articulation structure itself is composed of discrete joints and segments that can be assembled in a standardized manner, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to accommodate various offset conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual welding is used, then equipment cost is lower, but welding precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual welding operations with an automated robotic welding system mounted on the articulation structure. This mechanical substitution eliminates human variability in welding execution, ensuring consistent weld quality and precision across all beam-end components. The robotic welder is controlled by a computer system that can precisely position the welding torch and control welding parameters, achieving high manufacturing precision while the articulation structure handles the complexity of angular adjustments.
4Productivity
If robotic welding is implemented, then welding speed and precision improve, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple welding scenarios including different offset types (vertical, horizontal, compound), various beam configurations, and both manual and robotic welding modes. This multi-functionality allows a single complex system to handle diverse welding tasks, improving productivity across the board. The robotic welder integrated into this universal structure can efficiently execute welding operations while the articulation structure manages the complexity of positioning and orientation adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable, elongate, beam-offset jig structure for assisting, under manual, or appropriate computer, control, in welding a pair of beam-end, column-interface components to the opposite ends of an elongate beam. The jig structure includes spaced, adjustable head-stock and tail-stock structures, each capable of holding such a component adjacent a beam end for adjustment to an infinite number of different, pre-weld angular-offset dispositions relative to such a beam end in order to accommodate planned horizontal and vertical beam offsets which will be encountered when such beams are installed in a building frame. A computer-controlled, robotic welder may be provided adjacent each end of the jig structure to implement appropriate welding when any and all offset angles have been jig-established.