Spot Welding Electrode Removal with Bidirectional Rotating Graspers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode disassembly devices for spot welding are bulky, complex, and costly due to the need for multiple sets of graspers and a large space for installation, leading to inefficient detachment operations and higher operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrode disassembly device with a single set of graspers arranged in a line around the axis of rotation, allowing for detachment in both directions using a pair of rotators with a detection sensor and a brake mechanism, reducing the number of components and operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple sets of graspers are used to detach electrodes in both directions, then the detachment operation can be performed without changing the position of the welding gun and disassembly device, but the device size increases and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the grasper rotatable around the axis of rotation, transforming a static multi-grasper configuration into a dynamic single-grasper system. The single grasper can rotate to different positions (first and second positions) to grasp electrodes for detachment in different directions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed graspers while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single grasper is designed to perform multiple functions by rotating to different positions. It can grasp the first electrode for detachment in one direction, grasp the second electrode for detachment in another direction, and even grasp the shank for removal. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized graspers.
2Productivity
If multiple sets of graspers are provided for detaching electrodes in different directions, then both electrodes can be detached without repositioning, but the number of components increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple graspers into a single grasper that can rotate to different positions. Instead of having separate graspers for different electrodes and directions, one grasper performs all grasping operations by rotating to the appropriate position, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable grasper design allows a single component to dynamically assume the roles of multiple static graspers. The grasper rotates to different angular positions around the axis of rotation, enabling it to access and grasp different electrodes (first and second electrodes) and even the shank, thereby performing multiple functions with one component.
3Device complexity
If a single grasper is used to detach electrodes in both directions by rotating, then the device structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but the grasper must rotate precisely to the correct position to avoid detaching the shank from the gun body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a detection sensor that detects the position of the grasper or the state of the electrode/shank assembly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to determine when the grasper is correctly positioned and when the electrode is successfully detached, preventing premature actions that could accidentally detach the shank. The feedback ensures precise control and timing of the detachment operation.
4Ease of operation
If the grasper is positioned to grasp the electrode for detachment, then the electrode can be removed, but the grasper must be precisely positioned to avoid grasping the shank which would cause unintended detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The detection sensor provides real-time feedback on the grasper's position and the state of the electrode-shank assembly. This feedback enables the control system to ensure the grasper is correctly positioned to grasp only the electrode and not the shank. The sensor can detect when the electrode is properly engaged and when the detachment is complete, preventing unintended shank detachment.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an electrode disassembly device for spot welding being compact and devoid of a complex structure, as well as enabling lower cost. When a drive unit 5 drives to rotate a first rotator 6 and a second rotator 7 relative to one another in a first relative positional relationship R1 toward one side, fitting portions 6c press respective protrusions 8d toward the one side and thereby graspers 8 turn toward the one side to cause respective pawl portions 8c to advance into a detachment operation space S1 such that the pawl portions 8c can contact an electrode 10 set in the detachment operation space S1, and when the drive unit drives to rotate the first rotator 6 and the second rotator 7 relative to one another in a second relative positional relationship R2 toward another side, the fitting portions 6c press the respective protrusions 8c toward the other side and thereby the graspers 8 turn toward the other side to cause the respective pawl portions 8c to advance into the detachment operation space S1 such that the pawl portions 8c can contact an electrode 10 set in the detachment operation space S1.