Buttress Thread Torch Component for Self-Centering Fast Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting and welding torch components require stronger, self-centering, and easily releasable threaded connections that provide efficient heat and electrical transfer without increasing size or mass, while maintaining compact dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A helically extending ridge forms a thread with specific flank angles (60° or less) and a height of 0.4 times the pitch, featuring pressure and clearance flanks with angles of 40 to 50° and 0 to 20° respectively, and root and crest flats with widths of at least 25% of the pitch, allowing for secure, compact, and easily releasable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional thread profiles with larger flank angles are used, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the self-centering capability is poor and assembly is slower
Solution Approach 1:
The thread profile employs asymmetric flank angles where the pressure flank angle (40-50°) differs from the clearance flank angle (0-20°). This asymmetry creates a self-centering effect during assembly while maintaining adequate connection strength through the optimized pressure flank geometry that distributes loads effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the thread profile by reducing the included angle to 60° or less and specifying precise flank angles (pressure flank: 40-50°, clearance flank: 0-20°). These parameter changes optimize both the self-centering capability and assembly speed while preserving connection strength through the balanced angular configuration.
2Strength
If thread height is increased to improve connection strength, then the gripping force increases, but the overall size and mass of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thread height is optimized to be 0.4 times the pitch or less, representing a parameter change that achieves adequate gripping force without excessive height. This optimized parameter balance prevents significant increases in component mass while maintaining necessary connection strength through the efficient angular distribution of forces.
3Productivity
If thread profile is optimized for quick assembly, then assembly time is reduced, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric thread profile with pressure flank angle (40-50°) different from clearance flank angle (0-20°) provides self-centering that accelerates assembly while the optimized pressure flank geometry ensures reliable load distribution and connection reliability under operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The included angle is reduced to 60° or less with specifically optimized flank angles, creating a parameter set that enables quick self-centering assembly while maintaining adequate contact area and force distribution to ensure connection reliability during torch operation.
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 solution provides enhanced compressive force, self-centering, and efficient thermal and electrical transfer, enabling quick assembly and disassembly with a single rotation, while maintaining compact dimensions and improved gripping force compared to conventional threads.
Implementation Method 1
The angle α included by the pressure flank and a virtual plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the thread is 40° to 50°, the angle β included by the clearance flank and a virtual plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the thread is 0° to 20°
Implementation Method 2
providing a significant heat transfer from one component to another
Implementation Method 3
efficient thermal and electrical transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Cutting or welding torch component comprising a ridge (8) forming a thread for connecting the component to other parts of the cutting or welding torch, the thread having a pressure flank (81, 91), a clearance flank (82, 92), a root flat (84, 94) and a crest flat (83, 93), wherein—the angle included by the pressure flank (81, 91) and clearance flank (82, 92) is 60° or less, —the angle α included by the pressure flank (81, 91) and a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (10, 20, 30) of the thread is 40° to 50°, —the angle β included by the clearance flank (82, 92) and a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (10, 20, 30) of the thread is 0° to 20°, and—the height (VZ) of the ridge (8) is 0.4 times the pitch of the thread or less.