Curved Welding Torch Collet Pressure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional welding torches with collet type forced power feeder mechanisms face challenges when used for curved torches, as the structure becomes complicated, and the spring pressure means can deteriorate due to arc heat, making it difficult to maintain reliable wire feeding and adjust pressure according to wear.
Innovation Solution
A welding torch design featuring a cylindrical feeder collet with a slit, a flexible inner tube, and a pressure mechanism that uses a spring or elastic member to pressurize the collet, allowing for reliable wire feeding even in curved torches, with a tapered surface to deform the collet and maintain wire position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pressure means is disposed at the front end side beyond the curved portion of the torch body to enable curved torch design, then the torch can be used for complicated jigs and work, but the structure becomes complicated and the spring member may deteriorate due to arc heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the pressure means (spring member) at the rear end of the torch body instead of at the front end beyond the curved portion. This reversal allows the flexible tube to transmit pressure forward through the curved section without exposing the spring to arc heat, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining curved torch capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible tube as an intermediary element that transmits the pressing force from the spring member (located at the rear) to the chip holder (at the front) through the curved portion. This flexible tube acts as a mediator that allows pressure transmission without requiring direct mechanical connection across the curved section, thus avoiding structural complexity and heat exposure
2Device complexity
If the cylindrical chip is halved instead of divided into multiple portions to simplify structure, then the structure is simpler, but the pressure given by the pressure means must be very high to deform the chip in accordance with wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the halved chip structure for simplicity but makes the pressing force dynamic and adjustable through the spring member design. The spring can be freely positioned along the axial direction and its pressing force can be adjusted by changing the spring's pre-compression or selecting different spring constants, allowing the system to adapt to wear without requiring excessively high fixed pressure
3Reliability
If the inner diameter surface of the cylindrical chip is pressed against the wire to hold the wire, then the wire position is stable, but the inner diameter surface gradually wears and the wire cannot be smoothly set through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chip into multiple sections along its length, with the pressing sections located at the front end and a larger diameter insertion section at the rear end. This segmentation allows the wire to be easily inserted through the rear section and then gradually compressed by the pressing sections, maintaining stable wire holding while facilitating smooth insertion
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
This design enables a reliable forced power feeder mechanism for curved torches, reducing the risk of spring deterioration, improving workability, and allowing for easy maintenance, while maintaining consistent wire feeding without needing frequent pressure adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member disposed between the spring support member and the chip holder
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member having elasticity in the axial direction
Implementation Method 3
The pressure generated by the pressure means is applied to both ends of the cylindrical chip and changed in direction to the centripetal direction due to the conical slopes at both ends
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
It comprises cylindrical feeder collet (6) formed with a slit portion at a front end thereof for feeding power to a welding wire internally set through; collet case (7) for storing feeder collet (6) therein, having an abutment on which the end of feeder collet (6) is abutted; flexible inner tube (4) for leading the welding wire to feeder collet (6); torch body (3) with inner tube (4) inserted therein and collet case (7) detachably disposed at the front end thereof; and spring (5) for pressurizing feeder collet (6) toward the front end of the welding wire, wherein there is provided a taper surface on at least any one of the front end of feeder collet (6) and the abutment of collet case (7). Thus, it is structurally simple and applicable for a curved torch.