Welding Torch Electrode Holder with Extended Longitudinal Slot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode holders for welding torches with non-consumable electrodes suffer from limited contact surface area and the formation of gaps at the axial end, which can lead to reduced clamping efficiency and penetration of weld spatter, impairing the mobility of clamping segments.
Innovation Solution
The electrode holder design features a longitudinal slot extending beyond the outer cone to a front end, creating a bending behavior similar to a clamped bending beam with increased contact areas and preventing spatter penetration by spacing the axial end from the receiving body, while the front end can be made of a different material or coated for enhanced shielding and flow channel formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the longitudinal slot extends to the axial end of the receiving body, then the contact surface area between clamping segments and electrode is increased, but weld spatter can penetrate into the slot forming a gap that impairs clamping segment mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving body is segmented into three distinct axial regions: clamping area with longitudinal slot for electrode contact, intermediate area with outer cone for structural support, and front end as a protective barrier. This segmentation allows the slot to extend sufficiently for clamping while the front end prevents spatter penetration, resolving the contradiction between contact surface area and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The front end acts as an intermediary protective element between the external welding environment and the internal clamping slot. It shields the slot from spatter penetration while allowing the slot to maintain its full length for adequate electrode contact, thus preventing gap formation that would impair clamping segment mobility.
2Area of stationary object
If the longitudinal slot is limited in length by a front end, then the clamping segments have improved bending behavior with larger contact areas, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The front end is merged with the outer cone to form an integrated receiving body structure. This combination achieves the dual function of limiting the longitudinal slot length for improved clamping segment bending behavior and larger contact areas, while avoiding the need for separate protective components, thus managing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The front end serves multiple functions simultaneously: it limits the longitudinal slot length to improve clamping segment bending behavior, provides additional shielding for the slot, and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the receiving body. This multi-functionality achieves improved contact area without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 enhances clamping efficiency with larger contact areas and prevents spatter ingress, improving the overall performance and shielding effect during welding processes like TIG and plasma welding.
Implementation Method 1
a radial clamping force on the electrode acts
Implementation Method 2
the clamping segments have a bending behavior that is similar to the bending behavior of a bending beam clamped at both ends
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrode holder (14) for a welding torch and a welding torch with a non-consumable electrode provided with such an electrode holder, wherein the electrode holder (14) has a receiving body (16) provided with a longitudinal bore (17) for receiving a longitudinal section (18) of an electrode (15), wherein the receiving body (16) is provided in a clamping area (19) with a longitudinal slot (22) for forming clamping segments (29, 30) and has in a fastening area (20) adjoining the clamping area (19) a connecting device for connection to a clamping device arranged on a torch head of the welding torch, wherein the clamping area (19) has an outer cone (23), wherein the longitudinal slot (22) formed in the receiving body (16) extends beyond the outer cone (23) to a front end (21) of the receiving body (16),wherein the front end (21) forms a front axial boundary of the longitudinal slot (22) in the receiving body (16).