Quick-Coupling Flaming Head for Faster Nozzle Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flaming heads for stone and ceramic materials face challenges in maintenance operations due to the need for manual tools and complex procedures for replacing worn-out components, leading to increased time and difficulty in assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A flaming head with quick coupling locking/unlocking elements, including cylindrical portions and locking means, allows for easy maintenance by manual pressure without the need for wrenches or clamping pliers, adhering to UNI EN 561 standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screwed connections are used for connecting nozzles and ducts to the flaming head, then the connection is secure and reliable, but manual tools such as wrenches or clamping piers are required for maintenance operations, increasing the time and difficulty of assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a connection element with external threading and a corresponding connection piece with internal threading. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed for optimal connection reliability while enabling tool-free assembly through the interaction of these segmented parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element acts as an intermediary component between the nozzle/duct and the flaming head body. It features external threading that engages with the internal threading of the connection piece, creating a secure connection without requiring external manual tools, thus mediating between the need for reliability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If quick coupling systems with retaining systems, gaskets, elastic means and bolts are used, then assembly and disassembly becomes easier, but the connections become more complex and difficult to operate as working hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates complex retaining systems, gaskets, elastic means, and bolts from the connection system. Instead, it uses a simple threaded engagement between the connection element and connection piece, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation throughout the working life of the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is designed as a simple, replaceable component with external threading that can be easily unscrewed and replaced. This simplified design, free from complex retaining mechanisms, reduces overall system complexity and allows for quick maintenance operations even after extended working hours.
3Strength
If manual tools such as wrenches or clamping piers are required for maintenance operations, then secure connection is achieved, but expertise is required and the time for manual activities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be self-servicing, allowing operators to assemble and disassemble connections by hand without requiring external manual tools like wrenches or clamping piers. The threaded engagement between the connection element and connection piece provides sufficient connection strength while enabling tool-free maintenance operations, thereby reducing maintenance time and the need for specialized expertise.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient replacement of components, reducing maintenance time and complexity while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Implementation Method 1
locking means (30, 31, 32) for respectively locking the at least one nozzle (5) to the distribution manifold (4), the distribution manifold (4) to the first connection member (6) and the latter to the mixer (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
A flaming head (1) for flame surface processing of stone and/or ceramic materials comprising a mixer (2) of two or more working fluids operatively connected to respective supply lines (3) for supplying working fluids to be mixed, a distribution manifold (4) which can be coupled to at least one nozzle (5) for dispensing a flame, a first connection member (6) for connecting the mixer (2) to the distribution manifold (4), wherein the at least one nozzle (5), the distribution manifold (4), the first connection member (6) and the mixer (2) are respectively provided with first (24), second (25) and third quick coupling locking and/or unlocking elements (26) adapted to reduce the assembly and/or replacement times thereof. Said quick coupling locking/unlocking elements are equipped with safety catches of the pin and/or fork type and comprise a cylindrical portion (27, 28, 29) interacting with locking means (30, 31, 32) to lock said nozzle to said distribution manifold, said distribution manifold to said first connection member, and said first connecting member to said mixer. Method for assembling and/or replacing the at least one nozzle (5) and/or the first connection member (6) and/or the distribution manifold (4) in a flaming head (1).