Modular Welding Torch Assembly for Confined Bore and Pad Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bore welders are limited by their combined linear and rotary drivers, which restrict their use in confined spaces and require additional accessories for pipe flange welding, increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A modular welding device with a rotatable welding torch assembly and a detachable drive assembly that can be oriented in multiple configurations, allowing linear translation along different axes and enabling the device to be used for both bore and pad welding without the need for separate machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the linear and rotary drivers are combined in existing bore welders, then the welding function is integrated, but the rotary shaft must be longer by at least the distance that the shaft is linearly displaced, limiting the ability to use the machine in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to use in confined spacesVSAvoidrotary shaft length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The welding device is divided into separate functional modules: a welding torch assembly that can be detached from the drive assembly. This segmentation allows the rotary mechanism to remain outside the confined space while the compact torch assembly performs welding inside the bore, resolving the contradiction between integrated function and compact operational size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary drive mechanism is extracted from the welding torch assembly and positioned externally. The torch assembly can be detached and inserted into confined spaces independently, while the longer rotary shaft remains outside, eliminating the constraint that the shaft length must accommodate linear displacement within the confined space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing bore welders require a separate accessory or attachment to build up material on a pipe flange, then specialized welding functions are available, but additional constraints are added to the welding setup, increasing complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewelding function varietyVSAvoidsetup constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding torch assembly is designed with universal attachment capabilities that allow it to be configured for different welding applications including bore welding and pipe flange building. By making the torch assembly itself multi-functional rather than requiring separate accessories, the system reduces setup constraints and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11919109B2Welding devices

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 PANATOOL TECH INC

AI summary

There is described a modular welding device having a welding torch assembly defining a welding axis and having a welding torch rotatable about the welding axis. The welding device further includes a drive assembly releasably attachable to the welding torch assembly and operable to linearly translate the welding torch assembly along an axis of translation. When the drive assembly is attached to the welding torch assembly in a first orientation relative to the welding torch assembly, the drive assembly is detachable from the welding torch assembly and re-attachable to the welding torch assembly so as to be disposed in a second orientation relative to the welding torch assembly.