Welding Torch Nozzle Insert for Slip-On and Screw-On Diffusers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional arc welding torches require multiple nozzle configurations for different attachment methods, leading to increased inventory needs for manufacturers and users, as each attachment style necessitates separate nozzles, complicating the management and maintenance of welding torch components.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle assembly designed to accommodate both slip-on and screw-on gas diffuser assemblies, featuring a nozzle insert with a frictional engaging surface and threaded surface, allowing a single nozzle to be compatible with multiple attachment styles, thereby reducing the need for separate nozzles and simplifying inventory management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional nozzles are designed for a single attachment method, then secure attachment is ensured, but inventory complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinventory complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle is designed with dual functionality to accommodate both slip-on and screw-on attachment methods. The nozzle body includes both a friction surface for slip-on attachment and threaded portions for screw-on attachment, allowing a single nozzle design to serve multiple attachment purposes, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining secure attachment for both methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple nozzle configurations are maintained for different attachment methods, then compatibility with various gas diffuser assemblies is achieved, but inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidinventory quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the features of two separate nozzle designs (one for slip-on and one for screw-on) into a single integrated nozzle. The nozzle body combines a friction surface, threaded portions, and an engagement surface that allows it to work with both slip-on and screw-on gas diffuser assemblies, eliminating the need to maintain separate inventory for each attachment method

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate nozzles are used for slip-on and screw-on gas diffuser assemblies, then proper attachment is ensured, but component management becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment propernessVSAvoidcomponent management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The universal nozzle design allows operators to use a single nozzle type for both slip-on and screw-on gas diffuser assemblies. The nozzle's dual attachment capabilities eliminate the need for operators to track and manage different nozzle types, simplifying component management while ensuring proper attachment through the appropriate attachment method

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution allows for a single nozzle to be used with both slip-on and screw-on gas diffuser assemblies, significantly reducing inventory requirements and simplifying the management of welding torch components, while ensuring secure attachment and operation.

Implementation Method 1

the core includes screw threads configured to engage complementary screw threads of the nozzle assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a front shoulder positioned at an intersection of the core and the base, where the front shoulder is configured to abut a complementary shoulder of a nozzle assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3749477B1Gas diffuser assembly for nozzle assemblies having multiple attachment methods ; welding torch with such gas diffuser assembly
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3749477B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3749477B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3749477B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to a gas diffuser (502b) comprising a base comprising a groove (520) configured to accept a retaining ring, a nose (514) having gas holes (522), a core coupling the base to the nose (514), wherein the core includes screw threads (524) configured to engage complementary screw threads of the nozzle assembly, and a front shoulder (512) positioned at an intersection of the core and the base, wherein the front shoulder (512) is configured to abut a complementary shoulder of a nozzle assembly. The present application relates to a gas diffuser assembly comprising such gas diffuser and a welding torch comprising such gas diffuser assembly.