Processing Head O-Ring Mount for Low-Force Precise Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing heads for thermal material processing, such as plasma torches and laser heads, face challenges in easily and securely fitting wearing parts with minimal force, while ensuring precise axial, radial, and rotational positioning, particularly under high thermal and mechanical stresses.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates connecting parts with slots of varying dimensions and O-rings that initially contact at partial circumferences, allowing for reduced force requirements and easy alignment, featuring oblique slot extensions and chamfers for gradual deformation and secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fitting methods with full-circumference O-ring contact are used, then secure sealing is achieved, but high fitting force is required and alignment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial contact between the O-ring and the encircling inner face during the fitting process. The O-ring initially contacts only a portion of the inner face (partial circumference), allowing the wearing part to be fitted with reduced force. As fitting progresses, the contact area increases gradually, ensuring complete sealing without requiring high initial fitting force throughout the entire circumference.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional fitting methods are used, then secure sealing is achieved, but precise alignment and positioning are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features including oblique slot extensions and chamfers on the connecting parts. These features guide the wearing part into correct axial, radial, and rotational positioning before the O-ring makes full contact. The oblique slots allow for self-alignment during insertion, while chamfers facilitate gradual engagement, ensuring precise positioning is achieved before sealing occurs.
3Strength
If high fitting force is applied to ensure secure connection, then connection strength is improved, but wearing parts and sealing elements are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial circumference contact during fitting to distribute the connection strength requirement across a progressive engagement process. Instead of applying high force uniformly across the entire O-ring circumference, the force is applied gradually as the O-ring engages from a partial contact area, preventing damage to the wearing parts and sealing elements while still achieving secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact parameter from full-circumference contact to partial-circumference contact during fitting. This parameter change allows the connection to be established with lower force, preserving component integrity. The progressive engagement ensures that the O-ring deforms gradually rather than being subjected to sudden high stress that could cause damage.
4Manufacturing precision
If standard slot designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but precise rotational and axial positioning cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric slot geometries including oblique slot extensions and chamfers that are positioned at specific angles and locations. These asymmetric features provide unique mechanical keys for achieving precise rotational and axial positioning of the wearing part. The oblique slots create directional guidance that prevents misalignment, while the asymmetric chamfer geometry ensures correct orientation during assembly.
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 facilitates easy fitting and secure sealing of wearing parts with reduced force, ensuring precise alignment and extended part life in high-stress environments, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the O-ring (132, 232) or profile ring is initially in contact with the opposite inner face (240, 242, 244) or opposite outer face (110, 112, 142) only around a partial circumference... exhibiting, around its circumference, distances of different sizes
Data Source
AI summary
Method for fitting or plugging a first connecting part into a second connecting part of a processing head for thermal material processing, the first connecting part having, on an encircling outer face, and/or the second connecting part having, on an encircling inner face, at least one slot, extending at least around a partial circumference, with a slot width B130, B230 and a slot depth T130, T230, T112, T120, which receives an O-ring or profile ring, extending around the entire circumference, with a cord size Sa, wherein, when the first connecting part is fitted or plugged into the second connecting part, the O-ring or profile ring is initially in contact with the opposite inner face or opposite outer face only around a partial circumference, which extends along the slot, or around a plurality of partial circumferences, which extend along the slot, and connecting parts and arrangements made up thereof.