Pendulum TIG Torch Geometry for Narrow Gap Sidewall Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Narrow gap welding techniques, particularly pendulum oscillation TIG welding, face challenges in achieving effective sidewall fusion due to structural constraints that limit the oscillation radius and angle of the tungsten electrode, leading to inefficiencies in energy transfer and incomplete fusion during high-speed welding.

Innovation Solution

A modified pendulum oscillation welding device with a connecting member between the oscillation shaft and the TIG torch, allowing the pivot point to be positioned closer to the weld groove, reduces the oscillation radius and increases the oscillation amplitude, thereby enhancing the angle of the electrode to the sidewall and improving energy density alignment for better fusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional pendulum oscillation welding is used with large oscillation radius, then the electrode can reach the sidewall, but the angle between electrode and sidewall is too small (5°-10°) for effective fusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesidewall fusion qualityVSAvoidoscillation radius
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A connection member is introduced as an intermediary between the oscillation shaft and the TIG torch. This connection member transfers the oscillation motion while enabling the pivot point to be positioned closer to the weld groove, thus achieving a smaller oscillation radius with larger electrode-to-sidewall angle for improved fusion quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the oscillation parameters by reducing the oscillation radius from conventional large values (60mm or more) to a smaller range (5mm-50mm), and simultaneously increases the oscillation amplitude. This parameter transformation allows the electrode tip to maintain a larger angle (15°-25°) with the sidewall while still reaching it during oscillation, enabling effective sidewall fusion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If oscillation radius is reduced to increase electrode angle to sidewall, then energy density alignment improves, but the electrode may not reach the sidewall effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy density alignmentVSAvoidelectrode reachability to sidewall
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the oscillation system dynamic by increasing the oscillation amplitude while reducing the radius. The connection member enables the electrode tip to dynamically reach the sidewall during the oscillation cycle despite the smaller radius, maintaining both energy density alignment and sidewall contact effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the oscillation parameters (reducing radius to 5mm-50mm while increasing amplitude), the system achieves optimal energy density alignment with the sidewall. The modified parameters ensure the electrode tip can still reach and effectively fuse with the sidewall throughout the oscillation cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If conventional clamping method is used with TIG torch directly on oscillation shaft, then结构简单 (simple structure), but the pivot point cannot be positioned close to the weld groove

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidpivot point position precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member serves as an intermediary that enables precise positioning of the pivot point close to the weld groove. While adding a component, it achieves superior positioning precision that directly improves sidewall fusion quality, making the added complexity worthwhile

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution significantly reduces defects from lack of sidewall fusion, increases the thickness of filler metal that can be effectively fused, and enhances both welding efficiency and quality, as demonstrated in various welding positions and materials, including high-strength steel and stainless steel pipes.

Implementation Method 1

pendulum type oscillation refers to the situation in which the tungsten electrode of the TIG torch swings from side to side about an oscillation pivot at a certain amplitude, i.e., a certain oscillation radius, similar to the swing motion of a pendulum bob in a pendulum clock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPendulum oscillation: Pendulum

Implementation Method 2

the center part of the arc discharge, which has the highest energy density, faces the sidewall so as to cause a better fusion between the filler metal and the sidewall metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric arc discharge: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentUS11845148B2Device and method for automatic narrow gap TIG welding
Publication Date: 2023.12.19 QU BO
  • US11845148B2 patent drawing
  • US11845148B2 patent drawing
  • US11845148B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A welding device includes a welding torch having an electrode, an oscillation assembly having an oscillation shaft, and a connection member. The welding torch is affixed to the connection member at a first point and the oscillation shaft is affixed to the connection member at a second point. An extension of the axis of the oscillation shaft intersects with the axis of the welding torch at an intersection point. The distance from the intersection point to the tip of the electrode is less than a distance from the first point on the connection member to the tip of the electrode. During operation, the oscillation in the oscillation shaft is transferred through the connection member to the welding torch and causes pendulum type oscillations in the welding torch with the intersection point serving as the pivot point of the oscillation.