Perpendicular Jaw Welding Electrode Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional welding electrode holders either make electrode replacement slow and cumbersome or fail to securely hold the electrode, leading to unstable operation and safety issues.

Innovation Solution

A welding electrode holder with spring-loaded jaws oriented perpendicularly to the handle, allowing for easy and secure electrode replacement, featuring a thumb tab for jaw control and a cable connector for electrical communication, ensuring comfortable and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spin loose and spin tight electrode holder is used, then the electrode can be securely held, but the electrode replacement process becomes slow and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode holding securityVSAvoidelectrode replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode holder is divided into separate components: a body, a replaceable jaw assembly, and a spring mechanism. The jaw assembly can be independently removed and replaced from the body, allowing quick electrode changes without disassembling the entire holder. This segmentation enables the operator to quickly swap jaws while maintaining secure electrode holding when the jaws are closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The jaw assembly incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism that provides dynamic movement between open and closed positions. The spring automatically returns the jaws to the closed position after electrode insertion, eliminating the need for manual tightening operations. This dynamic mechanism reduces electrode replacement time while maintaining reliable electrode clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If a parallel jaw clamp electrode holder is used, then electrode replacement is easy, but the electrode is not firmly and securely held

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode replacement timeVSAvoidelectrode holding security
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to automatically apply clamping force to the electrode as soon as the jaws close around it. This preliminary action ensures firm electrode holding from the moment of insertion, eliminating the need for additional tightening steps. The operator simply inserts the electrode and releases the jaw assembly, and the spring immediately secures the electrode in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded jaw assembly is self-actuating and requires no manual intervention to maintain electrode clamping force. Once the electrode is inserted and the jaws are released, the spring automatically maintains consistent pressure on the electrode throughout operation. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable electrode holding without requiring operator attention or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the jaws are oriented parallel to the handle, then the structure is simple, but the handle cannot be gripped comfortably and safely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejaws orientation structureVSAvoidhandle gripping comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw assembly is oriented perpendicular to the handle axis, creating a three-dimensional configuration rather than a simple linear arrangement. This perpendicular orientation allows the operator to grip the handle comfortably with one hand while the jaws extend sideways to hold the electrode. This dimensional change resolves the conflict between structural simplicity and ergonomic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 provides stable electrode holding, quick and easy replacement, and enhanced control during stick welding, reducing downtime and improving operational safety.

Implementation Method 1

A pair of jaws are positioned within the jaws region of the body. The jaws are movable between an open position and a closed position, and are biased towards the closed position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10259069B2Welding electrode holder
Publication Date: 2019.04.16 TOWNSEND CARL
  • US10259069B2 patent drawing
  • US10259069B2 patent drawing
  • US10259069B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A welding electrode holder is provided. The welding electrode holder comprises a handle and electrode clamps extending nearly perpendicularly from the handle, thereby providing easy loading and unloading of electrodes, coupled with secure holding of the electrode during operation.