Pile Cage Welding Unit for Continuous Spiral-to-Bar Seams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pile cage machines are limited to spot welding, which results in lower strength and reliability compared to welding seams, and is more invasive, especially for large-diameter bars, requiring increased welding current or time, compromising material mechanical characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A pile cage machine equipped with a linear welding unit that performs a welding seam along the intersection points between the wire spiral and bars, utilizing a carriage with a welding torch that moves in multiple degrees of freedom to create a continuous weld, extending beyond the tangential intersection point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If spot welding is used to join wire spiral and bars, then the welding process is simpler and faster, but the welding strength and reliability are lower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding speedVSAvoidwelding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous linear welding along the intersection line of the wire spiral and bars, replacing discrete spot welding. The welding torch moves continuously along the intersection trajectory, creating an unbroken weld seam that provides superior strength and reliability while maintaining production efficiency through automated motion control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Strength

If welding current or time is increased for large-diameter bars, then welding strength is improved, but material mechanical characteristics are compromised due to invasiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding strengthVSAvoidmaterial damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies welding precisely at the local intersection regions where the wire spiral meets the bars, rather than applying high current or extended welding time across the entire bar surface. This localized welding approach achieves sufficient bonding strength while minimizing thermal influence zone and preserving the mechanical properties of the base material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses moderate welding parameters applied continuously along the intersection line, achieving adequate welding strength without excessive thermal input. The continuous linear weld distributes the thermal influence over a longer path with lower intensity, avoiding the concentrated high heat input of spot welding that damages large-diameter bars.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If a linear welding unit with multiple degrees of freedom is implemented, then welding seam quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding seam qualityVSAvoidcarriage system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding carriage is designed with multiple degrees of freedom to perform multiple functions: positioning the torch along the longitudinal axis, adjusting radial position to follow the helical wire spiral trajectory, and orienting the torch to maintain proper welding angle. This multi-functional carriage handles both the motion control and welding execution, reducing the need for separate positioning and welding systems.

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 enhances the quality of the final product by providing a stronger, more reliable welding seam that is less invasive, improving the mechanical characteristics of the reinforcement cages, particularly for large-diameter bars, while maintaining an economical and reliable process.

Implementation Method 1

a linear welding unit (G) that performs a welding seam along the intersection points between the wire spiral and bars

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc welding: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP4032634B1Pile cage machine provided with welding unit
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 EMG SARL
  • EP4032634B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4032634B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4032634B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Pile cage welding machine for realizing a metal cage (99) composed of an annular set of bars (90), a wire spiral (80) being wound and welded around said bars (90) along a helical trajectory; said machine (100) comprising a welding torch (10) mounted on a carriage (19) and suitable for realizing a welding seam (50) in the tangential intersection point between said bars (90) and said wire spiral (80).