Plasma Cutter Torch and Work Lead Quick Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional plasma cutting systems have inefficient storage and transportation due to permanently attached torch and work lead cables, which are difficult to coil and store separately from the power supply unit, leading to awkward storage shapes and limited flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for removably securing the torch and work lead assemblies to the plasma cutting power supply using quick connect and twist lock connectors, enabling easy detachment and attachment without disassembling the power supply unit, facilitating coiling and separate storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the torch and work lead cables are permanently attached to the power supply unit, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the cables are difficult to coil and store separately, leading to awkward storage shapes and limited flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable system into separate modular components: the power supply unit with integrated cable storage, the torch assembly with its own cable management, and the work lead assembly with dedicated storage. This segmentation allows each component to be stored independently in its designated compartment, eliminating the awkward storage shape problem while maintaining reliable connections through quick-connect interfaces.
2Reliability
If the torch and work lead cables are permanently attached to the power supply unit, then the connection is secure, but the cables must remain with the power supply and cannot be stored in alternative locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the cables into independent assemblies that can be detached and stored in various locations. The torch assembly can be stored with the power supply or separately, and the work lead assembly can be stored independently, providing versatile storage options while maintaining secure connections through quick-connect interfaces when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic connectivity where the cable connections can transition between attached and detached states. The quick-connect interfaces allow users to securely attach cables when working and easily detach them for alternative storage locations, providing adaptability between different operational and storage scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the fixed ends of the cables extend outward from the power supply unit, then the connections are accessible, but the storage shape becomes awkward and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested cable storage where the flexible cables are designed to coil and nest within dedicated compartments of the power supply unit. The torch assembly nests in one compartment and the work lead assembly nests in another, creating a compact, efficient storage shape while maintaining accessible connection points at the front panel for easy attachment and detachment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods relating to securing a torch assembly and a work lead assembly to a plasma cutting power supply are provided. The present disclosure relates to a system and method that allows the torch assembly and the work lead assembly to be readily replaced by the user since the power supply unit need not be opened or disassembled for removal. The present disclosure provides methods and systems for removably securing both the torch assembly and the work lead assembly to the plasma cutting power supply. In one embodiment, the torch assembly and the work lead assembly may be communicatively coupled to the plasma cutting power supply unit via a single cable and a single connector. The connection between the first connector and the first port may be of the quick disconnectable type. The connection between the second connector and the second port may be of the twist lock type, such as a dinse style connector.