Plasma Arc Torch Nozzle O-Ring Groove and Centering Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzles for liquid-cooled plasma arc torches face issues where the O-ring can be damaged during installation into the nozzle holder, and the contact area for cooling liquid is limited, affecting cooling efficiency and centering.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring a cylindrical section with a groove for the O-ring at the rear end, a conically tapered section for centering, and additional grooves or channels for improved coolant contact, reducing O-ring damage and enhancing cooling and centering within the nozzle holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the groove for the O-ring is located directly at the rear end of the nozzle, then the O-ring can be easily positioned, but the O-ring can be damaged when inserted into the nozzle holder
Solution Approach 1:
The groove for the O-ring is positioned in the first portion at a distance from the rear end of the nozzle, allowing the O-ring to be pre-positioned and secured before the nozzle is inserted into the holder. This preliminary positioning prevents the O-ring from being damaged during insertion, as it is already protected by the nozzle body structure.
2Device complexity
If the cooling liquid contact area is limited to the rear, then the nozzle structure is simpler, but the cooling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends the cooling liquid contact area from merely the rear region to include the first portion of the nozzle body where the O-ring groove is located. This dimensional extension of the cooling contact zone allows coolant to flow along a longer path and contact a larger surface area, significantly improving cooling efficiency without substantially increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the difference between outer diameters D12 and D11 is small, then the nozzle fits more tightly in the holder, but the centering surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle body is divided into distinct portions: a first portion with a larger outer diameter D12 that provides an extended centering surface for accurate alignment with the holder, and a second portion with a smaller outer diameter D11 that creates a clearance gap. This segmentation allows the centering function and fitting function to be separated, enabling both accurate centering and easy fitting to be achieved simultaneously.
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 design allows for the O-ring to be positioned without damage and increases the coolant contact area, improving cooling efficiency and centering of the nozzle, especially during high-power operations.
Implementation Method 1
a centering surface for a nozzle holder which defines an outer diameter D12 of the body and a second portion adjoining it towards the front end of the body and having an axial length L2, which has an axial stop surface for the nozzle holder at the boundary with the first section
Implementation Method 2
the contact area between the cooling liquid and the nozzle is limited to the rear
Implementation Method 3
liquid-cooled plasma arc torch
Data Source
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AI summary
Nozzles for a liquid-cooled plasma arc burner head, as well as an arrangement consisting of a nozzle holder and such a nozzle and plasma arc burner head and plasma arc burner with the same/the same.