Plasma Torch Guide Assembly for Adjustable Bevel Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma cutting torch accessories lack the ability to efficiently facilitate cutting beveled edges on metal workpieces and do not offer adjustable features for angle and height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A torch support and guide apparatus with a base plate, support arms, a handle, and a pivotally adjustable clamp subassembly, allowing for adjustable positioning and clamping of the plasma cutting torch, along with a fence for controlling cut depth, enabling precise cutting of beveled edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed torch support apparatus is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate various angles and heights for cutting beveled edges
Solution Approach 1:
The torch support apparatus employs dynamic adjustability through vertically extending slots in the support arms that allow the clamp subassembly to be repositioned to different heights and angles. The swing member can pivot within the cutout opening to accommodate various cutting angles, while the clamping bracket can be adjusted along the swing member to clamp the torch at different positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus is divided into multiple independent adjustable components: the base plate with cutout opening, the support arms with vertically extending slots, the pivotally adjustable clamp subassembly with swing member, and the clamping bracket. Each segment can be independently adjusted and positioned, allowing the overall system to achieve versatility without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing torch supports are used, then the device complexity is low, but they lack the functionality to precisely guide and control cut depth for beveled edges
Solution Approach 1:
The fence acts as an intermediary guide structure that abuts against the workpiece to control and limit the depth of the cut. The slide arm with horizontally extending slot provides an intermediate adjustment mechanism that allows the fence to be positioned at different depths along the base plate, enabling precise control of cut depth without requiring complex measurement and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp subassembly is pre-configured with a swing member that can be pivotally adjusted to the desired angle before clamping the torch. The fence is pre-positioned along the groove to establish the cut depth limit beforehand. These preliminary adjustments ensure that when cutting begins, the torch is already correctly positioned and guided for precise beveled edge cutting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable clamp subassembly is incorporated, then the torch can be positioned at various angles and heights, but the ease of operation decreases due to multiple adjustment steps
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions are merged into the clamp subassembly: the swing member provides angular adjustment by pivoting within the cutout opening, the vertically extending slots provide height adjustment, and the clamping bracket provides torch positioning. By combining these functions into a single integrated subassembly that clamps onto the torch, the operator can make all adjustments through one component rather than separately adjusting multiple independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable during operation. The swing member can pivot freely within the cutout opening to change angles, the clamp can be moved along the vertically extending slots to change heights, and the clamping bracket can be repositioned along the swing member. This dynamic design allows operators to quickly adapt to different cutting requirements without complex procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A torch support and guide apparatus for a plasma cutting torch, for assisting a user in beveling workpiece edges and in sectioning workpieces. The apparatus includes a main support body having a base plate and a pair of support arms extending upwardly from the base plate, the arms configured to support a handle therebetween. The base plate has a cutout notch formed therein to accommodate a clamp subassembly which includes a U-shaped swing member and a clamping bracket. The base plate has a substantially rectangular shape, and has a horizontally extending groove formed in an upper surface thereof. The apparatus also includes a fence with a guide portion and a slide arm integrally attached to the guide portion. The slide arm of the fence fits slidably in the groove of the base plate. A kit for constructing the apparatus and a method of using the apparatus are also disclosed.