Plasma Torch Nozzle Elastic Contact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma torches face issues with forming a reliable electroconductive path to the nozzle, leading to increased contact resistance and risk of damage due to sparks, and the nozzle removal process is hindered by strong elastic forces, which can misalign the nozzle axis.
Innovation Solution
A plasma torch design featuring an elastic electric contact portion that presses against the nozzle's electroconductive surface parallel to its axis, forming a reliable electroconductive path and facilitating easy nozzle removal, with the contact location within the coolant channel to prevent sparking and allow for replacement of damaged components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic electrical connection terminals apply strong elastic force to the nozzle external surface, then reliable electroconductive path is formed, but nozzle removal becomes difficult and axis misalignment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies elastic electrical connection terminals only at specific locations on the nozzle external surface, rather than uniformly across the entire nozzle. This localized application provides sufficient electrical contact where needed while minimizing the overall holding force that would interfere with nozzle removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic electrical connection terminals are designed to be dynamically adjustable. During normal operation, they maintain strong contact pressure for reliable electrical connection. During nozzle removal, the retaining cap is loosened and the elastic terminals can be compressed or deactivated, reducing their holding force and facilitating easy nozzle extraction.
2Reliability
If the electroconductive contact occurs in air between the nozzle and nozzle seat, then electrical connection is formed, but sparks may occur and damage the torch main unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the elastic electrical connection terminals and their contact points with the nozzle within the coolant channel, which is filled with water or other coolant fluid. This creates an inert environment that prevents sparking and electrical discharge, as water acts as an electrical insulator. Even if poor contact occurs, the coolant prevents harmful sparks from forming and protects the torch main unit from damage.
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 ensures a stable and reliable electroconductive path for the pilot arc, easy nozzle replacement, and prevents axis misalignment, while minimizing damage and maintenance costs by containing sparks within the coolant channel.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic electric contact portion contacting with the electroconductive surface of the nozzle to form an electroconductive path for a pilot arc to the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The contact location between the electroconductive surface of the nozzle and the electric contact portion is disposed inside a coolant channel through which coolant flows. Accordingly, a spark is unlikely to be generated due to damage to the electrical insulation, and damage from sparking can be reduced in the case that poor contact occurs
Implementation Method 3
moves the pilot arc, and establishes a plasma arc, which is an electrical discharge between a workpiece and an electrode for cutting the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A plasma torch includes a torch main unit and a nozzle. The torch main unit has a nozzle seat member on which the nozzle is mounted. The nozzle is arranged to move toward or away from the nozzle seat member in a direction substantially parallel to a center axis of the nozzle when the nozzle is mounted on or removed from the nozzle seat member. The nozzle has an electroconductive surface facing the nozzle seat member. The torch main unit has an elastic electric contact portion contacting with the electroconductive surface of the nozzle to form an electroconductive path for a pilot arc to the nozzle. The electroconductive surface of the nozzle presses the electric contact portion in the direction substantially parallel to the center axis when the nozzle is moved toward the nozzle seat member to mount the nozzle on the nozzle seat member.