Quick-Change Nozzle System for Flame Cutting Torch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting torch designs require cumbersome and complex procedures for changing nozzles, making it difficult to quickly and reliably switch between different cutting tips or nozzles, especially in automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change nozzle system featuring a cap-like heating nozzle arrangement with a bayonet lock mechanism, utilizing O-rings and dowel pins for secure sealing and easy detachment, allowing for tool-free and efficient nozzle exchange without complex locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a one-piece gas-mixing nozzle with fine-pitch thread connection is used, then the connection is sealed and firm, but the nozzle replacement becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is divided into separate components: the burner tip, the torch tip, and the torch head with sleeve. This segmentation allows individual replacement of worn or damaged components without replacing the entire assembly, reducing replacement time while maintaining connection reliability through the sleeve's threading mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static fine-pitch thread to a dynamic quick-change mechanism using the sleeve that can be rapidly engaged and disengaged. The sleeve provides both sealing through its fine-pitch thread and quick connection capability, allowing operators to switch nozzles quickly while maintaining reliable sealed connections.
2Reliability
If multiple O-rings and complex locking mechanisms are used for nozzle retention, then the connection is secure, but the nozzle change procedure becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-O-ring sealing system and bayonet lock mechanism are extracted from the nozzle-retention function. Instead, a simplified sleeve-based retention system is implemented that provides secure nozzle holding through a single threading mechanism, reducing complexity while maintaining retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve automatically performs both sealing and retention functions through its threading engagement with the torch head. The fine-pitch thread provides both the sealing action and the mechanical retention, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and locking mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the heating nozzle and cutting nozzle are separately connected to the coupling, then the connection is secure, but the nozzle change process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The heating nozzle and cutting nozzle connection steps are merged into a single integrated operation. The sleeve simultaneously secures both nozzles to the torch head through its threading mechanism, allowing both connections to be made or broken in one action, thereby increasing nozzle change speed while maintaining connection security.
4Ease of operation
If a bayonet lock mechanism with multiple connecting elements is used, then the quick release is achieved, but the connecting elements are exposed to mechanical damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary protective element that shields the internal threading and connecting surfaces from direct exposure to the environment. By providing a enclosed threading mechanism, the sleeve prevents contamination from debris and reduces mechanical damage risk, while still enabling quick release through rapid sleeve engagement and disengagement.
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
Enables rapid, reliable, and tool-free changing of cutting nozzles and heating nozzles, protecting connecting elements from mechanical damage and contamination, and facilitating automated nozzle changes in flame cutting machines and robots.
Implementation Method 1
an O-ring which rests sealingly on the inner wall of an annular groove in the burner head
Implementation Method 2
at least one first connecting element of a bayonet lock is fixed to an upper section of the cap-like heating nozzle arrangement, which is detachably connected to at least one second connecting element of the bayonet lock
Implementation Method 3
Outer casing of the cutting nozzle is provided with longitudinal slots which extend upstream from a lower end of the cutting nozzle and are used to supply a fuel gas-oxygen mixture to a heating nozzle outlet
Implementation Method 4
The burner tip is connected to the burner head via metal seals, for which purpose the burner tip is provided with conical sealing surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The torch has a cutting nozzle (1), and a quick-release fasteners (6, 7) including a connecting element attached to an upper section (4) of a cap-like heating nozzle (2). A ring-shaped supporting surface (13) is provided inside of the upper section of the heating nozzle and is provided opposite to a ring-shaped supporting surface (12). An O-ring (11) is arranged between the supporting surfaces. A connecting element of a quick-release fastener (8) is attached to a lower outer sleeve section (10) of a burner body (3). The connecting elements are removably connected with each other.