Quick-Change Welding Torch Cable Housing That Preserves Tool Center Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional welding torch cable replacement is time-consuming and requires tools, disrupting the tool center point and necessitating updates to the welding program, leading to deviations in the tool center point.
Innovation Solution
The quick-change cable system includes a housing with a first aperture for the welding torch neck and a second aperture for the welding torch cable, featuring a fastener that biases the cable toward the aperture for secure engagement without tools, maintaining the tool center point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cable replacement methods are used, then the cable can be replaced, but the replacement process is time-consuming and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is segmented into modular components including a quick-change connector, cable, and torch assembly. The connector separates into a cable connector portion and a torch connector portion that can be independently replaced, enabling rapid cable replacement without replacing the entire assembly or requiring tool-assisted disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-change connector incorporates a dynamic release mechanism with movable release levers that transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic system allows the cable to be securely held during operation but quickly released when maintenance is needed, enabling tool-free rapid replacement.
2Productivity
If conventional cable replacement is performed, then the cable can be changed, but the tool center point is disrupted requiring welding program updates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into separate cable and torch portions with standardized interfaces. The torch connector portion remains fixed on the torch assembly, maintaining the tool center point, while only the cable connector portion is replaced. This segmentation isolates the replacement operation to non-critical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-change connector design provides universal compatibility with standard torch assemblies through standardized interfaces and mounting features. This universality ensures that the torch connector portion maintains consistent positioning and tool center point regardless of which cable is connected.
3Productivity
If conventional replacement methods are used, then cable replacement is possible, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component within the quick-change connector, with release levers that can be independently actuated. This extraction simplifies the replacement process by providing dedicated, easy-to-operate release elements that clearly indicate when the cable is secured or released.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-change connector incorporates self-aligning features and self-latching mechanisms that automatically position and secure the cable connector during replacement. The system performs its own alignment and locking functions without requiring external tools or complex manual manipulation.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A housing for securing a welding torch comprising a first aperture at a first end of the housing to receive a welding torch neck, a second aperture at a second end of the housing to receive a welding torch cable, and at least one fastener mounted on an external surface of the housing, wherein the fastener is configured to bias the welding torch cable toward the first aperture to secure the welding torch cable when the fastener is engaged.