Quick Exchange Coupling for Welding Fixture Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing quick-change couplings for welding systems, particularly for internal combustion engine exhaust systems, are inefficient in allowing rapid attachment and detachment of device carriers to and from the carrier unit, leading to prolonged integration and removal times, and lack a stable yet easy-to-operate mechanism for maintaining defined positioning during the welding process.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change coupling system featuring a first and second clutch unit with a sliding engagement mechanism and form-fit positioning arrangement, where the sliding engagement recess forms an undercut and the sliding engagement body engages behind it, along with a clamping positioning arrangement and self-locking actuator, ensures a stable and easy-to-operate connection that allows quick engagement and disengagement, maintaining defined positioning for welding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a quick-change coupling mechanism is used to enable rapid attachment and detachment of device carriers, then the time required for integrating and removing device carriers is reduced, but the stability and positioning precision during the welding process may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one, allowing quick attachment and detachment. The device carrier can be rapidly coupled to and decoupled from the carrier unit through sliding movements, reducing integration and removal times while maintaining stability during the welding process through the form-fit positioning arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into separate coupling units: a first coupling unit on the carrier unit and a second coupling unit on the device carrier. This segmentation allows independent movement and positioning of each unit, enabling rapid attachment/detachment while the form-fit arrangement (positive-lock positioning) ensures stable positioning during welding operations
2Ease of operation
If a sliding engagement mechanism is used for quick coupling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the positioning precision and stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two functions into one coupling mechanism: the sliding engagement mechanism provides ease of operation for quick attachment, while the integrated form-fit positioning arrangement (positive-lock positioning) ensures precise positioning during welding. The undercut geometry merges the sliding path definition with the positioning function, achieving both ease of operation and positioning precision
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick-change coupling (16) for coupling a fixture carrier (14) to a carrier unit (12) of a welding cell (11), in particular for welding components for internal combustion engine exhaust systems, comprises a first coupling unit (18) to be fixed to a carrier unit (12) of a welding cell and at least one second coupling unit (20) to be fixed to a fixture carrier (14), wherein one coupling unit of the first coupling unit (18) and the second coupling unit (20) has a sliding engagement recess (24) and the other coupling unit of the first coupling unit (18) and the second coupling unit (20) has a sliding engagement body (26) that can be inserted into the sliding engagement recess (24) in a sliding direction (R), further comprising a positive-lock positioning arrangement (46) adjustable between a release state and a positive-lock positioning state.wherein, when the sliding engagement body (26) is positioned engaging in the sliding engagement recess (24), the positive locking positioning arrangement (46) in the positive locking positioning state holds the sliding engagement body (26) in an operating position relative to the sliding engagement recess (24) against displacement in the sliding engagement recess (24).