Quick-Release Feeder Mount for Robotic Welding Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting and releasing a wire feeder in robotic welding systems is arduous and time-consuming, requiring tools and being limited to discrete positions, which complicates proper alignment and connection to the torch cable.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising an adapter plate, a feeder plate, and a clamping plate that allows the feeder plate to be clamped in any position along the adapter plate, with a locking mechanism to prevent disengagement, enabling tool-free mounting and adjustment of the wire feeder's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting methods are used to secure the wire feeder to the robot, then the connection is reliable and stable, but the mounting and removal process becomes arduous and time-consuming requiring tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting plate attached to the robot, a feeder plate attached to the wire feeder, and a clamping plate that secures them together. This segmentation allows the wire feeder to be quickly attached and removed without tools by simply sliding the feeder plate between the mounting plate and clamping plate
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping plate can be dynamically adjusted to different positions along the mounting plate to accommodate various wire feeder positions. The clamping mechanism allows for quick adjustment and securing of the wire feeder at any desired location within the clamping zone, enabling fast mounting and removal operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wire feeder is mounted at discrete predetermined positions on the mounting plate, then the mounting structure is simple, but the alignment and connection to the torch cable becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping plate is designed to be adjustable along the mounting plate, allowing the wire feeder to be positioned at any location within the clamping zone rather than being restricted to discrete predetermined positions. This dynamic positioning capability provides continuous adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple mounting structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to accommodate wire feeders at multiple positions along the mounting plate, making the system universally adaptable to different cable routing requirements and torch positions. The same mounting structure serves multiple positioning functions without requiring complex adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release mounting assembly or connector assembly for connecting a wire feeder to a robotic welding system is disclosed. The connector assembly includes an adapter plate configured to mount to a robotic welder of the robotic welding system, a feeder plate configured to couple to a wire feeder of the robotic welding system, and a clamping plate mounted to the adapter plate and configured to clamp the feeder plate to the adapter plate. The feeder plate can be positioned and clamped in place by the clamping plate when the clamping plate is at least partially disposed within a clamping zone.