Rotary Changer Interlocking Member for Welding Torch Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary changers for welding torches fail to prevent deformation or damage to the changer's interlockable portions when attaching or removing torch components, due to misalignment of the torch component's center axis with the changer's rotational axis.
Innovation Solution
A rotary changer design featuring a rotator with an interlocking member that moves away from the torch component upon insertion, utilizing a cam mechanism and biasing means to align and interlock with the torch component's peripheral surface, reducing friction and wear, and allowing for misalignment correction, thus preventing deformation and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the torch component is inserted into the changer recess with misalignment between the component's center axis and the changer's rotational axis, then the insertion process can proceed without precise alignment requirements, but the interlockable portion of the changer may contact the torch component unintentionally causing deformation or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The interlockable portion is designed to be movable in a direction intersecting with the rotational axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When the torch component is inserted, the interlockable portion can move away from the rotational axis to avoid contact during insertion, then move toward the axis to achieve proper interlocking, thus preventing damage while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The interlockable portion is positioned away from the rotational axis before insertion occurs, creating a preliminary safe state. This preliminary positioning prevents unwanted contact during the insertion process, and the subsequent movement toward the axis establishes the proper interlocking state after insertion is complete
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 solution effectively prevents deformation and damage to the changer's interlockable portions, reduces wear, and eliminates the need for a separate drive source, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of torch component replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The rotator includes a cam means including a sliding portion and a cam portion. The sliding portion is slidable along its rotational axis and configured to slide toward the other end of the rotator when pressed by the torch component being inserted into the hollow. The cam portion is configured to move the interlocking member toward the rotational axis while the sliding portion is sliding toward the other end of the rotator.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a rotary changer (1) including a rotator (3) rotatable on a rotational axis (C3) extending vertically. An interlocking member (6) is arranged to rotate integrally with the rotator (3) and be movable in a direction intersecting with the rotational axis (C3). The interlocking member (6) has an interlocking groove (60) interlockable with an outer peripheral surface of a nozzle (11) inserted into the hollow (30) of the rotator (3). Rotating the rotator (3) with the interlocking member (6) interlocked with the nozzle (11) makes the nozzle (11) replaceable.