Rotatable Chuck Device for Automated Welding Tip Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for replacing welding tips and nozzles on a welding torch main body are not efficient in handling multiple tips and nozzles, requiring complex and costly processes.
Innovation Solution
A chuck device with a rotatable chuck base, engagement part, and movable fingers that can grip and release welding tips and nozzles, integrated with a robot system for automated and efficient replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional devices are used for replacing welding tips and nozzles, then the replacement process can be performed, but the process becomes complex and costly, and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of holding multiple welding tips and nozzles, rotating to position them, and gripping/release operations into a single integrated chuck device. The chuck base holds multiple items, the rotation mechanism positions them, and the fingers perform gripping - all in one unified structure rather than separate devices, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining high replacement efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The chuck device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both welding tips and nozzles using the same basic structure. The engagement part can engage with different types of welding consumables, and the rotation mechanism can position various items, making the device universal and eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices
2Loss of time
If multiple welding tips and nozzles are handled separately, then each item can be replaced, but the cycle time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck base pre-holds multiple welding tips and nozzles in ready positions before they are needed. The rotation mechanism can quickly bring the next required item into position without waiting for the current item to be fully consumed or removed, enabling continuous operation and reducing cycle time between replacements
Data Source
AI summary
A chuck device capable of efficiently changing a welding tip and nozzle. The chuck device includes a rotatable chuck base, an engagement part fixed to the chuck base so as to rotate integrally with the chuck base and can engage an engagement surface of the welding tip, the engagement part allowing the welding tip to rotate with the chuck base when the chuck base is rotated while engaged with the engagement surface, and a plurality of fingers provided to the chuck base to be openable and closable and can hold the welding tip and the nozzle, the plurality of fingers being capable of moving in directions approaching and separating from the engagement part.