Rotatable Plasma Torch With Dielectric Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plasma cutting torches in robotic systems face limitations due to rotational movement, which causes stress on electrical and cooling connections, leading to increased downtime and potential premature failure, as complex movements require frequent stopping to unwind and manage torsional stresses.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a dielectric portion and a primary portion in the torch body, with a rotating collar that allows 360-degree rotation without applying torque to the torch connections, and shorter electrical and coolant conduits, reducing the overall length and susceptibility to damage, while maintaining cutting accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the torch is secured to a robotic arm with many different axes of movement, then the torch can perform complex movements, but the rotational movement causes torsional stress on the electrical and cooling connections, leading to increased downtime and potential premature failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorch movement capabilityVSAvoidconnection durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The torch body is divided into a primary portion and a dielectric portion, with connections segregated within the dielectric portion. This segmentation allows rotational movement to occur without transmitting torsional stress to the electrical and cooling connections, as the connections are isolated in a non-conductive section that can rotate independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric portion acts as an intermediary between the primary torch body and the connections. This intermediary structure allows the torch to rotate while the dielectric portion absorbs the rotational movement, preventing torque from being applied to the electrical and cooling connections, thereby maintaining their integrity during complex robotic movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the operation is stopped frequently to allow the robotic arm to unwind, then torsional stress on connections is reduced, but downtime of the cutting operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stress managementVSAvoidcutting operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The torch design preliminarily accommodates rotational movement through the dielectric portion structure, which is designed to handle torsional forces. This preliminary structural preparation allows the torch to undergo rotation without requiring operational stops to unwind connections, as the dielectric portion is pre-configured to absorb rotational stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric portion enables continuous rotational movement of the torch during cutting operations without interruption. By isolating connections within the dielectric section that can rotate independently, the system maintains continuous cutting action without requiring stops to manage torsional stress, thereby preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If longer connections are used in the torch body, then the torch can accommodate more movement, but the connections become more susceptible to damage from torsional stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement accommodationVSAvoidconnection vulnerability to stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The torch body is segmented into primary and dielectric portions, with connections placed within the dielectric portion. This segmentation allows the use of shorter connections that are protected from torsional stress, as the dielectric portion can rotate independently to accommodate movement without transmitting stress to the connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric portion serves as an intermediary that protects the connections from torsional stress. By placing connections within the dielectric section, the intermediary structure absorbs rotational forces, allowing the torch to accommodate movement while keeping connections short and protected from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9681528B2Rotatable plasma cutting torch assembly with short connections

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 LINCOLN GLOBAL INC

AI summary

A plasma torch assembly is provided with a torch body having a primary portion and a dielectric portion. The use of the dielectric portion allows for the length of the leads in the torch body to be shorter than known torches, especially in higher current applications. This provides for added stability and longevity of the torch and its components.