Rotatable Plasma Torch Assembly for Short-Connection Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma cutting torches used in robotic systems face limitations due to rotational movement constraints that lead to increased downtime and premature connection failure from torsional stresses, necessitating frequent stops for unwinding and repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable plasma torch assembly with a sleeve structure on the handle that allows 360-degree rotation without compromising internal connections, utilizing a rotating collar and lock rings to secure the torch longitudinally, along with a dielectric torch body to reduce connection lengths and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the torch is allowed to rotate freely to enable complex robotic movement, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the internal electrical and cooling connections suffer from torsional stress leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic solution by allowing the torch to rotate 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis through a rotatable collar mechanism. This dynamic capability enables the torch to follow complex robotic movements while the swivel joint continuously accommodates rotation without limiting the range of motion, thereby maintaining both adaptability and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a swivel joint as an intermediary component between the torch handle and the robotic arm. This swivel joint acts as a mediator that absorbs and accommodates rotational movements, allowing the torch to rotate freely while protecting the internal electrical and cooling connections from damaging torsional stresses by providing a flexible connection point.
2Productivity
If the robotic arm moves frequently and complexly to increase productivity, then the cutting output is improved, but the operation must stop frequently to unwind the torch connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous cutting operation by implementing a swivel joint that allows the torch to rotate 360 degrees without interruption. This eliminates the need to stop the robotic arm to unwind connections, as the swivel joint continuously accommodates rotational movement throughout the entire cutting process, maintaining uninterrupted productivity.
3Reliability
If the connection length is reduced to minimize torsional damage, then the reliability is improved, but the torch structure becomes more compact with limited rotation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a dynamic swivel joint that allows the torch to rotate 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis. This dynamic mechanism enables short internal connections to remain protected from excessive torsional stress while the overall torch assembly maintains full rotational capability through the swivel joint, achieving both reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting torch assembly is provided which can easily rotate when used in robotic or automatic cutting systems while minimizing damage to internal connections of the torch. The cutting torch assembly comprises a torch body (203) having a distal end and an upstream end, a torch head coupled to said distal end of said torch body (203), a torch handle (205) coupled to said upstream end of said torch body (203). The torch handle (205) is having an outer casing and a rotatable collar (210) secured to said outer casing of said torch handle (205), wherein said outer casing has a first retaining structure positioned at an upstream end of said rotatable collar (210) and a second retaining structure positioned at a downstream end of said rotatable collar (210). The torch handle (205) can rotate relative to said rotatable collar (210) and no structure is positioned between an inner surface of said rotatable collar (210) and an outer surface of said outer casing of said torch handle (205).