Rotating Fume Extractor Layout for Robotic Welding Torches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Welding operations generate substantial fumes that disperse into the environment, and existing fume extraction systems often fail to capture these fumes efficiently, especially when the welding torch rotates, leading to reduced capture efficiency and increased collision risks.
Innovation Solution
A fume extraction system for robotic welding torches that includes a neck clamp, intermediate mount, and fume manifold capable of rotating with the torch, allowing for effective fume capture close to the source while minimizing collisions and downtime through a flexible design that accommodates various robotic welding setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a fume extractor is attached to a robotic welding torch to capture fumes at the point of generation, then fume capture efficiency is improved, but the risk of collision with external surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fume extractor incorporates a flexible hose instead of rigid ducting to connect the collection point at the torch to the extraction system. This flexible hose can bend and flex as the robotic torch moves, preventing collisions with external surfaces while maintaining effective fume capture at the welding arc.
Solution Approach 2:
The fume extraction system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, with components that can move and adapt to the robotic torch's motion. The flexible hose and rotatable joints allow the extraction system to follow the torch's trajectory without rigid constraints that would cause collisions.
2Reliability
If a rigid fume extraction system is used to maintain structural stability, then reliability is improved, but the system cannot accommodate robotic torch rotation and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The fume extraction system is divided into multiple segments or sections that can rotate and flex independently. This segmentation allows each part to maintain structural integrity while the overall system adapts to the torch's rotation and movement through the coordinated motion of its segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flexible hose material that can withstand suction pressures while bending and rotating. This flexible yet durable construction maintains reliability during torch movement without requiring rigid structural support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fume extraction components are frequently installed and removed from the welding torch, then adaptability is improved, but downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fume extractor is pre-configured with standardized connection interfaces and quick-connect mechanisms that allow for rapid attachment and detachment from the welding torch. This preliminary design of the connection system enables workers to quickly install or remove the extractor without complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic quick-connect features that allow the fume extractor to be rapidly attached or detached from the torch during setup or maintenance without requiring time-consuming fastening or alignment procedures.
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 system enhances fume extraction efficiency by capturing fumes at the point of generation, reduces downtime for installation and removal, and minimizes collisions with external surfaces, maintaining operational flexibility and access during welding operations.
Implementation Method 1
the fume manifold, the intermediate mount, and the fume duct are configured to communicate a negative pressure from the fume hose to an end of the fume duct closest to the nozzle of the robotic welding torch
Data Source
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AI summary
An example fume extractor for a robotic welding torch includes: a neck clamp configured to attach to a neck of a robotic welding torch; an intermediate mount rigidly attached to the neck clamp; a fume duct coupled to the intermediate mount and extending over the neck of the robotic welding torch toward a nozzle of the robotic welding torch; and a fume manifold rotationally coupled to the intermediate mount and coupled to a fume hose, wherein the fume manifold, the intermediate mount, and the fume duct are configured to communicate a negative pressure from the fume hose to an end of the fume duct closest to the nozzle of the robotic welding torch.