Rotating Torch Mounting Plate for Dual Cutting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting apparatuses for structural components like I-beams and channels require duplicate positioning systems for plasma and oxy-acetylene torches, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for separate systems for each type of torch.
Innovation Solution
A cutting apparatus with a main support frame and rotatable torch support allowing for selective, independent positioning of both an oxy-acetylene and a plasma torch on a single system, enabling shared positioning mechanisms and maintaining consistent torch path regardless of the torch in use, accommodating changes in workpiece thickness and bevel angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate positioning systems are used for plasma and oxy-acetylene torches, then each torch can be independently positioned, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single positioning system that serves both plasma and oxy-acetylene torches. The carriage assembly with rails and positioning mechanisms is shared by both torch types, allowing one positioning system to perform multiple functions for different cutting operations, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy for each torch type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the positioning systems for two different torch types into a single integrated system. The carriage, rails, and control mechanisms are merged into one unified positioning apparatus that can accommodate and position both plasma and oxy-acetylene torches, eliminating the need for duplicate separate positioning systems
2Ease of operation
If duplicate positioning systems are provided for each torch type, then each torch has dedicated positioning capability, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is designed with universal capability to handle both plasma and oxy-acetylene torches. The carriage assembly, rail system, and positioning mechanisms are configured to accommodate the specific positioning requirements of each torch type through a single integrated system, providing dedicated positioning capability for each torch without requiring separate duplicate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system incorporates adjustable and adaptable mechanisms that can dynamically accommodate different torch types. The carriage and positioning components are designed to be reconfigurable, allowing the same positioning system to optimize positioning for plasma torches during plasma cutting operations and for oxy-acetylene torches during gas cutting operations
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting apparatus (10) comprises first and second cutting torches (42,60)which can be selectively operated, depending upon the nature and thickness of a workpiece which is being cut. The cutting apparatus (10) comprises a pivotally moveable torch mounting plate (24) on which each of the first and second torches (42, 60) is mounted, with the mounting plate (24) in turn being rotatably moveable about a vertical main axis of the apparatus (10). The apparatus (10) provides significant savings, in that two individual torches (42, 60), such as an oxy-acetylene gas torch (42) and a plasma torch (60), and can be mounted on the same mechanism for positioning to produce bevel and vertical cutting in materials having different thicknesses and/or cutting requirements at a significant savings in machine complexity.