Self-Locking Spot Welding Connector for Fast Tool Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spot welding connectors for C-type and X-type tools are time-consuming to engage and disengage, lacking ease of use and efficient electric current communication.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking two-piece electrical connector with a conductive translating member that automatically engages with C-type or X-type spot welding components, featuring a tapered portion for maximized contact and a biasing mechanism to secure the connection, allowing for linear movement and electric current transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spot welding connectors are used, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the engagement and disengagement process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: a fixed connector attached to the welding tool and a translating connector that moves linearly. This segmentation allows the translating connector to be quickly engaged and disengaged by simple linear motion while the fixed connector remains securely attached, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and quick engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The translating connector is designed to nest within or alongside the fixed connector during engagement. The translating member slides into position and locks with the fixed connector, creating a compact nested arrangement that secures reliable electrical connection while allowing rapid engagement through linear translation rather than complex assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the connector design is simplified for quick engagement, then the ease of operation improves, but the electric current communication efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The translating connector serves as an intermediary component that bridges the fixed connector and the welding electrodes. It provides both the mechanical translation function for easy operation and maintains optimal electrical contact through its conductive design, ensuring that simplified engagement does not compromise current communication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces complex mechanical engagement mechanisms with simple linear translation of the conducting member. This substitution achieves ease of operation through straightforward sliding motion while maintaining effective electrical connection, as the translating member's linear movement directly establishes and maintains contact with the fixed connector without requiring complex mechanical assemblies.
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
Facilitates quick and secure engagement and disengagement of the connector, maximizing electric contact and enabling efficient force transmission for both compressing and opening the welding electrodes, thereby simplifying the spot welding process.
Implementation Method 1
a tapered portion which forms a locked connection to a coupling having a tapered recess therein
Implementation Method 2
a biasing mechanism to secure the connection
Implementation Method 3
positive electric current is triggered to communicate to one of the electrodes which travels through the metal layers at the compression point and to the second electrode which is engaged to a ground
Implementation Method 4
resistance from the metal material positioned between the electrodes, generates heat sufficient to melt it and weld the multiple metal layers together permanently
Data Source
AI summary
A electrical connector for removably engaging a welder to a spot welding tool having a first arm in a pivoting engagement to a second arm. The connector features an electrically conductive member engaged to or forming a powered translating shaft of a welder which is surrounded by a housing. The connector engages within a passage formed in a coupling to communicate forward and rearward movement and electric current to a first arm of a spot welding tool.