TIG Welding Torch Bayonet Coupling for Tool-Free Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TIG welding torch systems require complex and fault-prone mechanisms for exchanging torch bodies, leading to increased size, downtime, and limited adjustability, as well as interference with existing torch handles and hose packages.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system with a plug-in element featuring a gas element, current element, and a fastening element with a flat area and circumferential groove, allowing for rotational adjustment and secure locking without tools, ensuring a gas-tight seal and easy position adjustment of the torch body relative to the coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If balls are used to fasten the plug-in element in the coupling, then the torch body can be exchanged, but the size of the coupling increases and a complex valve is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex valve mechanism and ball fastening system from the coupling. Instead, it uses a simple bayonet-style quick-release coupling with a push-button actuator that directly releases the plug-in element without requiring separate fastening components or complex sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using balls that engage in grooves (complex mechanism), the patent inverts the approach by using a tapered conical surface that guides the plug-in element into proper alignment and locking position, with the release mechanism acting oppositely to unlock and separate the components.
2Ease of operation
If separate quick-release fasteners are provided for individual media, then the torch body can be changed, but several steps are required and the size of the burner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening and release mechanisms for all media (gas, electricity, cooling) into a single integrated bayonet coupling system. One push-button actuator simultaneously releases all connections, eliminating the need for multiple separate fasteners and reducing the exchange process to a single action.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet coupling design serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical fastening, electrical contact, gas sealing, and positioning alignment. This universal coupling mechanism handles all media transmission through a single standardized interface, reducing both time and complexity.
3Strength
If a fastening system with multiple components is used, then the torch body can be securely fastened, but the overall size of the TIG welding torch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-in element is nested within the coupling housing, with the bayonet-style fastening mechanism integrated into the coupling body itself. The electrical contacts and gas passages are nested within the same structural envelope, maintaining a compact overall size while providing secure multi-functional fastening.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a securing element (30) arranged between a gas element (32) and a current element (33) of the plug-in element (28). A fixing element (34) is arranged in the coupling (29) of the torch handle and meshes with said securing element (30), and, for guiding over said fixing element (34) arranged in the coupling (29), the gas element (32) has a diameter smaller than those of the securing element (30) and of the current element (33). Said securing element (30) can be guided over the fixing element (34) using a flat area (35), while the gas element (32) is arranged in a gas bore hole (37) in the coupling (29) in a sealing manner. The position of the burner body (27) can be freely adjusted by means of a manual rotational movement, said fixing element (34) being guided in a circumferential groove (36) in said securing element (30).