TIG Welding Torch Clamp Coordination for Arc Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TIG welding devices face difficulties in stably and securely generating an arc between the torch electrode and the welding-target portion due to the constant positional relation between the torch electrode and the clamp, often resulting in undesirable arc generation between the torch electrode and the clamp, which can burn the clamp and compromise welding quality.
Innovation Solution
A TIG welding device and method where a pressurizing force is applied to the welding-target portion, and the torch electrode is separated to generate an arc discharge, allowing the clamp to be positioned close to the torch electrode, enabling efficient movement and stable arc concentration onto the welding-target portion using a linear drive mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the clamp is placed at a position far from the torch electrode to avoid arc generation between them, then the harmful effect of arc burning the clamp is reduced, but the contact closeness at the forward end of the welding-target portion cannot be ensured and welding quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp and torch electrode are moved from a static constant positional relation to a dynamic coordinated movement where their positions are independently adjustable. The clamp can be positioned close to the torch electrode during welding while maintaining safety through coordinated motion control, resolving the contradiction between avoiding arc burning and ensuring welding quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp positions the welding-target portion in advance before welding begins, ensuring proper contact closeness at the forward end. This preliminary positioning allows the clamp to be close to the torch electrode during welding without causing arc burning, as the system maintains controlled positions throughout the welding process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the clamp is placed close to the torch electrode to ensure contact closeness and welding quality, then welding quality is improved, but arc may be generated between the torch electrode and the clamp causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed positional relationship to dynamic coordinated movement, allowing the clamp and torch electrode to maintain optimal positions for welding quality while preventing arc burning through active position control throughout the welding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors and coordinates the positions of both the clamp and torch electrode, providing feedback control to ensure they maintain proper spacing during welding. This prevents arc burning while allowing the clamp to be positioned close enough to ensure welding quality.
3Device complexity
If the torch electrode and clamp are maintained at a constant positional relation on the robot arm, then the system structure is simplified, but stable arc generation between the torch electrode and welding-target portion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the static constant positional relation with dynamic coordinated movement of the clamp and torch electrode. This allows independent position adjustment to ensure stable arc generation while maintaining a relatively simple structure through unified control of both components.
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
This approach ensures high-quality and stable arc welding by concentrating the arc securely onto the welding-target portion, maintaining desired welding quality while minimizing the risk of arc generation between the torch electrode and the clamp.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage is applied to between the two electrodes (between the torch electrode and the clamp) to generate an arc between the torch electrode and the welding-target portion, thus the welding-target portion being fused with heat of the arc
Implementation Method 2
a linear drive member coupled to the clamp electrode and the torch body and enabled to linearly move between a first position for positioning the clamp electrode and the torch electrode farther from the welding-target portion, a second position for positioning the clamp electrode at its working position, a third position for bringing the forward end of the torch electrode into contact with the welding-target portion, and a fourth position for separating the forward end of the torch electrode from the welding-target portion by a specified distance suitable for generation of the arc
Implementation Method 3
the clamp electrode includes a clamp for nipping and fixing the first and second members by electromagnetic force or air pressure or hydraulic pressure in proximity to a site of the welding-target portion facing the torch electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
This TIG welding device has: a unit-type device main body (10) having a DC-type welding power supply circuit, a control circuit, and a variety of drive circuits, etc., housed therein; and a welding head (12) that performs TIG welding using a touch-start method, on a section to be welded in a base material upon an electrical component supporting body (S) under the supply and control of force from this device main body (10). In the welding head (12), a linear drive member (34) is joined via a raising/lowering support shaft (32) to a raising/lowering drive unit for a raising/lowering tower (30). A torch (22) and a clamp electrode (24) are vertically attached to this linear drive member (34) so as to be integrally movable and to be separable. As a result, high quality arc welding whereby two members (base materials) are held by a clamp and welded can stably and reliably occur.