Torch Accessory Holder With Fixed-Orientation Elastic Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for attaching accessories to plasma torches are inflexible, require extra clamping mechanisms, and are limited by space, leading to difficulties in alignment, installation, and the number of accessories that can be attached, with makeshift solutions often being time-consuming and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A releasable accessory holder with a body that features an inner surface for contacting the torch and an outer surface with alignment features for form-fitting connection, allowing elastic fastening and easy attachment/removal, and accommodating various accessories with multiple spatial orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If makeshift solutions with fastening rings and spacers are used to attach accessories to the torch, then accessories can be attached to the torch, but the installation is time-consuming and requires disassembly of the torch
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory holder is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently attached to the torch without disassembling the torch itself. This segmentation allows the holder to be installed and removed as a single unit, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining the ability to attach various accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory holder acts as an intermediary component between the torch and the accessories. It provides a dedicated attachment interface that simplifies the connection process, eliminating the need for complex makeshift solutions and reducing installation time while maintaining versatility.
2Reliability
If rigid fastening rings are used to attach accessories to the torch, then accessories can be secured to the torch, but alignment is difficult and the fitting is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory holder employs a flexible C-shaped ring design that can elastically deform during installation. This flexibility allows the ring to be easily positioned and aligned with the torch, while once attached, it provides reliable securing through elastic rebound, solving both alignment difficulty and fitting reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder utilizes elastic deformation as a temporary state during installation, changing its shape parameter to facilitate easy alignment and attachment. After attachment, the elastic force maintains a secure fit, thus achieving both ease of operation and reliability through dynamic parameter change.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple accessories are attached to the torch using existing solutions, then the number of accessories is limited by the space on the torch body
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory holder extends the attachment space by creating a new dimensional platform around the torch body. Instead of limiting accessories to the torch's surface area, the holder provides additional attachment points and space, enabling multiple accessories to be mounted without increasing the torch's footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory holder is designed as a universal mounting platform that can accommodate multiple different types of accessories simultaneously. It provides multiple attachment points and a standardized interface that allows various accessories to be mounted on the same holder, effectively increasing the number of accessories that can be attached without consuming additional torch body space.
4Reliability
If custom fastening mechanisms are designed for each accessory, then each accessory can be securely attached, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory holder employs a universal C-shaped elastic ring design that serves as a single, standardized fastening mechanism for all accessories. This universal approach eliminates the need for custom fastening mechanisms for each accessory, reducing device complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the elastic rebound force of the ring.
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
Enables easy, reliable, and reproducible attachment of accessories to the torch with improved alignment and increased accessibility, allowing for multiple attachments without disassembling the torch, and providing a secure and adjustable fastening mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the body of the accessory holder is configured to be fixed to the torch by means of elastic forces provided by the body of the accessory holder
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory holder for a torch, comprising: a body having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one accessory arranged on the body of the accessory holder and/or a fastening region arranged on the outer surface of the body of the accessory holder, which fastening region is configured to releasably fasten an accessory to the accessory holder. The body of the accessory holder is releasably connected to the torch, wherein the inner surface of the body of the accessory holder comprises at least one alignment feature that is configured to be mated with a corresponding feature arranged on an outer surface of the torch in a form fitting manner so that the accessory holder resides in a fixed spatial orientation with respect to the torch when the accessory holder is releasably connected to the torch.