Welding Torch Clamp with Blocking Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Welding devices often experience torch detachment from the wire feeder due to loose screw systems, leading to wire escape and potential damage from shorts.
Innovation Solution
A member with a first portion, a second portion, and a curved portion is used to secure the torch to the wire feeder, blocking the detachment path and preventing the torch from separating, while also being coupled to the wire feeder with a fastener to maintain connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw system is used to secure the torch to the wire feeder, then the torch can be attached to the feeder, but the screw system may become loose over time causing the torch to detach
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is pre-configured with a blocking portion that automatically prevents torch detachment before it can occur. The blocking portion extends into the path where the torch would separate, creating a preliminary mechanical barrier that eliminates the need for continuous screw tightening to maintain connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp serves as an intermediary component between the torch and wire feeder. It includes a first portion that contacts the torch, a second portion that contacts the wire feeder, and a curved portion connecting them. This intermediary structure distributes the connection forces and provides a more stable attachment than direct screw connection alone.
2Reliability
If the screw system is tightened enough to prevent detachment, then connection stability improves, but the complexity of the securing mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional portions: a first portion for contacting the torch, a second portion for contacting the wire feeder, and a curved portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design compared to an over-engineered single-component solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the detachment prevention function from the screw system and implements it through the blocking portion of the clamp. This separates the primary attachment function (screws) from the detachment prevention function (blocking portion), allowing each to be simplified independently while maintaining overall reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the torch separates from the feeder, then the connection is broken, but wire escape and equipment damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking portion of the clamp takes preliminary anti-action by extending into the potential detachment path before any separation can occur. This creates a mechanical barrier that actively prevents the torch from moving away from the wire feeder, thereby preventing wire escape and equipment damage before these harmful effects can manifest.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of torch detachment into a benefit by using the blocking portion to define a controlled connection path. The blocking portion transforms what would be a dangerous random separation into a controlled, prevented event, and the space it occupies becomes a protective feature rather than an obstacle.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to a semi-automatic or a manual welding operation and utilizing a member or a clamp to removeably secure a torch or a torch cable to a wire feeder. The member can include a first portion that is separated from a second portion, wherein a curved portion is in between the first portion and the second portion. The member can include an opening on the first portion that blocks a path of connect or disconnect with a portion of the torch or the torch cable. Further, the member can include an aperture on the second portion that is used to couple to a portion of the wire feeder with a fastener.