Welding Torch Coolant Routing via Redirecting Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooled welding torches experience coolant leakage when the gas nozzle is removed due to residual coolant in the nozzle and supply/return lines, which disrupts the cooling circuit.
Innovation Solution
A redirecting element is integrated above the nozzle fitting receiver, allowing the cooling circuit to be dynamically adjusted based on the gas nozzle's position, ensuring coolant flow is maintained and preventing leakage by routing coolant through the redirecting element when the nozzle is removed, thus creating either a shortened or expanded cooling circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the gas nozzle is removed from the welding torch, then the gas nozzle can be replaced or maintained, but coolant leaks occur due to residual coolant in the nozzle and supply/return lines
Solution Approach 1:
The redirecting element is positioned in advance to automatically redirect coolant flow when the gas nozzle is in the removed position. This preliminary configuration prevents coolant leakage before it can occur, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and enabling immediate nozzle replacement without cleanup operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The redirecting element acts as an intermediary component between the coolant supply line and the gas nozzle. It dynamically redirects coolant flow based on the nozzle position, serving as a mediator that prevents coolant from reaching the removed nozzle while maintaining continuous cooling circuit operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If separate locking mechanisms are added to prevent coolant leakage during nozzle removal, then coolant leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The redirecting element is designed to automatically redirect coolant flow based on the gas nozzle's position without requiring external control or separate locking mechanisms. The system self-regulates the coolant flow path, eliminating the need for additional complex components while maintaining effective leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The redirecting element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects coolant flow to prevent leakage, maintains the cooling circuit continuity, and enables easy nozzle replacement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms and other auxiliary components, reducing overall device complexity.
3Temperature
If the cooling circuit is extended to cool the gas nozzle, then the gas nozzle cooling performance is improved, but coolant leakage risk increases when the nozzle is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling circuit configuration is made dynamic through the redirecting element, which automatically adjusts the coolant flow path based on the gas nozzle position. When the nozzle is installed, coolant flows through it for cooling; when removed, the redirecting element dynamically redirects the flow to maintain circuit continuity and prevent leakage, providing adaptive cooling control.
Solution Approach 2:
The redirecting element is pre-positioned to control coolant flow based on the nozzle's installation state. This preliminary configuration ensures that coolant only reaches the gas nozzle when properly installed, preventing leakage scenarios before they can occur while maintaining cooling performance when needed.
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
The solution effectively prevents coolant leakage and maintains a continuous cooling circuit even when the gas nozzle is removed, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and enhancing creepage current resistance by using a forced path in the redirecting element, which can be made of electrically insulating materials.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling circuit extending via a nozzle fitting receiver into a gas nozzle... in order to subsequently cool the gas nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A cooled welding torch (1) having a cooling circuit, which cooling circuit extends via a nozzle fitting receiver (3) into a gas nozzle (9), and the gas nozzle (9) is attachable to the welding torch (1) by a defined turn, wherein the cooling circuit is routed through a redirecting element (5), which redirecting element (5) is positioned above the nozzle fitting receiver (3) and may be turned together with the gas nozzle (9), wherein a path of the cooling circuit is switchable by the position of the gas nozzle (9).