Welding Torch Wire Detection Space Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional welding torches face complexity in switching between different welding wires due to the need for multiple wire detecting devices and intricate wire feeding systems, leading to increased structural complexity and reduced efficiency in wire switching.

Innovation Solution

A welding torch with first to third wire passages, a wire detection space, and a single wire detecting device that uses detection light or capacitance to detect the presence of welding wires, allowing for simple switching between welding wires by minimizing reverse feeding distances and maintaining a clean wire detection space with shielding gas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple wire detecting devices are used to detect different welding wires, then wire switching accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire detection accuracyVSAvoidwire feeding system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple wire detection functions into a single wire detecting device. The device uses a single detector that can detect the presence of different welding wires (e.g., wire 1 and wire 2) by detecting their passage through a common detection space, eliminating the need for separate detecting devices for each wire type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wire detecting device is designed with universal functionality to detect multiple types of welding wires through a single detection space. The device can identify different wires by their physical presence and characteristics in the detection area, allowing one device to perform multiple detection tasks that would traditionally require separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wire passages are provided for different welding wires, then adaptability to multiple wire types is improved, but wire feeding system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire type adaptabilityVSAvoidwire passage configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wire feeding system into separate wire passages (first wire passage, second wire passage, third wire passage) that merge into a common detection space. Each passage is dedicated to a specific wire type, allowing independent wire feeding while maintaining a unified detection and output mechanism that reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wire passages are configured to merge hierarchically, with the first and second wire passages feeding into the third wire passage, which then leads to the common detection space. This nested arrangement allows multiple wire types to be accommodated in a structured, space-efficient manner while maintaining simple detection and switching logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If wire detection space is kept clean by using shielding gas, then detection precision is maintained, but gas consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidshielding gas consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces shielding gas as an intermediary substance that flows through the wire detection space to prevent contamination by abrasion powder. The gas acts as a protective medium that maintains detection precision by keeping the detection space clean, while its controlled application minimizes overall gas consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a pneumatic approach by introducing shielding gas into the wire detection space to maintain a clean environment for accurate detection. The gas flow is controlled to provide sufficient protection against contamination while optimizing gas consumption through efficient flow management in the detection area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 efficient and rapid switching between welding wires with a simplified structure, reducing abrasion powder accumulation and maintaining detection performance, thus enhancing wire feeding efficiency and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

uses detection light or capacitance to detect the presence of welding wires

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetection light: Light

Implementation Method 2

uses detection light or capacitance to detect the presence of welding wires

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

maintaining a clean wire detection space with shielding gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShielding gas:

Data Source

PatentEP3366404B1Welding torch
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3366404B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3366404B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3366404B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A welding torch includes first to third wire passages, a wire detection space, and a wire detecting device. The first wire passage has a first wire inlet port allowing a first welding wire to enter thereto and a first wire outlet port allowing the first welding wire to be output therefrom. The second wire passage has a second wire inlet port allowing a second welding wire to enter thereto and a second wire outlet port allowing the second welding wire to be output therefrom. The third wire passage has a third wire inlet port allowing a portion of the first welding wire output from the first wire outlet port and a portion of the second welding wire output from the second wire outlet port to enter thereto, and a third wire outlet port allowing the portion of the first welding wire and the portion of the second welding wire to be output therefrom. The wire detection space is connected to the first and second wire outlet ports and the third wire inlet port. The wire detection space allows the portions of the first and second welding wire to pass through the wire detection space. The wire detecting device is configured to detect the portion of the first welding wire and the portion of the second welding wire in the wire detection space. The welding torch can switch between the welding wires with a simple structure.