Welding Cable Hose Control Assembly for Fatigue Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for reducing fatigue and improving welding process quality in arc welding, such as ergonomic torch handles and arms, are costly and limited in effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A Cable Hose Control assembly that includes an anchor hook with retaining barbs and a strap system to manage the welding cable, allowing it to be secured to the welder's arm, thereby redistributing the weight and stress from the wrist to the elbow, reducing unwanted motion and fatigue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ergonomic torch handles and arms are used to reduce fatigue, then welding process quality improves, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewelding process qualityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive ergonomic torch handles and arms with a simple, inexpensive cable management system using basic components like clips, straps, and hooks that can be easily attached to existing welding equipment without requiring costly specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the cable management function from the welding torch itself and separates it into an independent system using external clips, straps, and anchors that attach to the workpiece or welder's gear, eliminating the need for complex integrated ergonomic designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If complex ergonomic arms are used to support the welding torch, then fatigue is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefatigue reductionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cable management function into separate modular components including cable clips, adjustable straps, anchor points, and hooks that can be independently selected and positioned based on specific welding tasks, replacing monolithic ergonomic arms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of supporting the torch weight through complex mechanical arms, the patent inverts the approach by managing the cable that supplies power and control to the torch, thereby indirectly supporting the system without requiring direct mechanical support structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the welding cable is not properly managed, then setup is simple, but unwanted motion increases and fatigue worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidcable stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary cable management by pre-attaching clips, straps, and anchor points to the welding equipment and workpiece before welding begins, establishing cable routing and tension control in advance to prevent unwanted motion during the welding process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible straps and cable management components that can adapt to different cable positions and tensions while maintaining stable cable routing, allowing for movement and adjustment without compromising cable stability or creating unwanted motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20240051057A1Cable hose control for welding applications

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 OTTOSHAVETT WILLIAM JOSEPH JOHN

AI summary

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a Cable Hose Control assembly for a welder, comprising: an anchor hook configured with a passage for a welding cable; one or more retaining barbs for immobilizing the welding cable; a strap throughway positioned in the anchor hook; a strap configured to attach to the arm of the welder; and a strap brake.