Bidirectional Welding Carriage Nozzle Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing welding carriages can only operate in one direction, leading to significant unproductive time during the welding of overlapping material webs, especially in large applications like roofs, as they require reversing direction without welding during transport.

Innovation Solution

Designing a welding carriage that can operate in both directions by arranging the welding nozzle in front of the pressing device, allowing for continuous welding by adjusting the nozzle between two positions, and using a hot air blower for efficient heating and pressing of material webs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the welding carriage operates in one direction only, then the pressing device can effectively press the upper web against the lower web during welding, but significant unproductive time is lost during transport between overlapping sections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidwelding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding carriage is designed with dynamic adaptability to operate in both welding directions (first and second directions) by adjusting the welding nozzle position relative to the pressing device. This allows the system to switch between different operational configurations, enabling productive welding during both forward and return transports, thereby eliminating unproductive transport time while maintaining reliable welding quality through proper nozzle positioning in each direction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The welding carriage is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform welding operations in both the first and second directions. By equipping the carriage with a welding nozzle that can be positioned in multiple locations (first welding position in front of the pressing device for first direction, second welding position for second direction), the system achieves universal applicability for bidirectional welding, maximizing productivity without compromising welding reliability

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

2Ease of operation

If the welding carriage is transported in the opposite direction without welding, then it can reach the next overlapping section, but about 40% of working time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoiddead time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The welding carriage maintains continuous useful action by performing welding operations during both the forward transport (first direction) and the return transport (second direction). The welding nozzle is positioned to enable welding in both directions, ensuring that the carriage is productively engaged throughout the entire transport cycle. This eliminates dead time by converting the previously unproductive return journey into a productive welding operation, achieving continuity of useful action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If the welding nozzle is fixed in one position, then the device structure is simple, but the welding carriage cannot operate in both directions effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidoperating direction flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The welding nozzle is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be adjusted between a first welding position (arranged in front of the pressing device for first direction welding) and a second welding position (for second direction welding). This dynamic adjustment mechanism provides the necessary adaptability for bidirectional operation while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through straightforward positional changes rather than complex mechanical transformations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design reduces dead time by approximately 40% by enabling welding in both directions of travel, optimizing working time and improving productivity.

Implementation Method 1

a welding nozzle (16) arranged or arrangeable in front of the pressing device (13) in both directions of travel... the heated air being guided through the welding nozzle between the overlapping material webs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the welding nozzle be arranged or can be arranged in front of the pressing device in both directions of travel... so that the upper web of material is pressed against the lower web of material after the welding process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP1923203B1Welding cart
Publication Date: 2010.03.31 STEINEL
  • EP1923203B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1923203B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1923203B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Welding car (1) operating in two opposing traveling directions (4, 5) comprises a welding nozzle (16) arranged in front of a pressing unit (13) in each traveling direction. An independent claim is also included for a method for welding material strips running parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction. Preferred Features: The welding nozzle can be adjusted between two welding positions (S1, S2) lying on opposite-lying sides of the pressing unit in the traveling directions together with the welding unit. An adjusting mechanism (18) adjusts the welding nozzle along and orthogonal to a first axis running parallel to the traveling directions.