Welding Carrying Device Quick-Release Clamping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carrying devices for welding machines are cumbersome to move between positions due to the need for individual coupling and uncoupling from a trolley, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, especially when handling multiple devices simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The carrying device features a clamping mechanism with guide means that allows for relative displacement between the clamping and guide components, enabling the device to be easily moved along a clamping rail by transferring weight to the guide rail during movement and absorbing welding forces when stationary, with the option to move multiple devices simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a trolley with guide means is used to move support devices along a guide rail, then the support devices can be moved linearly with guidance, but each support device must be individually coupled and uncoupled from the trolley, taking time and preventing simultaneous repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguided movementVSAvoidrepositioning speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple support devices are merged into a single movable assembly where several support devices are mounted on a common base structure with shared guide means. This allows multiple devices to be repositioned simultaneously as one unit, eliminating the need for individual coupling and uncoupling operations, thereby dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining guided movement along the rail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If clamping means are used to secure support devices to a clamping rail, then the support devices are firmly positioned for welding, but moving the devices requires releasing and re-clamping, which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is designed with dynamic quick-release features that allow rapid transition between clamped and unclamped states. The clamping jaws can be quickly opened and closed using simple actuation mechanisms, enabling fast repositioning while maintaining firm securing during welding operations. This dynamic design reduces the time penalty associated with releasing and re-clamping devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If guide means and clamping means are integrated in the support device, then the device structure is simplified, but the guide means may be damaged by welding forces during stationary operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidguide means durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is segmented into distinct functional modules: guide means for movement, clamping means for securing, and welding means for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the guide means for smooth movement, the clamping means for firm securing, and the welding means for withstanding welding forces. The modular design maintains simplicity while protecting the guide means from damage by isolating it from direct welding force transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3708287B1Carrier for a welding machine, in particular for a grid welding machine
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 IDEAL - WERK C E JUNGEBRLODT
  • EP3708287B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3708287B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3708287B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a movable support device (E) for an electrode of a welding machine, in particular for a mesh welding machine, - with clamping means (1) with which the support device (E) can be clamped to a clamping rail (K) of the mesh welding machine, - wherein the clamping means (K) have at least one connecting element to which further means (3), for example at least one electrode, can be attached, - and with guide means (2) with which the support device (E) can be moved on a guide rail (F) of the welding machine, wherein the clamping means (K) are attached to the guide means (F) in a first direction in a linearly displaceable manner.