Welding Wire Conveyor Locking Mechanism for Single-Handed Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing welding wire conveyor devices require at least two persons to insert welding wire due to the need to actuate a lever and guide the wire between rolls, leading to potential buckling and the necessity for a second person to operate the current source device.
Innovation Solution
A welding wire conveyor device with a pivotable actuation mechanism and locking mechanism, allowing single-handed operation by locking the roll receiver position, enabling easy insertion and operation of the current source device without additional personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lever is actuated to move the counter-pressure roll away from the drive roll, then the welding wire can be inserted without buckling, but another person is required to operate the current source device
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically advances the welding wire using the current source device when the roll receiver is in the insertion position, eliminating the need for a second person to manually operate it. The automatic advancement occurs when the locking mechanism is disengaged and the actuation mechanism returns the roll receiver to its initial position.
2Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism is added to lock the roll receiver position, then single-handed operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the existing actuation mechanism by utilizing the lever and spring components already present in the system. The locking elements (locking protrusion and locking recess) are incorporated into the roll receiver and actuation mechanism respectively, creating a combined function that reduces overall complexity compared to separate locking and actuation systems.
3Volume of moving object
If the space between the counter-pressure roll and drive roll is reduced, then the device becomes more compact, but the welding wire buckles during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The roll receiver is designed to be dynamically positionable between two states: a first position for normal operation with small roll spacing, and a second position for wire insertion with increased roll spacing. The actuation mechanism enables the roll receiver to pivot between these positions, allowing the system to adapt its geometry based on the operational phase.
4Ease of operation
If the lever is actuated during the entire insertion process, then the welding wire does not buckle, but the user needs one hand for the lever and another for guiding the wire
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically advances the welding wire through the current source device when the roll receiver is positioned for insertion, eliminating the need for continuous manual lever actuation. The user only needs to guide the wire into position while the system handles the advancement automatically.
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
Simplifies the handling of welding wire insertion by allowing single-user operation, reducing the risk of wire buckling and eliminating the need for a second person to manage the current source device, while ensuring secure guidance of welding wires of various sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (301), which exerts a force on the pressure roll receiver (10) in a direction away from the drive roll receiver (11)
Implementation Method 2
The force transmission element is designed in the form of a worm gear shaft (30), by means of which the pressure roll receiver (10) can be pivoted and the rolls can be driven
Data Source
AI summary
A welding wire conveyor device (1) and a method for locking a pivotable roll receiver off the welding wire conveyor device (1). The device includes a drive roll receiver (11) and a pivotable pressure roll receiver (10). The pressure roll receiver (10) is coupled to a pivotable actuation mechanism (20) enabling movement to a pivoted position. The pressure roll receiver (10) may be locked in the pivoted position by a locking device (200).