Resistance Welding Electrode Clamp With Dual Resting Positions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing resistance welding devices require manual intervention to adjust the resting position of the movable electrode, leading to inefficiencies and degradation of clamping efficiency over time, especially when welding materials with varying thicknesses or obstacles.

Innovation Solution

A resistance welding device with a clamp mechanism that includes blocking means, actuating means, and return means, allowing the movable electrode to automatically transition between multiple resting positions without manual intervention, using a single-action cylinder and blocking latch for translational movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual manipulation is used to adjust the resting position of the movable electrode, then the position can be adjusted to accommodate varying material thicknesses, but the clamping efficiency degrades over time and manual intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying material thicknessesVSAvoidclamping efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking means is designed to dynamically switch between blocked and unblocked states, enabling the movable electrode to automatically transition between first and second resting positions. This dynamic mechanism eliminates manual intervention while maintaining reliable clamping efficiency through automated position adjustment based on material thickness requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the movable electrode to automatically move between resting positions through the blocking means and actuating means, without requiring manual manipulation. The actuating means automatically activates the blocking means to control the electrode's movement, making the system self-regulating and maintaining consistent clamping efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual manipulation is used to adjust the resting position, then position adjustment is possible, but operation efficiency decreases due to required manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment capabilityVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical manipulation system is replaced with an automated actuating means that controls the blocking means to move the movable electrode between positions. This substitution of manual operation with automated mechanical control maintains position adjustment capability while significantly improving operation efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating means is pre-configured to automatically activate the blocking means, which in turn automatically positions the movable electrode at the appropriate resting position before welding begins. This preliminary automated action eliminates the need for manual intervention during operation, thereby improving productivity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a fixed distance between working position and resting position is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate materials with varying thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidaccommodation of varying material thicknesses
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The resting position is segmented into two distinct positions: a first resting position for standard material thicknesses and a second resting position for thicker materials or obstacles. The blocking means is segmented to control movement between these positions, allowing the device to accommodate varying material thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable electrode and blocking means are designed with multi-functionality to serve both the first and second resting positions, allowing a single device structure to handle multiple material thickness scenarios. This universal design enables the device to adapt to different welding conditions without requiring completely separate structures for each case.

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

4Length of moving object

If the movable electrode is manually retracted further away from the stationary electrode, then the distance can be increased to accommodate thicker materials, but manual intervention is required and clamping means efficiency degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance between electrodesVSAvoidclamping means efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the movable electrode and the operator's intent to adjust position. Instead of directly manipulating the movable electrode, the actuating means activates the blocking means, which in turn controls the electrode's movement. This intermediary mechanism protects the clamping means from direct manual handling, preventing efficiency degradation while enabling distance adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250276401A1Resistance welding device having a stationary electrode and a movable electrode between a working position and two distinct resting positions
Publication Date: 2025.09.04 GYS
  • US20250276401A1 patent drawing
  • US20250276401A1 patent drawing
  • US20250276401A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A resistance welding device. The device includes: a clamp intended to support an arm including a first part supporting a stationary electrode and a second part supporting a translationally movable electrode, the electrodes being intended to be passed through by an electrical current and to clamp metal elements in order to weld them The movable electrode is configured to move between a working position, wherein the electrodes clamp the metal elements to be welded, and two opening positions making it possible to insert, between the electrodes disposed opposite one another, the metal elements to be welded.