Welding Electrode Dynamic Sealing via Elastic Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrodes for electric resistance welding face challenges in reliably controlling the flow and sealing of cooling air during the advancing and retreating operations of the guide pin and sliding member, leading to potential air leakage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electrode design incorporating a guide pin made of a heat-resistant metal or ceramic material, a sliding member of insulating synthetic resin, and an elastic ring that presses against the guide hole's inner surface to seal and open air flow paths, ensuring reliable sealing and cooling air flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling air is introduced into the electrode main body, then cooling effect is improved, but air leakage occurs from the air passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic ring (flexible element) that is compressed between the guide pin and the guide hole wall to create a dynamic seal. This flexible sealing mechanism prevents cooling air from leaking through the air passage while allowing the guide pin to move freely for punching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The elastic ring compresses against the guide hole wall during non-punching phases to seal the air passage, and the guide pin can still advance and retreat smoothly. This dynamic sealing adapts to the operational cycles of the electrode.
2Ease of operation
If the guide pin and sliding member are integrated to advance and retreat, then flow control of cooling air is required, but existing structures do not provide reliable flow control
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic ring serves as an intermediary element between the guide pin and the guide hole. It mediates the relationship between the moving guide pin and the stationary guide hole, providing sealing functionality without interfering with the punching motion. The elastic ring compresses to seal the air passage while allowing the guide pin to move through it.
3Reliability
If the elastic ring is compressed between the guide pin and guide hole, then air leakage is prevented, but the guide pin movement must be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic ring performs dual functions automatically: it seals the air passage when compressed between the guide pin and guide hole wall, and simultaneously guides the movement of the guide pin. The elastic deformation of the ring provides both sealing and guiding functions without requiring additional components or complex control mechanisms.
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
The design effectively prevents air leakage, maintains airtightness, and ensures efficient cooling, thereby reducing waste and extending the durability of the electrode components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic ring made of an elastic material to be integrated with the guide pin... flow of the cooling air is interrupted when the pressurizing end surface presses the elastic ring against the inner end surface, whereas the cooling air is allowed to flow when the elastic ring is away from the inner end surface
Implementation Method 2
ventilation port formed in the electrode main body, which is configured to introduce cooling air for exhausting impurities and for cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding member integrated with a guide pin is inserted into a guide hole of an electrode main body. An elastic ring is integrated with the guide pin under a state in which the guide pin passes through the elastic ring. A portion of the sliding member has a pressurizing end surface configured to press the elastic ring against an inner end surface of the guide hole. When the pressurizing end surface presses the elastic ring against the inner end surface, flow of the cooling air is interrupted. When the elastic ring is away from the inner end surface, the cooling air is allowed to flow.