Robotic Welding Torch Fume Boot for Free Articulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fume removal systems for welding processes are ineffective in capturing harmful fumes due to their design, which limits the articulation of robotic welding torches and fails to maintain a safe work environment, as they often require large caps or ventilation hoods that are not positioned optimally for effective fume capture.
Innovation Solution
A fume capture and removal system that includes a fume diverter, boot assembly, and vacuum hose assembly, allowing for flexible positioning and rotation of the welding torch, with a boot positioner that securely clamps to the torch neck and a vacuum hose assembly that connects to a vacuum source, ensuring maximum fume removal without interfering with surrounding tooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If large caps or ventilation hoods are used for fume removal, then fume capture coverage is improved, but articulation of the welding robot and torch is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fume removal system is segmented into multiple components: a stationary ventilation hood positioned overhead and a mobile fume extractor that can be repositioned. This segmentation allows the robotic torch to articulate freely within the workspace while fume capture is achieved through the combination of overhead ventilation and strategically positioned extraction points.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible conduit system acts as an intermediary between the welding source and the ventilation system. The conduit can extend and retract, allowing the robotic torch to move freely while maintaining a sealed connection to the fume extraction system through the flexible intermediary component.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If individual fume removal caps are positioned close to the welding source, then fume capture is improved, but the system becomes too far from optimal positioning for effective capture
Solution Approach 1:
The fume extraction system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities through mobile extractors on casters and flexible conduits that can extend and retract. This allows the system to adapt its position dynamically during operation, maintaining optimal proximity to the welding source while enabling easy repositioning and adjustment for different welding configurations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fume removal systems are mounted on the robotic arm, then fume capture is improved, but the system complexity and interference with surrounding tooling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fume extraction system is extracted from the robotic arm and positioned as a separate, independent system. The robotic arm retains its original function without integrated fume extraction components, while a separate mobile extractor with flexible conduit provides fume removal. This separation reduces system complexity and eliminates interference with surrounding tooling while maintaining effective fume capture.
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 system provides efficient fume removal by positioning the fume capture boot proximal to the welding source, allowing for endless rotation of the welding torch, easy assembly, and compatibility with various robotic welding setups, thereby enhancing safety and compliance with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The fumes are typically directed to an air filtering system via a vacuum pressure machine or fume extractor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present application relates to a fume capture and removal system (10) for use with a welding torch (14), for capturing fumes generated during a welding operation. The system includes a fume diverter (20), a boot assembly (40), and a vacuum hose assembly (80) adapted to fluidly connect the system (10) to a vacuum source. When the system (10) is installed on the welding torch (14), a neck (16) of the welding torch (14) extends through the fume diverter (20) and boot assembly (40) and an airflow path is provided therebetween, allowing airflow through the fume capture and removal system (10). The fume capture and removal system (10) can be used with both a through-arm robot (12) and an over-arm robot (12).