Welding Hand Support Structure for Ergonomic Weight Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Welding is a time-consuming process that often leads to occupational injuries in the welder's hand, wrist, and forearm due to the prolonged use of handheld welding devices.

Innovation Solution

A welding hand support device that provides ergonomic support to the welder's hand by allowing the welding device to be inserted through an angular channel, enabling the welder to rest their palm and distribute the weight of the device more comfortably.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the welder holds the handheld welding device for a considerable period, then the welding process can be completed, but the welder experiences fatigue and occupational injuries in the hand, wrist, and forearm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewelding process completionVSAvoidwelder comfort and injury prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A support device is introduced as an intermediary between the welder's hand and the welding device. This support device includes a handle that fits into the welding device handle and a support surface that rests against the welder's palm, effectively transferring the weight-bearing function from the welder's hand to the support device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The handling system is segmented into three components: the welder's hand, the support device, and the welding device. The support device acts as a separate functional element that specifically addresses weight support, allowing the welder's hand to maintain grip control without bearing the full weight burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the welder maintains a firm grip on the handheld welding device, then control over the welding process is improved, but the welder's hand and wrist experience increased stress and fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over welding processVSAvoidforce on welder's hand and wrist

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The support device serves as a mediator that assumes the force-bearing role. The support surface against the palm and the extended handle structure create a lever system that reduces the gravitational torque on the welder's wrist, allowing firm control to be maintained with significantly reduced muscular force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device structure acts as a counterweight system. By extending the handle and creating a support surface, the device redistributes the weight load through a different mechanical pathway, reducing the effective weight burden on the welder's hand and wrist muscles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentUS20250083265A1Welding Hand Support Device

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 FRANCIS MICHAEL

AI summary

A welding hand support device of the present disclosure has a body that has a first base and a second base. The body has a first opening on one side and on an opposing side has a second opening. Further, the welding hand support device has a channel formed in the body traversing the body from the first opening to the second opening, the channel configured to receive a welding device.