Welding Machine Coupling Mechanism for Grid Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing welding machines require complex mechanisms for coupling and releasing welding devices from traverses, limiting flexibility in achieving the smallest possible distance between welding devices, which is necessary for various welding applications such as grids, metal sheets, and profiles.

Innovation Solution

A welding machine design that utilizes a single shared linear drive for coupling and releasing welding devices from traverses, eliminating the need for multiple linear guides and simplifying the coupling mechanism, allowing the positioning device to carry the weight of the welding device and enabling precise positioning without the constraints of minimum device width.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple linear guides are used to guide welding devices on traverses, then good guidance and prevention of tilting is achieved, but the width of welding devices increases and the distance between longitudinal bars cannot be reduced below a minimum value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance qualityVSAvoidwidth of welding device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the guidance function from the welding device itself and transfers it to a separate positioning device. The welding device is released from the traverse using a release means, and the positioning device with its linear guide then assumes responsibility for guiding the welding device during transverse displacement. This separation allows the welding device to be narrower while maintaining guidance quality through the dedicated positioning device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If complex mechanisms with multiple rams and drives are used for coupling and releasing welding devices, then reliable coupling and release is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling and release reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of rams and drives
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coupling and release functions into a single integrated mechanism. The first coupling means and release means are combined such that a single actuation can both couple the positioning device to the welding device and release the clamping mechanism from the traverse. This eliminates the need for separate rams and drives for each function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a coupling device and a release mechanism. The same positioning device that couples the welding device to enable transverse displacement also contains the release means to detach the clamping mechanism from the traverse. This universal design reduces the number of dedicated components needed while ensuring reliable operation.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If welding devices are clamped to traverses with fixed positions, then stable welding operation is achieved, but flexibility to achieve smallest distances between welding devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding operation stabilityVSAvoidpositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic positioning capability through the positioning device that can displace the welding device transverse to the longitudinal bars. The clamping mechanism can be released and re-clamped at different positions on the traverse, allowing the welding devices to be dynamically repositioned. This enables the system to adapt to different grid spacings and achieve the smallest distances between welding devices while maintaining stable operation when clamped in position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2781294B1Welding machine, in particular grid welding machine, with at least two adjustable welding devices
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 IDEAL WERK C & E JUNGEBRLODT
  • EP2781294B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2781294B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2781294B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The machine has a main electrode that is welded with an auxiliary electrode. A clamping mechanism is provided to fix cross element (3) in specific position. A linear guide is provided with a prominent portion (5) and led portion. A positioning device (7) is moved along led portion and is provided with a primary coupling agent and a secondary coupling agent. The positioning device is provided with primary coupling agent to loosen a clamping mechanism of cross element. A welding device (8) is provided with a positioning device.