Welding Neck Gas Diffuser Quick Connect With Locking Taper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional welding torches require multiple turns to connect and disconnect gas diffusers, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A custom double-start stub ACME thread design is implemented for the gas diffuser and welding neck, allowing for quick connection and disconnection in approximately 1.5 turns or less, utilizing a combination of screw threads and threaded grooves with a locking taper for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional screw connections are used to connect gas diffusers to welding necks, then secure attachment is achieved, but multiple turns are required for connection and disconnection which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the thread geometry parameters by implementing a double-start stub ACME thread design with specific dimensions (major diameter, pitch, lead) that enable faster engagement. The double-start configuration with optimized pitch and lead ratios allows the gas diffuser to connect in approximately 1.5 turns or less while maintaining secure attachment, directly resolving the contradiction between connection speed and assembly time.
2Productivity
If quick connect designs are implemented to reduce assembly time, then operational efficiency is enhanced, but connection security and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a locking taper design with specific angular geometry that works in conjunction with the double-start thread. The tapered surfaces create mechanical interference and friction that lock the gas diffuser securely to the welding neck, ensuring connection reliability even with the reduced 1.5-turn engagement. This combines the speed of quick connect with the security of positive locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimized thread parameters including major diameter, pitch, and lead are specifically designed to achieve both quick connection and secure attachment. The double-start configuration with carefully selected dimensional parameters ensures that the reduced number of turns still provides sufficient thread engagement for reliable connection while enabling faster assembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Some examples of the present disclosure relate to apparatus, systems, and/or methods for providing a quick connect and/or disconnect for a gas diffuser and/or neck assembly, for example, in a welding system. The gas diffuser may include threaded grooves and/or protrusions configured to engage with screw threads and/or channels of the neck assembly. The screw threads, protrusions, threaded grooves, and/or channels may be configured such that the gas diffuser may be quickly connected to, and/or disconnected from, the neck assembly.