Welding Sled Rolling Base With Brake for Stable Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional welding systems with fixed bases or carts are cumbersome and difficult to move, especially in portable settings, due to their mass and configuration, which complicates transportation and operation at job sites.
Innovation Solution
A rolling support base with a brake system is introduced, featuring a plurality of rollers and a brake mechanism that includes a contact pad and actuator, allowing for selective braking of the system to prevent unintended movement, thereby enhancing mobility and stability during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed base plate or cart configuration is used for welding systems, then the system provides stable support for welding operations, but the system becomes difficult to move and transport due to its mass and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The base is transformed from a static fixed structure to a dynamic mobile structure by incorporating rollers. The base can transition between a stationary supported state during welding operations and a mobile transported state when the rollers engage with the support surface, allowing the system to adapt its mobility characteristics based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The braking force parameter is adjusted to control the friction between the brake mechanism and the rollers. By varying the braking force, the system can achieve different levels of stability during operation and ease of movement during transport, effectively resolving the contradiction between these two requirements
2Ease of operation
If a rolling support base is used to improve mobility, then the system becomes easier to transport, but the system risks unintended movement during welding operations
Solution Approach 1:
A brake mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the rolling support base and the welding system. This brake mechanism acts as a mediator that can selectively engage to prevent unintended movement of the welding system while allowing the base to remain mobile when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between mobility and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to the rolling motion before unintended movement can occur. By positioning the brake to engage with the rollers, the system proactively prevents potential unintended movement during welding operations while maintaining the capability for controlled movement during transport
3Reliability
If a brake mechanism is added to prevent unintended movement, then the system's stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism is designed with self-service characteristics where the operator can easily engage and disengage the brake through a simple manual operation. The brake automatically applies braking force when engaged, eliminating the need for complex control systems or additional actuators, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired reliability improvement
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 solution enables easier transportation and reduced risk of unintended movement of welding systems, improving operational efficiency and safety by allowing operators to manage the system's movement effectively, even on uneven surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a brake mechanism that includes a contact pad and actuator, allowing for selective braking of the system
Data Source
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AI summary
A welding sled, comprising a support base comprising one or more attachment points for attachment of a wire supply support and attachment of a wire drive assembly; a plurality of rollers coupled to a bottom of the support base; and a brake configured to selectively brake the welding sled.