Rolling Welding Sled Brake for Mobility and Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing welding systems with fixed bases or carts are cumbersome and difficult to transport around job sites due to their mass and configuration, posing challenges for operators.
Innovation Solution
A welding system with a rolling support base equipped with a brake, featuring a contact pad that can extend through the support base to contact rollers and apply a braking force, allowing for easy movement and secure stopping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a welding system uses a fixed base plate or cart configuration, then the system provides stable support for welding operations, but the system becomes difficult to transport around job sites due to its mass and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The base is transformed from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system with rolling elements (casters/rollers) that can change state between mobile and stationary. The brake mechanism allows the base to transition between these states, providing ease of transport when moving and stability when positioned for welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A brake mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the rolling elements and the ground. This mediator allows the system to maintain both mobility (through rollers) and stability (through brake engagement) by controlling the interaction between the rolling elements and the supporting surface.
2Weight of moving object
If a welding system is designed to be portable with reduced mass, then the system becomes easier to transport, but the system may lack sufficient stability and support during welding operations
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than increasing mass for stability, the invention uses a dynamic braking system that provides stability on demand. The brake mechanism allows a lighter base to achieve operational stability when needed, eliminating the need for excessive mass while maintaining both portability and welding stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stability function is extracted from the base structure itself and implemented through a separate brake mechanism. This allows the base to remain lightweight for portability while the brake system provides the necessary stability during welding operations, separating the functions of mobility and stability.
3Ease of operation
If a welding system uses rolling elements for mobility, then the system becomes easier to move, but the system risks unintended movement at the welding location
Solution Approach 1:
The brake acts as an intermediary that controls the rolling elements, allowing them to facilitate easy movement when engaged and prevent unintended movement when disengaged. This mediator resolves the conflict between mobility and positional accuracy by providing active control over the rolling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is designed to be easily operable by the user, allowing self-service control of the rolling function. The operator can independently engage or disengage the brake as needed, providing self-control over the system's mobility without requiring external assistance or complex control systems.
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 rolling support base with a brake enhances the mobility and usability of welding systems, reducing operator effort during transport and preventing unintended movement at job sites.
Implementation Method 1
a brake configured to selectively brake the welding system
Data Source
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.