Welding Tip Replacement Mechanism for Continuous Robotic Supply

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional welding tip supplying apparatuses for welders are inefficient, as they require frequent replacement of accommodation cases and lack real-time monitoring of welding tip availability, leading to errors and decreased productivity.

Innovation Solution

The proposed apparatus includes a fixed bracket, an actuator, and moving members to stably remove and replace welding tips, along with a simplified structure for continuous welding tip supply and real-time monitoring using sensors to prevent errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional welding tip supplying apparatus is used, then the structure is simple, but the replacement work time is long and productivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding tip replacement efficiencyVSAvoidreplacement work time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The welding tip supplying apparatus enables automatic welding tip replacement through a robot-welding tip interaction mechanism. The robot inserts welding tips into the welding gun automatically, and the system self-monitors tip consumption and replacement needs without human intervention, thereby reducing replacement work time and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus incorporates a sensor that detects the consumption state of welding tips and provides real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically initiate replacement operations when tips are depleted, eliminating delays associated with manual monitoring and ensuring continuous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the accommodation case is not replaced in time, then the structure remains simple, but all manufacturing lines may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous supply reliabilityVSAvoidsupply monitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A sensor is integrated into the accommodation case to detect the presence and consumption of welding tips. The sensor provides real-time feedback to the control system, which automatically manages replacement operations. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable continuous supply while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of checking and replacing accommodation cases is replaced with an automated sensor-based detection and control system. The sensor electronically monitors tip consumption and triggers automatic replacement, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring timely replacement without complex mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If welding tips are not continuously supplied, then the apparatus structure is simple, but errors occur and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing line productivityVSAvoidwelding tip availability information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor continuously monitors welding tip availability and provides real-time information feedback to the control system. This ensures the system always knows the status of welding tips, enabling timely automatic replacement and preventing production errors due to tip exhaustion, thereby maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically monitors and manages welding tip inventory through integrated sensors and control logic. When tips are depleted, the system self-initiates replacement operations without human intervention, ensuring continuous supply and preventing productivity loss while maintaining simple operational procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12269108B2Apparatus for replacing welding tip of welder and apparatus for supplying same
Publication Date: 2025.04.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12269108B2 patent drawing
  • US12269108B2 patent drawing
  • US12269108B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for supplying a welding tip of a welder and an apparatus for replacing the same include a fixed bracket secured to a support. The apparatus includes an actuator coupled to the fixed bracket and a first moving member moved by the actuator. A second moving member is coupled to the first moving member and hingedly coupled to the fixed bracket. A third moving member is hingedly coupled to the second moving member. A first welding tip removal member is coupled to the third moving member to separate a welding tip coupled to a shank. A fourth moving member is disposed opposite to the first moving member. A fifth moving member is coupled to the fourth moving member and hingedly coupled to the fixed bracket. A sixth moving member is coupled to the fifth moving member. A second welding tip removal member is coupled to the sixth moving member.