Welding Tool for Tank Tubes with Adjustable Gripping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing welding tools for motor vehicle pipes are inflexible and require specific workstation setups for each tubing model, limiting their ability to adapt to different geometric variants and increasing the complexity of the welding process.

Innovation Solution

A versatile welding tool with adjustable gripping and heating mechanisms that can accommodate various pipe shapes and sizes, allowing for precise positioning and homogeneous heating without the need for custom workstation seats, enabling the same tool to be used across multiple tubing models by adjusting its preset positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If specific workstation seats are used for each tubing model, then welding quality is maintained, but device complexity and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidadaptability to different tubing models
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single workstation with adjustable seats that can accommodate multiple tubing models. The seats are made adjustable in position and orientation, allowing the same workstation to serve multiple functions for different tubing geometries, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated workstations for each model while maintaining welding quality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the workstation seats adjustable and reconfigurable. The seats can be positioned and oriented dynamically to match different tubing shapes and sizes, allowing the system to adapt to various tubing models without requiring fixed, model-specific seating arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple workstations are provided for different tubing models, then welding precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for multiple dedicated workstations by creating a universal workstation that can handle different tubing models through adjustable seating arrangements. This single multi-functional workstation improves productivity by reducing the number of workstations required while maintaining welding precision through proper positioning and orientation of the tubing.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If model-specific workstation configurations are used, then welding quality is ensured, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidtime for workstation setup and adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the adjustable seats with reference positions and orientations for different tubing models. This allows operators to quickly set up the workstation for different models by simply adjusting to predetermined positions, reducing setup time while ensuring welding quality is maintained through proper positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 tool ensures high-quality welds on different sections of pipes by minimizing the risk of error and allowing for efficient adaptation to various pipe geometries, reducing the need for multiple workstations and simplifying the welding process, thereby enhancing flexibility and productivity.

Implementation Method 1

the flat, which is the surface of the pipe intended to be welded, is heated, the fixing support is heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3259091B1Combination of a tube for a tank and a tool for welding a bracket onto the tube ; system comprising such combination
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 PLASTIC OMNIUM ADVANCED INNOVATION & RES SA
  • EP3259091B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3259091B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7
  • EP3259091B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool (10) for welding a mounting bracket to a tube of a tank and comprising tube-grasping means (16, 18) that clear access to a surface on the tube intended to be welded, means for heating (22, 24) the surface, said means being movable relative to the tube-grasping means (16, 18), between a surface-heating position and a withdrawn position, means for heating (26, 28) the mounting bracket (12), and means for grasping (30) the mounting bracket (12), said means being movable relative to the means for heating (26, 28) the mounting bracket (12) and relative to the means for grasping (16, 18) the tube, between a position for heating the mounting bracket (12) and a position for welding the mounting bracket (12) onto the surface of the tube.