Welding Torch Plug-In Element With Bayonet Locking and Inlet Nozzle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing welding torch connection systems require excessive space and weight due to screw connections, which limit flexibility and increase design complexity, and lack an integrated inlet nozzle for easy wire diameter changes.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in element with a locking system that uses a bushing and lever for secure power transmission, allowing for compensation of manufacturing tolerances and quick burner changes, and includes a power coupling with a bolt for efficient media transfer across multiple levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screw connection is used to attach the plug to the socket, then the connection is secure, but the space requirement and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the screw connection from the connection system, replacing it with a bayonet-style locking mechanism. This removes the complex threaded structure while maintaining secure attachment through a simple rotational locking action, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a threaded screw connection that requires winding, the patent inverts the approach by using a bayonet connection where a pin engages with a groove and is secured through rotational movement. This inverted mechanism achieves secure attachment with fewer components and less space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a screw connection is used to attach the plug to the socket, then the connection is secure, but the weight of the connection system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnection system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the screw threads and associated heavy structural elements from the connection system. The bayonet-style connection uses a simpler pin-and-groove mechanism with minimal material, significantly reducing the weight of the moving connection components while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the coupling is attached to the housing to ensure current connection, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent connection reliabilityVSAvoidhousing space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coupling attachment function with the housing structure itself. The coupling is integrated directly into the housing design, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms and reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining reliable current connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If a guide for the welding wire is provided between the motor plate and coupling, then the wire routing is secure, but the space requirement and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire routing securityVSAvoidguide structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wire guide function with the existing housing and coupling structures. The housing itself serves as the guide path for the welding wire, eliminating the need for separate guide components and reducing device complexity while maintaining secure wire routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Adaptability or versatility

If the inlet nozzle is part of the guide structure, then the connection is integrated, but the ease of replacement for different wire diameters decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration levelVSAvoidinlet nozzle replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the inlet nozzle from the guide structure, making it a separate, interchangeable component. This allows the inlet nozzle to be easily replaced or adjusted for different wire diameters without affecting the integrated guide structure, thereby improving ease of repair and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2898978B1Plug element for a connection system of a welding torch
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 FRONIUS INT GMBH
  • EP2898978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2898978B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2898978B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a plug-in element (34) for a connection system (27) of a welding torch (10), which is connected to the connection system (27) via at least one hose package (23), with one of a motor plate being attached via the hose package (23). (28) arranged feed unit (29) funded welding wire (13) and other media are guided to the welding torch (10). The plug-in element (34) is provided with at least one bolt (37), at the free end of which an inlet nozzle (45) for a welding wire (13) is arranged. The at least one bolt (37) is designed for attachment to a connection device (30) formed by an end area of ​​the motor plate (28), and m bolt (37) is a groove (54) for a locking system (49) of a power coupling (36) integrated.