Welding Torch Bracket Layout for Precise Robot Teaching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing welding robots with teaching handles mounted near the bending portion of the torch body face challenges in accurately teaching welding behavior due to potential swinging of the torch distal end, which complicates the application of operating forces during the teaching process.

Innovation Solution

A welding robot design that includes a bracket system allowing the teaching handle to be mounted in a way that the handle distal end faces the bending portion of the torch body, with a retaining mechanism to prevent the torch distal end from swinging, ensuring precise movement and teaching of the welding behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the teaching handle is mounted directly to the bent portion of the torch body, then the teaching handle can be positioned close to the torch body, but the torch distal end swings when an operating force is applied, making it difficult to accurately teach welding behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveteaching operationVSAvoidteaching precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The torch body is segmented into a proximal end portion and a distal end portion connected by a bending portion. The teaching handle is mounted to the proximal end portion, separating the teaching operation point from the torch distal end that performs welding, thereby preventing swing during teaching while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the teaching handle and the torch body. The bracket is rigidly connected to the proximal end portion of the torch body, serving as a stable mounting base that prevents torch swing during teaching operations while allowing the teaching handle to function properly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the teaching handle is mounted away from the torch body, then swing of the torch distal end is reduced, but the teaching handle becomes less accessible and harder to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveteaching precisionVSAvoidhandle accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The teaching handle is extended along the longitudinal axis of the torch body, positioning it at the proximal end where it is accessible to the operator. This spatial arrangement allows the operator to easily grasp and manipulate the handle while the rigid bracket connection maintains teaching precision by preventing torch swing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the teaching handle is mounted near the bending portion of the torch body, then the structure is compact, but the torch distal end swings when force is applied, reducing teaching accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural compactnessVSAvoidteaching accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The torch assembly is segmented into a rigid proximal portion for mounting the teaching handle and a flexible distal portion that can swing independently. This segmentation allows the teaching handle to be positioned compactly near the bending portion while the rigid connection at the proximal end prevents unwanted swing, maintaining teaching accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4559632A1Welding robot
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 DAIHEN CORP
  • EP4559632A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4559632A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4559632A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A coupling portion includes a retaining mechanism that retains a torch proximal end of a torch body via a connecting plug such that a torch distal end is swingable with respect to the coupling portion. A teaching handle is mounted to a welding torch via a bracket. The bracket comprises: a bracket body detachably secured to the connecting plug and provided in parallel to a first portion of the torch body from the torch proximal end to a bending portion, with a distance therefrom; and a handle support portion that supports the teaching handle such that a handle distal end of the teaching handle is disposed at a position facing the bending portion.