Welding Torch Fume Suction Geometry for Stable Shielding Gas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric welding torches face challenges in effectively capturing fumes close to their point of origin without degrading the shielding gas flow, which is crucial for maintaining weld quality, and require improved suction efficiency to capture fine metal particles and polluting dusts.

Innovation Solution

The electric welding torch incorporates a sensor with a unique geometry near the end of the blow nozzle, featuring flow grooves and openings that minimize disturbances in the shielding gas flow, combined with a suction and filtration system including a motorized filter cleaning device for efficient fume capture and filtration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the suction system is positioned close to the blow nozzle end to capture fumes effectively, then fume capture efficiency is improved, but the shielding gas flow is disturbed and weld quality degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefume capture efficiencyVSAvoidweld quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into multiple functional zones: a first zone with openings facing the blow nozzle for fume capture, and a second zone with openings facing away from the nozzle for maintaining shielding gas flow. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both fume capture efficiency and weld quality by directing different portions of the sensor to different functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sensor have different opening orientations and densities. The first zone has openings specifically oriented toward the blow nozzle end to maximize fume aspiration, while the second zone has openings oriented away to preserve shielding gas flow patterns. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each zone for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If multiple perforations are used in the extraction nozzle, then fume capture is enhanced, but edge effects and swirling currents are formed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefume captureVSAvoidgas flow stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the problematic multiple perforation design and replaces it with a sensor featuring smooth curved surfaces and strategically positioned openings. This extraction of the harmful feature (multiple small holes causing turbulence) while retaining the beneficial feature (openings for fume capture) eliminates edge effects and swirling currents while maintaining effective fume aspiration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the sensor geometry is optimized for fume aspiration, then capture efficiency improves, but disturbances in shielding gas flow increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefume aspiration efficiencyVSAvoidshielding gas flow disturbance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of openings in different zones and orientations. By distributing openings in multiple dimensions (different zones, different orientations, different angles relative to the blow nozzle), the sensor achieves effective fume capture from the weld zone while maintaining shielding gas flow stability through proper spatial configuration that minimizes interference with the protective gas envelope.

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

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

This configuration enhances fume capture efficiency close to the source while maintaining the quality of the weld by optimizing the flow of shielding gas and ensuring effective filtration of pollutants, improving operator and environmental safety.

Implementation Method 1

a suction system, said suction system comprising a blower, said blower being connected to said sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

MIG/MAG electric welding uses the heat energy released by an electric arc that strikes in a protective atmosphere between a consumable electrode wire and the parts to be joined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric arc: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 3

The gas is continuously injected onto the arc to completely isolate the molten metal from the surrounding air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas shielding:

Data Source

PatentEP3804898B1Gas electric welding torch with smoke suction, and associated welding device comprising such torch
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 AMP SOUDAGE
  • EP3804898B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3804898B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3a
  • EP3804898B1 patent drawingFigure 3b~3d

AI summary

The invention relates to an electric welding torch (100) under gas and with suction comprising an internal sub-assembly extending along a central axis (C) and having a wire-pass contact tube connected to a gas diffuser, itself connected to a tubular element forming a gooseneck, an external sub-assembly (20) arranged coaxially around the internal sub-assembly, and having a blow nozzle (21) connected to a fume collector (22), itself connected to a rigid casing (23) forming a gooseneck. The sensor (22), generally cylindrical in shape, has at least one opening (221) to allow the aspiration of fumes, and two flow grooves (223), symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal plane (x,z), both originating in an edge area (224) of the sensor (22) in contact with the blowing nozzle (21), and extending to the (at least one) opening (221).