Welding Torch Handle Hinge Cap for Secure Access Port Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Welding torches face issues with unattached cover caps becoming lost and attached caps getting in the way or becoming unattached, hindering maintenance and adjustment of internal components.

Innovation Solution

A welding torch handle with a hinged cover cap system that includes a latch mechanism and complementary tongue-and-groove features, allowing the cap to be securely closed or opened to access internal components without obstruction, using a bolt and insert configuration to facilitate smooth rotation and retention in open positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cover cap is attached to the welding torch handle, then the access port is covered during operation, but the cap may get in the way or become unattached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover cap retentionVSAvoidaccess to internal components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover cap is designed with a hinged connection that allows it to rotate between a closed position (covering the access port during operation) and an open position (providing access to internal components). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the cap adaptable to different operational states rather than being fixed in one position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover cap assembly is divided into separate functional elements: the cap body, the hinged connection mechanism, and the retention feature. This segmentation allows the cap to perform multiple functions - covering the port when closed and being easily opened when needed - without compromising retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a cover cap is left unattached, then it does not get in the way during operation, but the cap can become lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunobstructed operationVSAvoidcover cap retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinged connection acts as an intermediary between the attached and unattached states. Instead of the cap being either fully attached or completely free, the hinge provides a controlled connection that prevents the cap from becoming lost while still allowing it to be easily moved out of the way during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a latch mechanism is added to secure the cover cap, then the cap remains attached during operation, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover cap retentionVSAvoidlatch mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention feature is merged with the hinged connection structure itself rather than being a separate latch mechanism. The cap and hinge are designed as an integrated assembly where the retention function is built into the connection geometry, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable retention during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3758881B1Welding torch handle with a cover cap and a cap holder ; welding torch with such handle

Publication Date: 2023.11.08 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a cover cap for a welding torch. The cover cap is attached to a housing of the welding torch and rotatable between a closed position, where the cover cap covers an access port of the welding torch, and an open position, where the cover cap does not cover the access port. The welding torch may have welding components within the handle that may be accessed through the access port when the cover cap is in the open position. A cap holder may be used to hold the cover cap in the open position.