Welding Torch Sleeve Clasp for Secure Strain Relief Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing protective coverings on welding torches, such as elastic bands, fail to maintain a secure connection over time, leading to exposure of underlying components due to stress and manipulation during operation.

Innovation Solution

A clasp system that securely couples a protective sleeve to a welding torch through a strain relief and ball swivel, using complementary annular ridges and trenches, along with fasteners, to maintain the sleeve's position and prevent loosening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an elastic band is used to couple the protective covering to the welding torch, then the connection is simple and inexpensive, but the connection loosens over time due to stress and manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of connection methodVSAvoidsecurity of connection over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clasp is divided into two separate halves that can be independently positioned and then joined together. This segmentation allows the clasp to be installed in two stages: first securing the ball swivel to the handle, then securing the protective covering to the ball swivel, providing a more reliable connection than a single elastic band

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ball swivel is first secured to the handle using the clasp before the protective covering is attached. This preliminary action creates a stable foundation that prevents the covering from loosening, as the ball swivel itself is already firmly positioned and cannot shift or rotate freely

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 clasp system effectively retains the protective sleeve in place, preventing exposure of internal components to contaminants and ensuring reliable operation by enhancing frictional retention and compressive force.

Implementation Method 1

enhancing frictional retention and compressive force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

enhancing frictional retention and compressive force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11559849B2Strain relief clasps
Publication Date: 2023.01.24 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US11559849B2 patent drawing
  • US11559849B2 patent drawing
  • US11559849B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a welding torch having a clasp (300) that couples a protective sleeve (150) to a welding torch through a strain relief (200). The protective sleeve (150) encloses a welding cable assembly. The strain relief (200) encircles a portion of the protective sleeve (150). The protective sleeve (150) is further fitted over a ball swivel that is coupled to a handle (38) of the welding torch. The clasp (300) clamps over the strain relief (200), protective sleeve (150), and ball swivel to securely couple the protective sleeve (150) to the welding torch.