Wire Inlet Nozzle Oval Flange Tool-Free Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire inlet nozzle systems require tool-based fastening and additional components, making them cumbersome for use with 'endless wire cores' and limiting flexibility in material compatibility and installation direction.

Innovation Solution

A wire inlet nozzle with a cylindrical fastening mechanism featuring movable jaws and an oval web, allowing tool-free clamping and fixation of the wire core through a manual rotary movement, enabling easy installation from any side without additional components and maintaining compatibility with various wire core materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional fastening systems are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but tool-based fastening and additional components are required, increasing device complexity and installation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening operationVSAvoidfastening system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wire core clamping function and the wire inlet nozzle fastening function into a single integrated fastening mechanism. The deformation element simultaneously clamps the wire core and secures the nozzle to the coupling, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through manual deformation of the deformation element. The user directly manipulates the deformation element to clamp the wire core and secure the nozzle without requiring external tools or additional fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If additional elements are attached to the wire core, then secure clamping is achieved, but the wire core cannot be easily cut to length and installation is more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire core clampingVSAvoidwire core installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes additional fastening elements from the wire core by integrating the clamping function directly into the wire inlet nozzle structure. The deformation element contacts and clamps the wire core directly without requiring attached fastening components, allowing the wire core to be cut to length and installed simply by insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If manual rotary movement is used for fastening, then tool-free operation is achieved, but sufficient clamping force must be generated through manual effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening tool requirementVSAvoidclamping force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic deformation element that transitions from a flexible state during installation to a rigid clamped state during operation. The element is designed to deform easily during manual installation but maintains strong clamping force once deformed, achieving both ease of operation and sufficient clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates quick, tool-free fastening and clamping of wire cores, allowing for easy length adjustment and secure fixation without twisting, while ensuring the wire inlet nozzle remains securely attached to the coupling.

Implementation Method 1

The wire core is clamped by twisting the wire inlet nozzle with little effort

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The force is applied at a distance from the clamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2580018B1System for securing a wire core in a coupling and wire inlet nozzle for such a securing system
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 FRONIUS INT GMBH
  • EP2580018B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2580018B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2580018B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for securing a wire core (26) for a welding wire (9) in a coupling (29) of a hose assembly (21), the wire core (26) being fixed with a wire inlet nozzle (27) in the coupling (29) and the wire inlet nozzle (27) being connected to the coupling (29) by way of a securing means (31) which is formed in a cylindrical manner and has at least one slot (36) to form at least two movable jaws (37), and relates to a wire inlet nozzle (27) for such a securing system. According to the invention, at the end opposite from a wire inlet element (32), the securing means (31) is provided with an oval flange (35), which oval flange (35) is formed in a raised manner with respect to the cylindrical region.