Welding torch and wire feed manipulator increase capability for performing automatic welding operations. The manipulator rotates on its horizontal axis to avoid obstacles as they approach the torch. The initial individual attitudes of the torch and wire guide are set with respect to the general configuration of the part

Williams, R. T.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

October 1967	 Brief 67-10385 
NASA TECH BRIEF	 1 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Welding Torch and Wire Feed Manipulator
Wire Feed Guide 
ide Bracket 
Wire 
Feed 
Tube
Flexible Cables 
"Drive Mechanism 
Adjustment Lever 
Axial
Adjustment
Screw
Remote Positi 
Controls 
The problem: 
Automatic welding operations are frequently im-
paired because of interference between the welding 
torch, filler wire feed guide, and the area to be welded. 
These obstacles may be caused by irregular workpiece 
configuration or by interfering components located 
adjacent to the weld areas. Variations in workpiece 
configuration from part to part also require a means 
for changing the attitude of the weld torch and wire 
feed to suit the situation.
Plunger	 viswA 
The solution: 
A universal manipulator fabricated to present the 
weld torch and wire guide to the desired area in a 
semifixed relationship with each other and the work. 
The manipulator has the capability of rotating on its 
horizontal axis to avoid obstacles as they approach the 
torch. The initial individual attitudes of the torch and 
wire guide are set with respect to the general con-
figuration of the part. Minute positioning adjustments 
to the weld torch and the wire feed guide can be made 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19670000385 2020-03-11T21:06:22+00:00Z
remotely during weld operations. An x and/or y 
directional oscillation can be imparted to the torch 
and wire feed guide for "puddling." The weld torch 
and connected automatic wire feed guide can be 
accurately positioned, manipulated, and/or adjusted 
in relation to the workpiece to maintain an even gap. 
Use is made of mechanical hinge and swivel joints, 
telescoping tubes and rods, a screw feed adjustment, 
screw feed cable adjustment, gear drives, and an 
electrical oscillator with a selectable reciprocating 
drive having an adjustable stroke to maintain gap size. 
How it's done: 
A modified commercially available welding torch is 
presented to the work in the optimum basic working 
position relative to a particular workpiece, by adjust-
ing the major swivel- joint and trunnion by which the 
housing of the manipulator is attached to the sensing 
head. The filler wire feed guide and guide bracket are 
positioned about the torch by a swivel bracket and the 
extended axis of the torch handle, and are locked in 
place at an angular attitude by the telescopic arm and 
the guide pivot joint. 
Minute adjustment of the filler wire guide while 
welding is achieved in the x and y axes normal to the 
filler wire by flexible cables operated from remote 
positioning controls mounted on the remote control 
bracket. Micrometer axial adjustment to the entire 
front end is obtained by turning the axial adjustment 
screw. 
To avoid obstacles while welding, the complete 
front end can be rotated to the right or left about the 
axis normal to the tip of the torch and parallel to the 
axis of the torch handle by turning the rotational 
positioning crank. The oscillating motor actuates the 
drive mechanism. The stroke of the arm of the drive
mechanism is adjusted by the stroke adjustment lever. 
The selector stop permits the selection of either a 
reciprocating motion or an oscillating motion of the 
weld torch over the work by locking out the plunger 
of the particular action not desired. 
The micarta gears transmit the oscillating motion 
from the drive shaft to the weld torch. The drive shaft 
transmits the reciprocating motion to the weld torch. 
The sensing head, the argon hose, the water-cooled 
power line, and the water cooling line all enter the 
torch handle under the driving yoke. The filler weld 
wire is fed from a modified filler wire feeder through 
the wire feed tube and out of the filler wire feed guide 
to the weld. 
Notes: 
1. Combinations of available adjustments of this ma-
nipulator have greatly increased the capability for 
performing many automatic welding operations 
not possible with commercially available equip-
ment. 
2. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Huntsville, Alabama 35812 
Reference: B67-10385 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546.
Source: R. T. Williams
of North American Aviation, Inc.

under contract to

Marshall Space Flight Center
(MFS-13 102) 
Brief 67-10385	 Category 05


Welding torch and wire feed manipulator

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

NASA Technical Reports Server