Claims:WE CLAIM
1. An apparatus (100) for supporting a plurality of welding torches (109), the apparatus (100) comprising of:
a supporting bar (101) for holding the apparatus (100);
a first cylindrical shaft (102) mounted to the supporting bar (101);
a second cylindrical shaft (103) connected to the first cylindrical shaft (102) by a bracket (104);
a plurality of bars (105, 106) connected to the second cylindrical shaft (103); and
a clamp (107, 108) is attached to free end of the bar (105, 106) respectively.
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cylindrical shaft (102) is configured to mount a first rack (110) and a pinion assembly (112).
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cylindrical shaft (103) is configured to mount a second rack (113) and multiple pinion assemblies (114, 115).
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1-3, wherein each of the plurality of pinion assemblies (112, 114, 115) includes a pinion knob (201, 202, 203) respectively.
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of bars (105,106) have a flat surface at one end.
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flat surface is attached to the second cylindrical shaft (104).
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein other end of the bar (105, 106) is connected to the clamp (107, 108).
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the clamp (107, 108) is configured to hold a welding torch (109).
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1-8, wherein each of the clamps (107, 108) holds the welding torch (109) for welding the two fins (302, 303) at the same time simultaneously on either side of the hanger tube (301).
, Description:AN APPARATUS TO SUPPORT WELDING TORCHES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to an apparatus for supporting welding torches. More specifically, the present invention relates to the apparatus for supporting the welding torches to weld fins on either sides of a hanger tube to reduce the welding process time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The hanger tube is a straight tube of material SA213 Gr T22 with specification of Ø63.5mm, wall thickness of 13mm and of length 3mts in which flat stepped fins are welded on either sides of the tube using a semi automated CO2 MIG welding machine.
[0004] The CO2 MIG welding machine along with the torch holding unit and a wire feeder unit is mounted on a movable machine bed which travels parallel to the hanger tube during the welding process. Whereas the hanger tube with the pre tacked fins are fixed rigidly on a fixture that is parallel to the movable machine bed so that the torch fixed on the machine bed can be utilised for welding when the machine bed is made to move parallel to the hanger tube. The machine bed moves with the help of a geared motor that is mounted on a rack and pinion type mechanism.
[0005] Further, a torch holding unit is given which is capable of holding only one CO2 welding torch. Hence the complete welding of the hanger tube fins is carried out using that one torch only. The machine is set to the starting point and the welding torch is further located to the welding position, to weld the fin of one side of the hanger tube.
[0006] After completing the full welding of one side of the fin, the machine is reset again to the starting point and the welding torch setting is changed and the torch is then located to weld the other side fin of the hanger tube. Then full welding process of the second side fin of the hanger tube is continued. After completing the full welding on the top side of both the fins on either side of the hanger tube, the hanger tube is then tilted upside down for the full welding of rear side of the fins. Afterwards, the bottom side of the hanger tube comes on top and the full welding of both the fins on this side is carried out by the same process as discussed above in the paragraphs.
[0007] This process of full welding of the fins to the hanger tube consumes more cycle time which results in very less productivity. For completing the full welding process of one hanger tube, it involves repetitive machine resetting and torch setting process is very laborious and consumes more cycle time.
[0008] In further addition to this, while welding one side of the fin, the partial side of the hanger tube gets heated where the welding is carried out. Due to the heating on the partial side, the hanger tube tends to bend as an effect which results in bow bend distortion which in further testing is considered as a defect and becomes unfit for the re-heater coil assembly. These hanger tubes with distortion defect are further subjected to hot correction and horizontal pressing in order to remove the bow bend distortion that is caused due to the partial heating effect. The defect and its correction process increases the cycle time in the hanger tube manufacturing process.
[0009] It is thereby required to develop an alternate way for the hanger tube full welding process which would be effective in reducing the cycle time as well as the operator's fatigue.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] It is therefore the object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks in prior arts.
[0011] It is a primary object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus that is able to utilize welding torches at the same time for welding both the fins simultaneously on either side of the hanger tube.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to spread the heat from the welding torches evenly on either side of the hanger tube.
[0013] It is still another object of the present disclosure to reduce the cycle time of the process.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to eliminate the repetitive operations such as machine resetting and torch setting operations.
[0015] It is one another object of the present disclosure to eliminate the bow bend distortion defect that is caused due to uneven heating since the welding process of both the fins.
[0016] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus/composition and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.
[0018] Solution to one or more drawbacks of existing technology and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0019] The present disclosure offers a solution in the form of an apparatus for supporting a plurality of welding torches having a supporting bar for holding the apparatus, a first cylindrical shaft mounted to the supporting bar, a second cylindrical shaft connected to the first cylindrical shaft by a bracket, a plurality of bars connected to the second cylindrical shaft and clamps attached to free end of the bars.
[0020] In an aspect of the invention, the first cylindrical shaft is configured to mount a first rack and a pinion assembly.
[0021] In an aspect of the invention, the second cylindrical shaft is configured to mount a second rack and multiple pinion assemblies.
[0022] In an aspect of the invention, each of the pinion assemblies includes a pinion knobs respectively.
[0023] In an aspect of the invention, the plurality of bars have a flat surface at one end.
[0024] In an aspect of the invention, the flat surface is attached to the second cylindrical shaft.
[0025] In an aspect of the invention, other end of the bars is connected to the clamps.
[0026] In an aspect of the invention, each of the clamp is configured to hold the welding torch.
[0027] In an aspect of the invention, each of the clamps holds the welding torch for welding the two fins at the same time simultaneously on either side of the hanger tube.
[0028] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0029] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
[0030] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0031] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0032] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:-
[0033] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0034] Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus according to the present disclosure.
[0035] Fig. 2 illustrates the exploded view of the apparatus according to the present disclosure.
[0036] Fig. 3 illustrates the apparatus for welding two fins of the hanger tube simultaneously at the same time by holding two torches according to the present disclosure.
[0037] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
[0038] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0039] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0040] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0041] The present invention is related to an apparatus for supporting a plurality of welding torches in order to weld two fins at the same time simultaneously on either side of a hanger tube. As described in the background of the invention, it is essential to reduce the cycle time of the process which is the need of the hour in manufacturing the hanger tubes required for re-heater coil assembly.
[0042] Referring to Figure 1, a supporting bar (101) is provided to provide support to the apparatus (100). The apparatus (100) includes the following components:
[0043] A first cylindrical shaft (102) has a first rack (110) on which a pinion assembly (112) is provided. The first rack (110) on the first cylindrical shaft (102) is inserted in the pinion assembly (112) and the pinion assembly (112) is fixed rigidly to the supporting bar (101) that is mounted on a machine bed.
[0044] Further, a bracket (104) having an inverted 'U' is provided at the bottom of the first cylindrical shaft (102). A second cylindrical shaft (103) has a second rack (113) on which a plurality of pinion assemblies (114, 115) are provided. The second rack (113) is fixed rigidly in between the inverted 'U' bracket in the horizontal position. Before fixing the second rack (113), the pinion assemblies (114, 115) are inserted in the second rack (113) and then the second rack (113) is fixed firmly in between the bracket (104).
[0045] Furthermore, multitude of bars (105, 106) are configured to mount a plurality of clamps (107, 108). Each of the clamps (107, 108) further holds the welding torch (109) for welding the two fins (302, 303) at the same time simultaneously on either side of the hanger tube (301).
[0046] Referring to Fig. 3, the apparatus is provided in order to weld the fins (302, 303) on the either sides of the hanger tube (301) simultaneously at the same time which reduces the cycle time of the process to the great extent. This is attained by utilizing the two CO2 welding torches (109) as discussed in Figure 1.
[0047] Referring to Fig. 2, the total apparatus (100) is made to hold rigidly on the supporting bar (101). The first cylindrical shaft (102) is made up of brass. The first rack (110) is fixed on the outer surface of the first cylindrical shaft (102) and parallel to its axis using fasteners such as grub screws (204, 205). Then a pinion assembly (112) is provided in which a pinion wheel with an adjusting knob (201) is inserted. The pinion assembly (112) is inserted on the first cylindrical shaft (102) along the first rack (110) that is assembled to it.
[0048] The pinion assembly (112) along with the rack (110) is mounted rigidly with the help of a nut (206) at the edge of the supporting bar (101). The first rack (110) and the pinion assembly (112) acts as a vertical alignment system that is adjustable on the 'X' axis. This movement enables the user to adjust both the welding torches (109) vertically up and down in order to maintain the arc length while welding.
[0049] The 'U' shaped bracket (104) is made up of mild steel flat and is fixed firmly on the second cylindrical shaft (103). The bracket (104) is mounted to the bottom of the first cylindrical shaft (102) using a bolt (207). The second cylindrical shaft (103) is taken and the second rack (113) is fixed on it parallel to its axis using fasteners such as grub screws (208, 209).
[0050] The second cylindrical shaft (103) has the plurality of pinion assemblies (114, 115). The pinion assemblies (114, 115) are taken and two pinion wheels with a plurality of adjusting knobs (202, 203) are inserted one in each of the pinion assemblies (114, 115). The plurality of pinion assemblies (114, 115) are inserted on the second cylindrical shaft (103) with the second rack (113). Now the second cylindrical shaft (103) is fixed horizontally in-between the bracket (104) using the plurality of fasteners such as bolts (210, 211) on either sides of the bracket (104).
[0051] The second rack (113) and the plurality of pinion assemblies (114, 115) fixed in-between the bracket (104), acts as a horizontal alignment system, that is adjustable on the 'Y' axis, which enables to adjust both the plurality of welding torches (109) horizontally to the left and right sides individually while welding. This horizontal system helps in maintaining the weld bead to a straight line along the fins (302) to be welded on either side of the hanger tube (301).
[0052] Further, the plurality of bars (105, 106) are twisted and have a flat surface on one end. The plurality of bars (105, 106) are made up of mild steel. The flat surface of the plurality of bars (105, 106) is taken and each of the flat surface is fixed with the plurality of pinion assemblies (114, 115) in-between the bracket (104) using fasteners (212, 213). One end of the plurality of clamps (107, 108) is assembled to one end of the plurality of bars (105, 106) and the other end is assembled to hold the welding torches (109) firmly by using a plurality of fasteners such as a plurality of screws (214, 215) and a plurality of nuts (216, 217)
[0053] The materials are given as example without restricting scope of the invention to the same. Thus, other materials readily apparent to a person skilled in the art are understood to be within purview of the invention.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0054] With the help of the solution as proposed herein in the context of the present disclosure, both side fins of the hanger tube can be welded at same time simultaneously which reduces the cycle time to a great extent in manufacturing the hanger tube.
[0055] The present disclosure is also able to produce a sound product without any defect of bow bend distortion since the heating effect during welding is distributed evenly on either sides of the hanger tube due to the present invention.
WORKING OF INVENTION
[0056] In the present invention, the apparatus (100) is capable of holding the plurality of CO2 welding torches (109). Here, by rotating the pinion assembly (112) on the first cylindrical shaft (102), the two CO2 welding torches (109) can be raised up and down by which the welding arc length is adjusted while welding and by rotating the two pinions assemblies (114, 115) present on the second cylindrical shaft (103), the welding torches (109) can be adjusted individually which makes it easier to locate the tip of the torch to the welding location.
TEST RESULT
[0057] The invention of an apparatus of holding the welding torches is assembled successfully which in return reduces the cycle time to great extent in the welding process of fins on either sides of the hanger tube.
[0058] The comparison of cycle time is given below:
Before:
S. No. Activities Time (min)
1. Hanger Tube Cleaning 10
2. Pre-Heating 10
3. Overall fin welding time 32
4. Torch cleaning 20
5. Clamping hanger tube and earthing 6
6. Unclamping hanger tube 6
7. Overall torch setting time 12
8. Overall machine resting time 9
9. Turn back hanger tube 3
10. Unloading hanger tube 3
11. Loading to machine 2
12. Power setting 2
Total Time (min) 115

After:
S. No. Activities Time (min)
1. Hanger Tube Cleaning 10
2. Torch cleaning 20
3. Torch setting to one side fin 12
4. Welding one side of the fin 9
5. Torch cleaning 3
6. Machine reset to starting point 3
Total Time (min) 31

[0059] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to disclosures containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Also, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0060] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present disclosure contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the disclosure, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Also, while a feature of the present disclosure may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present disclosure. The present disclosure also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
[0061] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0062] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0063] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogues to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.
[0064] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.
[0065] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0066] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0067] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.