Patent Publication Number: US-2018050415-A1

Title: Torch quick release mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/375,737 filed on Aug. 16, 2016. The entirety of such application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     In general, the present invention relates to a quick release mechanism used with a welding device that performs a welding operation, wherein the quick release mechanism facilitates connecting and disconnecting a torch to a wire feeder. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Welding devices or systems often include a screw system that is used to secure a torch to a wire feeder. The torch assembly for connectivity to a wire feeder includes the torch with a male insert that mates with a female part, wherein the female part contains a separate piece that gets wedged into contact with the male member as the screw system is tightened. If the screw system that secures or tightens the separate piece becomes loose over time or is not secured tight enough, the torch can separate from the feeder. When the screw system is loose, the torch can push out of the feeder and wire can escape from the intended conduit path causing a short. This short can often cause damage to the surrounding area. Accordingly, an improved welding device, methodology, and/or system addressing these concerns is needed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a connection system used with a welding system having a torch and a wire feeder, that can include the following: a quick release mechanism that includes a body that is configured to be inserted through an aperture on a sidewall of a female member in which the female member is coupled to a wire feeder; a torch cable having a first end and a second end opposite thereto, the first end utilizes a first connection assembly to couple to a wire exit location of the wire feeder and the second end attaches to a torch, wherein the wire feeder delivers wire from the exit wire location through the torch cable to the torch for performance of a welding operation; the first connection assembly includes a male member integrated to the first end of the torch cable, wherein the male member mates with the female member to couple the torch cable to the wire exit location of the wire feeder; the male member includes a groove around a circumference of a sidewall of the first end of the male member; the body housing a pin that engages with the groove; and the quick release mechanism includes a handle that controls the pin and engagement with the groove, wherein the engagement of the pin within the groove attaches the male member to the female member and disengagement of the pin from the groove allows detachment of the male member from the female member. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a welder system is provided that includes at least the following: a power supply configured to output a welding current to an electrode to create an arc between the electrode and a workpiece; a wire feeder configured to deliver a welding wire to the arc; at least one welding torch for performing a welding operation on the workpiece to create a weld joint, the welding torch includes the electrode; a torch cable having a first end and a second end opposite thereto, the first end utilizes a first connection assembly to couple to a wire exit location of the wire feeder and the second end attaches to the at least one welding torch, wherein the wire feeder delivers wire from the exit wire location through the torch cable to the at least one welding torch for performance of the welding operation; the first connection assembly includes a male member integrated to the first end of the torch cable, wherein the male member mates with the female member to couple the torch cable to the wire exit location of the wire feeder; the male member includes a groove around a circumference of a sidewall of the first end of the male member; a quick release mechanism attached to the wire feeder, the quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism can include a body that is configured to be inserted through an aperture on a sidewall of a female member; the body housing a pin that engages with the groove; and a handle that controls the pin and engagement with the groove, wherein the engagement of the pin within the groove attaches the male member to the female member and disengagement of the pin from the groove allows detachment of the male member from the female member. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a wire delivery system is provided that includes at least the following: a wire source that provide a wire to a wire feeder at a wire entrance location; one or more drive rolls that drive the wire from the wire entrance location to a wire exit location and through a torch cable to a torch; a quick release mechanism that releaseably secures the torch cable to the wire exit location, comprising a body that is configured to be inserted through an aperture on a sidewall of a female member in which the female member is coupled to the wire feeder at the wire exit location; the torch cable having a first end and a second end opposite thereto, the first end utilizes a first connection assembly to couple to the wire exit location of the wire feeder and the second end attaches to the torch, wherein the wire feeder delivers wire from the exit wire location through the torch cable to the torch for performance of a welding operation; the first connection assembly includes a male member integrated to the first end of the torch cable, wherein the male member mates with the female member to couple the torch cable to the wire exit location of the wire feeder; the male member includes a groove around a circumference of a sidewall of the first end of the male member; the body housing a pin that engages with the groove; and a handle that controls the pin and engagement with the groove, wherein the engagement of the pin within the groove attaches the male member to the female member and disengagement of the pin from the groove allows detachment of the male member from the female member. 
     These and other objects of this invention will be evident when viewed in light of the drawings, detailed description and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a welding system that uses a quick release mechanism to secure a torch or torch cable to a wire feeder; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a wire feeder in a welding system; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a wire feeder; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of a quick release mechanism, a female member, a male member, and a torch cable in accordance with the subject innovation; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a quick release mechanism that is engaged to a groove to secure a portion of the wire feeder to a portion of the torch; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a quick release mechanism that is disengaged to a groove to allow release of a torch from a portion of the wire feeder; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a quick release mechanism in an engaged position that uses a biasing member; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a quick release mechanism in a disengaged position that uses a biasing member; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a quick release mechanism in an engaged position that uses a cam; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of a quick release mechanism in a disengaged position that uses a cam; and 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of a cam used with a quick release mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to welding methods or systems that include a quick release mechanism (also referred to as a “mechanism” or “quick connect”) used to secure a torch to a wire feeder. A mechanism can be attached to a wire feeder and employ a pin or member that mates with a groove in a torch connection to the wire feeder to prevent detachment. The mechanism can be used with a robot welding torch or automated welding system or a manual or semi-automatic welding torch or welding system. The quick release mechanism can be used with a wire feeder, a welding system, a wire delivery system, a connection system that couples a torch cable to a wire feeder, a connection system that couples a torch to a wire feeder, or a combination thereof 
     “Welding” or “weld” as used herein including any other formatives of these words will refer to depositing of molten material through the operation of an electric arc including but not limited to submerged arc, GTAW, GMAW, MAG, MIG, TIG welding, any high energy heat source (e.g., a laser, an electron beam, among others), or any electric arc used with a welding system. Moreover, the welding operation can be on a workpiece that includes a coating such as, but not limited to, a galvanized coating. 
     “Component” or “Controller” as used herein can be a portion of hardware, a portion of software, or a combination thereof that can include or utilize at least a processor and a portion of memory, wherein the memory includes an instruction to execute. 
     While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein. The control systems and methodologies discussed herein are equally applicable to, and can be utilized in, systems and methods related to arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, and any other systems or methods using similar control methodology, without departing from the spirit or scope of the above discussed inventions. The embodiments and discussions herein can be readily incorporated into any of these systems and methodologies by those of skill in the art. By way of example and not limitation, a power supply as used herein (e.g., welding power supply, among others) can be a power supply for a device that performs welding, arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, among others. Thus, one of sound engineering and judgment can choose power supplies other than a welding power supply without departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention. 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention will now be described for the purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time of the filing of this patent application. The examples and figures are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, which is measured by the scope and spirit of the claims. Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same, the  FIG. 1  illustrates a welding system that is used with an automated, semi-automated, or manual welding system. Turning to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of welding system  100  is illustrated. System  100  includes a welding torch  110  (also referred to as “torch”) having an electrode in which a power source  104  creates an arc  112  between an electrode and a workpiece W to complete an electrical circuit to perform a welding operation. System  100  can include the power source  104  that is configured to create the arc  112  between an electrode and workpiece W and further include a wire feeder  106  that is configured to deliver welding wire to a puddle formed by the electrode. A controller  102  can be configured to manage wire feed speed (WFS) of the wire feeder  106 , the power source  104  that creates arc  112  for the welding operation, among others. It is to be appreciated that the system  100  can be used to perform a welding operation with a consumable electrode, a non-consumable electrode, a shielding gas, no shielding gas, or a combination thereof. 
       FIGS. 2-4  illustrate the wire feeder  106  that is configured to deliver wire to the torch  110  to perform a welding operation.  FIG. 2  illustrates the wire feeder  106 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a coupling between the wire feeder  106  and the torch cable  132 .  FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the coupling between the wire feeder  106  and the torch cable  132 . The wire feeder  106  can include a wire entrance location  114  to which wire from a wire source is received. In an embodiment, the wire source can be a spool of wire for the particular welding operation. Moreover, the wire feeder  106  can include a support or arm to hold a spool of wire. The wire feeder  106  can include one or more drive rolls that drive the wire from the wire entrance location  114  to a wire exit location  116 . The wire feeder  106  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is depicted with four (4) drive rolls  118 ,  120 ,  122 , and  124 . The wire from the wire exit location  116  is further driven either directly to the torch  110  or indirectly to the torch  110  using a torch cable  132  (and at least one of a first connection assembly or a second connection assembly for coupling the torch cable to one of the wire feeder  106  or the torch  110 ). In the situation with an indirect feed to the torch  110 , the wire can be delivered from the wire feeder  106  through a first connection on a first end of a torch cable  132 , from the first connection on the first end of the torch cable  132  through the torch cable  132 , from the torch cable  132  to a second connection on a second end of the torch cable  132  (opposite the first end), and from the second connection through to the torch  110 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the wire feeder  106  can include a first connection assembly  126  that couples the torch cable  132  to the wire feeder  106  which facilitates delivering wire via the torch cable  132  to the torch  110 . The first connection assembly  126  can be on a first end  133  of the torch cable  132 . Opposite the first end  133  of the torch cable  132  can be a second end. The second end of the torch cable  132  can be coupled to the torch  110  via a second connection assembly. In another embodiment, the second end of the torch cable  132  may not include the second connection assembly but rather the torch  110  is integrated to the second end of the torch cable  132 . 
     As discussed, the torch cable  132  can connect the wire feeder  106  to the torch cable  132  to allow delivery of wire to the torch cable  132  for the welding operation. The torch cable  132  can include the first connection assembly  126  to releaseably couple the wire feeder  106  to an end of the torch cable  132 . The first connection assembly  126  can include a female member  128  and a male member  130 , wherein the female member  128  is secured to a portion of the wire feeder  106  or integrated to the wire feeder  106 . In an embodiment, the female member  128  can mate with the male member  130 , wherein the mating is based on a shape of the male member  130  fitting inside a shape of the female member  128 . In other words, the female member  128  has a recess or hollow shape to which the male member  130  can fit inside or partially inside. For instance, the male member  130  can be a cylinder shape and the female member  128  can be a corresponding hole that receives the cylinder shape. In particular, the female member  128  can be a hollow cylinder shape to which the male member  130 , having a solid cylinder shape, mates therein. 
     In an embodiment, the male member  130  can include a length, a first end and a second end opposite thereto, wherein the first end mates with the female member  128  such that a portion of the length resides inside the female member  128 . Moreover, the first end of the male member  130  can include a first shape. The female member  128  can include a hollow area or recess to receive the male member  130  in which the hollow area or recess includes a depth, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a second shape for the first end. The first shape of the male member  130  can correspond to the second shape of the female member  128 . 
     It is to be appreciated the male member  130  and the female member  128  can be include various dimensions (e.g., length, shape of first end, shape of second end, depth, among others) and such dimensions can be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. For instance, the female member  128  can be a first shape that allows receipt of a portion of a second shape of the male member  130 . In still another embodiment in which the first shape and the second shape are circular or round-shaped, the first end of the male member  130  can further include a first diameter that is greater than a second diameter of the second end of the male member  130  (see  FIG. 4 ). The second end of the male member  130  is further coupled or integrated to the torch cable  132 . 
     A quick release mechanism  108  is configured to allow coupling of the wire feeder  106  to the torch cable  132 . The quick release mechanism  108  can engage the first connection assembly  126  to facilitate securing the torch cable  132  to the wire feeder  106 . In other words, the quick release mechanism  108  is configured to allow coupling or releasing between the male member  130  and the female member  128  which connect or disconnect the first end  133  of the torch cable  132  and the wire exit location  116 . The quick release mechanism  108  or a portion thereof can be inserted into an aperture on a sidewall  142  of the female member  128  such that a portion of the quick release mechanism  108  engages a groove  204  on a sidewall  144  of the male member  130 . In an embodiment, the quick release mechanism  108  can releaseably couple to the sidewall  142  via threading. In another embodiment, the quick release mechanism  108  can be inserted through the sidewall  142  without coupling to the sidewall or the female member  128 . The quick release mechanism  108  blocks a path of disconnect or connect between the first end  402  and the female member  128 . 
     The torch cable  132  can include a first end  133  and a second end opposite thereto, wherein the first end  133  of the torch cable  132  is connected to the wire feeder  106  at the wire exit location  116  and the second end of the torch cable  132  is connected to the torch  110 . The torch  110  can be coupled via the second connection assembly to the second end of the torch cable  132  or integrated into the second end of the torch cable  132 . The first end  133  of the torch cable  132  can be coupled to the wire feeder  106  via the first connection assembly  126  or integrated into the wire feeder  106 . The connection assemblies, if used, between the torch cable  132  and the wire feeder  106  or the torch  110  can be releasable or non-releasable. It is to be appreciated that the torch cable  132  can be used to provide connectivity between the wire feeder  106  and the torch  110  in order for the torch  110  to receive wire for delivery from the exit wire location  116  to perform the welding operation. The connectivity between the wire feeder  106  and the torch  110  can include one or more connectors or connector assemblies in order to couple the torch cable  132 . As discussed, a torch cable  132  can include a first connection assembly  126  on the first end  133  of the torch cable  132  to couple to the wire feeder  106 . Additionally in such instance, the torch cable  132  can include a second connection assembly on a second end, opposite the first end  133 , of the torch cable  132  to couple the second end to the torch  110  or another torch cable or another component to deliver wire to the torch  110 . The connection assemblies, torch cables, extension cables, and other components that couple the wire feeder  106  to the torch  110  can be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. The torch cable  132  used to deliver the wire from the wire feeder  106  to the torch  110  can be secured to the wire feeder  106  by the quick release mechanism  108  so as to prevent detachment of the torch cable  132  and a short that can occur from the wire escaping the delivery path from the wire feeder  106  to the torch  110 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , an exploded view of the first connection assembly  126  is illustrated that includes the female member  128 , the male member  130 , and the torch cable  132  coupled or integrated to the male member  130 . Torch  110  can include the male member  130  that mates with the female member  128 , wherein the female member  128  is incorporated with or coupled to the wire feeder  106 . The male member  130  can include a first end  402  and a second end  404  opposite thereof. The female member  128  can include a first end  406  and a second end  408  that is opposite the first end  406 . The female member  128  can define a recess area  140  to which a portion of the male member  130  can fit inside. It is to be appreciated that the dimensions of the male member  130  and the female member  128  can be selected with sound engineering judgment such that the male member  130  mates with the female member  128 . 
     In a particular example, the male member  128  is cylindrical in shape and the female member  130  defines a cylindrical recess (e.g., the recess area  140 ) that can receive a portion of the male member  130 . In such, the first end  402  of the male member  130  can include a first diameter and the second end  404  of the male member  130  can include a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The first diameter of the first end  402  of the male member  130  can be configured to fit inside the female member  128  since the female member  128  has a cylindrical recess with a diameter that allows insertion of the male member  130 . It is to be appreciated that the first end  133  of the torch cable  132  can be coupled or integrated to the male member  130  and a second end opposite of the first end  133  of the torch cable  132  can be integrated or coupled to the torch  110 . It is to be appreciated that the male member  130  can be one piece as depicted or be one or more pieces. For example, the male member  130  can be a first piece being the second end  404  that is releaseably or permanently coupled to the first end  402 . 
     The quick release mechanism  108  can be configured to secure the torch  110  or the torch cable  132  to the wire feeder  106 . The torch  110  can be coupled to the wire feeder  106  via the first connection assembly in which there is no torch cable  132 . In another example, the torch cable  132  can be coupled to the wire feeder  106  via the first connection assembly in which the torch cable  132  is coupled or integrated to the torch  110 . In either embodiment, the torch  110  or torch cable  132  can include the first connection assembly  126  that includes the male member  130  that is secured and mated to the female member  128  of the wire feeder  106  such that the first connection assembly  126  releaseably couples the male member  130  to the female member  128 . Conventionally, a screw system is used to prevent torch or torch cable from detaching from the wire feeder. The screw system includes a piece that gets wedged into contact with the male member  130  based on the amount of force the piece is screwed or turned. If the screw system becomes loose, as often does during delivery of wire for the welding operation, the torch or torch cable can detach from the wire feeder and wire from the wire feeder can be exposed causing a short or damage to the equipment, welding operation, among others. In order to prevent the torch  110  or the torch cable  132  from detaching from the wire feeder  106 , the quick release mechanism  108  can removeably secure the torch  110  or torch cable  132  to the wire feeder  106  by passing through the sidewall  142  to engage a groove on the sidewall  144  of the male member  130 . It is to be appreciated that the quick release mechanism  108  can be used in combination with a conventional screw system or be used to replace a screw system. 
     It is to be appreciated that the quick release mechanism  108  can be include a member or pin  202  that engages with the groove  204  and such member can be screwed to releaseably coupled to at least one of a portion of the wire feeder  106 , the male member  130 , or the female member  128 . The member can be, but not limited to being, a hex screw, an Allen bolt or screw, a bolt, a screw, a metal pin, a pin, a metal, among others. In other words, the quick release mechanism  108  can be a member that configured to engage the groove  204  on the sidewall  144  of the male member  130  or a portion of the torch cable  132  or torch  110 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the quick release mechanism  108  with the male member  130  mated with the female member  128  in a cross-sectional view. The quick release mechanism  108  can include a pin  202  (also referred to as a member) that is moveable to engage or disengage with a groove  204  on a portion of the sidewall of the male member  130 . In particular, sidewall  144  can include the groove  204  on a portion or the entire circumference of the male member  130  such that an aperture on the sidewall  142  of the female member  128 , which the quick release mechanism  108  passes through, aligns with the groove  204 . The groove  204  can be located on a position in between the first end and the second end of the male member  130 . In an embodiment, the groove  204  can be positioned on the sidewall  144  on the first end  402 . The pin  202  can be movable to fit inside the groove  204  to prevent the torch  110  or the torch cable  132  from detaching from the wire feeder  106  and in particular preventing detaching of the male member  130  from the female member  128 . Additionally, the pin  202  can be moveable to be outside the groove  204  to allow the torch  110  or the torch cable  132  to detach from the wire feeder  106  and in particular allowing detachment of the male member  130  from the female member  128 . In an embodiment, a handle  208  can be used to engage or disengage the pin  202  with or from the groove  204 . By way of example and not limitation, the handle  208  can be a push/pull or a twist/turn motion to control movement of the pin. The quick release mechanism  108  and features are discussed in more detail below. 
     It is to be appreciated that the quick release mechanism  108  and its components (e.g., a biasing member, a cam, a lip, a handle, a mounting surface, a pin, a body, apertures, and the like) can be fabricated from any suitable material used with a welding system, wire feeder, torch, or device used with performing a welding operation. In particular, the quick release mechanism  108  can be fabricated from a material such as, but not limited to, a metal, a steel, a polymer, an aluminum, a copper, a nickel, a brass, a composite material, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the quick release mechanism  108  can be a first material with a second material overlay in which the first material can be, but is not limited to, a metal, a steel, an aluminum, a copper, a nickel, or a composite material and the second material can be a rubber or polymer. The material composition of each component of the quick release mechanism  108  can be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. 
     The welding system  100  can include the wire feeder  106  directly coupled to the torch  110 . In such an example, the quick release mechanism  108  can be inserted through or coupled to a portion of the wire feeder  106  in which a portion of the quick release mechanism  108  prevents the torch  110  from disconnecting a delivery path of wire from the wire feeder  106  to the torch  110  to perform the welding operation. In such an example, the wire delivery path is from the wire feeder  106  to the torch  110 . In another example, the welding system  100  can include the wire feeder  106  coupled indirectly to the torch  110  via a torch cable  132  and one or more connection assemblies. In such an example, the wire delivery path is from the wire feeder  106  to the torch cable  132  to the torch  110 . The quick release mechanism  108  can be used to secure the torch cable  132  to a portion of the wire feeder  106 . In the situation where a connection assembly is used for one or more ends of the torch cable  132 , the wire delivery path is from the wire feeder  106  to a connection assembly to the torch cable  132  to a connection assembly to the torch  110 . The quick release mechanism  108  can be used to secure the connection assembly to a portion of the wire feeder  106 . In general, the quick release mechanism  108  can be used by one or more connection assemblies in a delivery path of wire from the wire feeder  106  to the torch  110  in which such delivery path includes a male member and a female member that mate. For instance, a wire feeder  106  can include a torch cable having a first set of male member and female member on a first end to couple to the wire feeder and a second set of male member and female member on the second end to couple to the torch. In such instance, a first quick release mechanism can be used for the first set and a second quick release mechanism can be used for the second set to prevent detachment of the torch cable to the wire feeder and/or from the torch. 
     Continuing with  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the quick release mechanism  108  is illustrated with the pin  202  engaged with the groove  204  in  FIG. 5  and disengaged in  FIG. 6 , wherein such engagement secures or disconnects the torch  110  to wire feeder  106 . The quick release mechanism  108  can include the handle  208  that controls engagement of the pin  202  with the groove  204 . The quick release mechanism  108  can include a body  206  that houses internal components described below in  FIGS. 7-10 . In an embodiment, the body  206  can house a portion of pin  202  (e.g., a portion of pin  202  is internal to body  206  and an additional portion of pin  202  is exposed outside body  206  to engage groove  204 ), connecting members between pin  202  and handle  208 , among others. For instance, in a particular embodiment, body  206  can include a spring-loaded pin or a bias member loaded pin in which a spring or biasing member  216  is connected to a portion of handle  208  to allow controlling of whether to engage or disengage the pin  202  from the groove  204 . 
     The body  206  can include a first end and a second end opposite thereto, wherein the first end includes an aperture for exposure of the handle  208  and the second end includes an aperture for the pin  202 . In an embodiment, the quick release mechanism  108  can be removeably coupled to a portion of wire feeder  106  via a threading  209 . The threading  209  can be on an exterior of the second end of the body  206  and mates with threading on an aperture of the sidewall  142 . The quick release mechanism  108  can be coupled to a portion of wire feeder  106  such that the pin  202  can engage the groove  204  on sidewall  144  of the male member  130 . In particular, the pin  202  of quick release mechanism  108  can be configured to engage the groove  204  on a first diameter  212  of the male member  130 . A second diameter  214  of the male member  130  is further exposed from the wire feeder  106 . It is to be appreciated that the first diameter  212  is greater than the second diameter  214  and that the first diameter  212  corresponds to first end  402  and the second diameter  214  corresponds to second end  404 . Further, the pin  202  is able to engage and mate with the groove  204  to prevent the male member  130  of the first connection assembly  126  from detaching from the female member  128 . It is to be appreciated that the pin  202  can be a first shape and the groove  204  can be a second shape such that first shape fits into or mates with the second shape to prevent movement of the male member  130  from the female member  128 . 
     In another example, the handle  208  can be a key that is releasably connectable to body  206  or directly to the pin  202 , wherein the pin  202  couples or decouples the male member  130  from the female member. For instance, the handle  208  can be detachable from the body  206  such that the quick release mechanism  108  is engaged with the pin  202  into the groove  204 . For release, the handle can be affixed or inserted to the body  206 , similar to a key, in order to allow release or decoupling of the pin  202  from the groove  204  thereby releasing the male member  130  from the female member  128 . 
     The pin  202  can be a first shape that mates or engages with a portion of the sidewall  144  of the male member  130  or the groove  204  with a second shape that compliments the first shape. For example, the shapes can be, but are not limited to being, cylindrical, square, rectangle, polygon, curved, convex, concave, among others. In a non-limiting example, the pin  202  can be cylindrical in shape to engage into a groove  204  that allows mating with the cylindrical shaped pin. It is to be appreciated the first shape of the pin  202  can be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 7-10 , embodiments of the quick release mechanism  108  are illustrated. In particular,  FIGS. 7-8  illustrate the quick release mechanism  108  that include a biasing member  216  and  FIGS. 9-10  illustrate the quick release mechanism  108  that include a cam  226 . It is to be appreciated that the embodiments discussed below are not to be limiting on the subject innovation and that internals of the quick release mechanism  108  can be selected with sound engineering judgment. For example, a spring and a cam can be employed. In another embodiment, the handle of the quick release mechanism  108  can be coupled to the pin via a gear train. By way of example and not limitation, the handle  208  can be coupled to the pin  202  in which a first end of the pin  202  is coupled to the handle  208  and a second end of the pin  202  is opposite the first end and engages the groove  204 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the quick release mechanism  108  in an engaged position such that the pin  202  mates with a portion of the male member  130  and in particular with the groove  204 . The quick release mechanism  108  includes the body  206  which can house the biasing member  216 , wherein the biasing member  216  can include a first end  217  that can be connected to a surface  222  located at or near the first end of the body  206 . The biasing member  216  provides a force  218  in a direction to move the pin  202  to engage with the groove  204 . The force  218  can be initiated upon a compression of the biasing member  216 , wherein the compression of the biasing member  216  can be from a pull of the handle  208 . The pull from the handle  208  can cause a lip  220  to contact a second end  221  of the biasing member  216  and the first end  217  of the biasing member  216  presses against the surface  222  or an inside wall of the first end of the body  206 . It is to be appreciated that the biasing member  216  can be, but is not limited to, a spring, a member that can translate a force upon compression or elongation. The biasing member  216  can be utilized to provide a force for the pin  202  to engage the groove  204  and a suitable component to provide force in such a direction can be utilized or selected by sound engineering judgment. By way of example and not limitation, the quick release mechanism  108  can utilize a biasing member that is a compressible material, a polymer, a rubber, multiple springs, a metal leaf structure, an elastic resistance material, a biasing member, among others. 
     The biasing member  216  can surround a portion of the pin  202  such that the pin  202  can slide through an aperture on the first end of the body  206  and the second end of the body  206 , wherein the second end is opposite the first end and is positioned toward the groove  204 . The biasing member  216  can be compressed by a force from the handle  208  such that the pin  202  is moved longitudinally. In an embodiment that does not utilize the surface  222  and the biasing member  216  is coupled to the second end of the pin  202 , a pulling force on the handle  208  initiates the biasing member  216  to be compressed against an inside wall of the first end of the body  206 . In another embodiment that does utilize the surface  222  and the biasing member  216  is coupled to the second end of the pin  202 , a pulling force on the handle  208  initiates the biasing member  216  to be compressed against the surface  222 . In an embodiment that does not utilize the surface  222  and the biasing member  216  is coupled to the lip  220  that is affixed to the second end of the pin  202 , a pulling force on the handle  208  initiates the biasing member  216  to be compressed between an inside wall of the first end of the body  206  and the lip  220 . In an embodiment that does utilize the surface  222  and the biasing member  216  is coupled to the lip  220  that is affixed to the second end of the pin  202 , a pulling force on the handle  208  initiates the biasing member  216  to be compressed between the surface  222  and the lip  220 . In an embodiment, the biasing member  216  can be unattached to at least one of the pin  202 , the surface  222 , the lip  220 , or the body  2106 . The configuration of the biasing member  216  can be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. 
     As seen in  FIG. 7 , the biasing member  216  can function to bias the pin  202  with a force  218  such that the pin  202  engages the groove  204  when inserted through the female member  128 . In the engaged position, further movement of the pin  202  can be inhibited by at least one of the contact of the handle  208  with the first end of the body  206  (in a direction toward the female member  128 ), contact of the lip  220  with another surface inside the body (e.g. inside of the threading  209  portion, among others), contact of the end of the pin  202  with the inside of the groove  204 , or a resting position of the biasing member  216  (e.g., no tension in the biasing member  216  toward the first end of the body  206  or the second end of the body  206 ). The quick release mechanism  108  is further illustrated in a disengaged position in  FIG. 8 . The handle  208  can be pulled in a direction away from the groove  204  with a force  224  (e.g., pulling) to compress the biasing member  216  based on the biasing member  216  being compressed between the lip  220  and the surface  222 . The pulling force  224  on the handle  208  can cause the pin  202  to be removed from the groove  204  and retract at least partially into the body  206 , wherein such disengaged position can allow disconnection between the male member  130  and the female member  128 , and in turn the torch or torch cable from the wire feeder. As discussed above and in another embodiment, the handle  208  can be pulled in a direction away from the groove  204  with a force  224  (e.g., pulling) to compress the biasing member  216  between the lip  220  and an inside wall of the first end of the body  206 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the quick release mechanism  108  in an engaged position such that the pin  202  mates with a portion of the male member  130  and in particular with the groove  204  on the sidewall  144 . In an embodiment, the quick release mechanism  108  includes the body  206  which can house a cam  226  that provide movement of the pin  202  between an engaged position to a disengaged position. The cam  226  can be utilized with the biasing member  216  which provides a force to press the first end of the pin  202  against the cam  226 , wherein a shape of the cam  226  can provide movement of the pin  202 . In an embodiment, the biasing member  216  can include a first end  217  that can be connected to or in contact with the lip  220 . The biasing member  216  can also include a second end that can be connected to or in contact with the surface  222  located within the body  206 . In an embodiment, the surface  222  can be a separate surface within the body  206  (as depicted) or it can be a surface that is part of the body  206 . The biasing member  216  can provide a force toward the first end of the pin  202  in a direction away from the groove  204  such that biasing member  216  force is from the surface  222  to the lip  220  to maintain contact with the cam  226 . In particular, this force can be based on the compression of the biasing member  216  between the lip  220  and the surface  222  and in another embodiment between the lip  220  and a portion of a surface of the body  206 . 
     The shape of the cam  226  can be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. In general, the cam  226  can be shape that has a path along a circumference in which the path translates to having a first position with a first distance end to end and a second position having a second distance from the side to side, wherein the second distance is shorter than the first distance. 
     For example, as depicted, the cam  226  can be an egg-shape having a length from a first end  230  to a second end  232  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) and a width from a first side  234  to a second side  236  (shown in  FIG. 10 ), wherein a path of circumference is defined in which alignment of the first end  230  to the second end  232  is a number of degrees from alignment of the first side  234  to second side  236 . For example, with an egg-shape, the first end  230  to second end  232  alignment can be 90 degrees apart from the first side  234  to second side  236  alignment. The cam  226  can rotate around the path of circumference between a first position (shown in  FIG. 9  for example) and a second position (shown in  FIG. 10  for example) separated by a number of degrees, wherein the first position is defined as the first end  230  and the second end  232  are aligned in a plane of the pin  202  and the second position is defined as the first side  234  and the second side  236  are aligned in a plane of the pin  202 . With the first end  230  and the second end  232  aligned, the first distance is greater than the second distance so as to move the pin  202  to the engaged position. With the first side  234  and the second side  236  aligned, the second distance is shorter than the first distance so as to allow the pin  202  to be in the disengaged position. In the engaged position illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the cam  226  is positioned to push the lip  220  in the direction of the groove  204 . It is to be appreciated that a cam  226  having a cylindrical or egg-shape is illustrated in  FIG. 11  and such depiction is solely for example and not to be limiting on the subject innovation. 
     In an embodiment, the handle  208  can extend perpendicularly outward from a sidewall of the body  206  and provide a rotational motion which can move the cam  226  about the path of circumference by a number of degrees proportional to the amount of turn of the handle  208 . As the cam  226  rotates based on a rotational force  228  applied to the handle  208 , the quick release mechanism  108  can transition between an engaged and a disengaged position. In another embodiment, the cam  226  and handle  208  can be configured such that the handle  208  can be turned any range of degrees, from 0 degrees to 360 degrees, to transition between engagement and disengagement of the pin  202  with the groove  204 . In one example, the quick release mechanism  108  transitions between an engaged position (as seen in  FIG. 9 ) and a disengaged position (as seen in  FIG. 10 ) with approximately a 90 degree turn of the handle  208  in a first direction and back −90 degrees with a turn of the handle  208  in an opposite direction to the first direction. It is to be appreciated that the handle  208  and cam  226  can have a rotational relationship in which the handle turn or movement translated to the cam  226  providing the engaged position or the disengaged position and such rotational relationship can be selected with sound engineering judgement without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. 
     It is to be appreciated that the quick release mechanism  108  can be a size or a shape, having engagements, pins, or couplings based on a welding parameter for example. By way of example, the welding parameter can be a type of welding operation, a type of hose on the wire feeder  106 , a type or shape of connector used with a torch or a torch cable, a wire exit location of a wire feeder, a type of wire feeder, a type of torch, a male connector, a female connector, a connector assembly, a type of shielding gas, a material composition of workpiece W, a welding pattern, a type of electrode, a composition of electrode, a wire feed speed, a waveform used for the welding operation, a polarity of a welding wire, a type of flux, a number of electrodes used in the welding operation, an arc voltage, a travel speed of a tractor welder that performs the welding operation, a travel speed of a torch that performs the welding operation, an arc current level, a height of torch, a distance between workpiece W and torch or an end of the electrode, an oscillation width of electrode, a temperature of welding wire, a temperature of electrode, a type of material of workpiece W, a frequency of oscillation of electrode, a polarity of the arc current, a polarity of the current for welding wire, a parameter that affects an arc current of the welding operation, a gauge of wire, a material of wire, an oscillation dwell, a left oscillation dwell, a right oscillation dwell, one or more temperatures of workpiece W at one or more locations on workpiece W, a temperature of workpiece W, any and all variation of advanced process controls (e.g., move controls, pulse-frequency, ramp rates, background level ratios, etc.), and the like. 
     In an embodiment, the engagement of the pin to the groove is based on a movement of the handle. In an embodiment, the movement is one of a push, a pull, or a turn. In an embodiment, the body includes a first end and a second end opposite thereto, the first end includes an aperture for the handle and the second end includes an aperture for the pin. In an embodiment, the pin is cylindrical in shape and the groove is rectangular in shape to receive the pin. In an embodiment, the handle is situated on a parallel plane compared to a plane in which the pin is moveable within. In an embodiment, the handle is situated on a perpendicular plane compared to a plane in which pin is moveable within. In an embodiment, a threading is provided on an exterior of the second end to couple with a threading on an inside of the aperture on the sidewall of the female member. In an embodiment, the quick release mechanism can include a biasing member that applies a force to engage the pin into the groove for an engaged position, wherein the biasing member can be compressed to disengage the pin from the groove at a disengaged position. In an embodiment, the pin includes a first end and a second end opposite thereto, wherein the pin protrudes from the aperture at the second end. 
     In an embodiment, the biasing member is affixed to a location on or proximate the second end of the pin. In an embodiment, the biasing member is compressed against an inside wall of the first end of the body with a pulling force on the handle. In an embodiment, the biasing member is compressed against a surface affixed to an inside of the body with a pulling force on the handle. In an embodiment, the biasing member is compressed between a lip affixed to the second end of the pin and at least one of an inside wall of the first end of the body or a surface. 
     In an embodiment, the quick release mechanism can include a cam that includes a first position and a second position, wherein the first position has a dimension that positions the pin into an engaged position and a second position has a dimension that positions the pin into a disengaged position and the handle being turned changes the cam between the first position and the second position. 
     In an embodiment, the handle is situated on a parallel plane compared to a plane in which the pin is moveable within. In an embodiment, the handle is situated on a perpendicular plane compared to a plane in which pin is moveable within. In an embodiment, the handle is moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position corresponds to the pin at an engaged position with the groove and the second position corresponds to the pin at a disengaged position with the groove. 
     In an embodiment, the wire delivery system can include the handle is moveable to initiate engagement of the pin with the groove in which the movement of the handle compresses a biasing member or moves a cam. 
     While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein. The control systems and methodologies discussed herein are equally applicable to, and can be utilized in, systems and methods related to arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, and any other systems or methods using similar control methodology, without departing from the spirit or scope of the above discussed inventions. The embodiments and discussions herein can be readily incorporated into any of these systems and methodologies by those of skill in the art. By way of example and not limitation, a power supply as used herein (e.g., welding power supply, among others) can be a power supply for a device that performs welding, arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, among others. Thus, one of sound engineering and judgment can choose power supplies other than a welding power supply departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention. 
     The above examples are merely illustrative of several possible embodiments of various aspects of the present invention, wherein equivalent alterations and/or modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, systems, circuits, and the like), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component, such as hardware, software, or combinations thereof, which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated implementations of the invention. In addition although a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Also, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in the detailed description and/or in the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described for purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time. The examples are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, as measured by the scope and merit of the claims. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.