Intelligent manifold for a welding-type system

Abstract

Systems and devices related to smart regulators and smart manifolds for welding-type systems are disclosed. The smart regulators can be coupled to fluid tanks and provide information about current pressure(s) and / or flow rates to remote devices and / or operators. The remote devices can also determine and / or output additional information, such as remaining fluid and / or the time remaining before a fluid runs out or becomes dangerously low. The smart manifolds can be configured to work with several different fluid supply devices. In this way, an operator can easily mix multiple fluid types, switch between different fluid types, and / or switch between different fluid tanks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to intelligent manifolds, and more specifically to intelligent manifolds for welded systems. Background Technology

[0002] Some welding systems use compressed air and / or shielding gases to resist (or shield) impurities that may be introduced by elements in the atmosphere. Different welding operations may use different types of air / gas and / or require different air / gas flow rates. Conventional regulators attached to the outlets of compressed air and / or shielding gas cylinders are used to control the air / gas flow rate from the cylinders to the welding operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A smart manifold for welded systems is disclosed, substantially as shown by and described in connection with at least one of the accompanying drawings, as set forth more fully in the claims.

[0004] These and other advantages, aspects and / or novel features of this disclosure, as well as the details of the examples shown in this disclosure, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The features, aspects, and / or advantages of this disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which similar reference numerals denote similar parts, in which:

[0006] Figure 1 Examples of welding systems according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0007] Figure 2a The following are shown in relation to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1 An example of a smart regulator used together with various parts of a welding system.

[0008] Figure 2b This illustrates various aspects according to this disclosure. Figure 2a A block diagram of the components of the intelligent regulator.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a flowchart illustrating an example fluid control process according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4a Several smart regulators for use with example smart manifolds are shown according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4b This illustrates various aspects according to this disclosure. Figure 4a A block diagram of the components of the intelligent manifold.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a flowchart illustrating an example collection control process according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6a Several fluid tanks are shown for use with examples of alternative smart manifolds, according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 6b This illustrates various aspects according to this disclosure. Figure 6a A block diagram of the components of the alternative intelligent manifold.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example manifold regulator process according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0016] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where appropriate, similar or identical reference numerals are used to refer to similar or identical parts. For example, reference numerals using letters (e.g., notch 110a, notch 110c) indicate instances of the same reference numerals (e.g., notch 110) without that letter. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Some operators of welding systems may have difficulty determining which type of air / gas should be used and / or the amount of air / gas used in a given welding operation. Operators may also find it cumbersome to read the gauges on conventional pressure regulators to determine the current air / gas flow rate and / or to adjust the gauges to change the flow rate. Even if they are proficient in this operation, having to travel back and forth to the fluid tank can still be cumbersome and waste production time.

[0018] Furthermore, even the most experienced operators may find it difficult to determine how much air / gas remains in a cylinder of compressed air and / or shielding gas. Moreover, performing welding operations without compressed air and / or shielding gas can have a significant negative impact on the quality of the welding operation. In addition, different welding operations may require different types of air / gas and / or different tools (e.g., welding torches, welding guns, cutting machines, etc.) to use the air / gas. Furthermore, each tool may have different air / gas connectors, which may require one or more different complementary connectors on the welding equipment.

[0019] The disclosed systems and methods relate to intelligent regulators coupled to fluid tanks, wherein the intelligent regulator provides information on current pressures and / or flow rates to remote devices (e.g., computers, mobile devices, welding equipment, etc.), which can provide outputs that are more easily understood by the operator. The remote device can also use the information from the regulator to determine and / or output additional information, such as, for example, how much fluid (e.g., air and / or gas) remains and / or how much time remains before the fluid runs out or drops below a threshold amount (e.g., an amount at risk of running out). In some examples, if the remaining amount and / or remaining time drop below a given threshold, the welding equipment may cease operation and / or become unusable.

[0020] The disclosed systems and methods relate to intelligent manifolds configured to work with several different fluid supply devices. This allows operators to easily mix different types of fluids, switch between different fluid types, and / or switch between different fluid tanks. Furthermore, the multiple fluid connections of the intelligent manifold enable a single universal connector to be used with all welding-type equipment and / or tools, regardless of the required fluid type.

[0021] Some examples of this disclosure relate to a smart manifold comprising: a first inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid supply device; a second inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a second fluid supply device; an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with a welding power supply, a wire feeder, or a welding tool; a first valve configured to adjustably restrict fluid flow between the first inlet and the outlet based on a first control signal; and a second valve configured to adjustably restrict fluid flow between the second inlet and the outlet based on the first control signal or a second control signal.

[0022] In some examples, the smart manifold further includes a control circuit system configured to: receive a device control signal from a remote device, determine a first control signal or a second control signal based on the device control signal, and provide the first control signal or the second control signal to the first valve and the second valve. In some examples, the remote device includes a welding power supply, wire feeder, welding tool, moving device, accessory device, teach pendant, or computing system. In some examples, the remote device includes: a user interface configured to receive welding parameter selection; and a device circuit system configured to determine the device control signal based on the welding parameter selection. In some examples, the welding parameter selection includes fluid type, fluid mixture, fluid source, or welding process. In some examples, the smart manifold further includes a pressure sensor configured to measure inlet pressure at the first inlet or the second inlet and outlet pressure at the outlet, and the control circuit system is configured to transmit a measurement signal representing the inlet pressure, the outlet pressure, or the flow rate to the remote device. In some examples, the smart manifold further includes: a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor, the first pressure sensor being configured to measure a first inlet pressure at the first inlet, the second pressure sensor being configured to measure a second inlet pressure at the second inlet, and the control circuitry being configured to transmit a measurement signal representing the first inlet pressure or the second inlet pressure to a remote device.

[0023] Some examples of this disclosure relate to a smart manifold comprising: a first inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid supply device; a second inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a second fluid supply device; an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with a welding power supply, a wire feeder, or a welding torch; a first valve configured to adjustably restrict fluid flow between the first inlet and the outlet; a second valve configured to adjustably restrict fluid flow between the second inlet and the outlet; and an actuator configured to adjust the first valve or the second valve in response to an actuator control signal.

[0024] In some examples, the smart manifold further includes a control circuitry configured to: receive a device control signal from a remote device, determine an actuator control signal based on the device control signal, and provide the actuator control signal to the actuator. In some examples, the remote device includes a welding power supply, a mobile device, or a computing system. In some examples, the remote device includes: a user interface configured to receive welding parameter selection; and a device circuitry configured to determine the device control signal based on the welding parameter selection. In some examples, the welding parameter selection includes fluid type, fluid mixture, or welding process. In some examples, the smart manifold further includes a pressure sensor configured to measure inlet pressure at the first inlet or the second inlet and outlet pressure at the outlet, and the control circuitry is configured to transmit a measurement signal representing the inlet pressure, the outlet pressure, or the flow rate to the remote device. In some examples, the smart manifold further includes: a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor, the first pressure sensor being configured to measure a first inlet pressure at the first inlet, the second pressure sensor being configured to measure a second inlet pressure at the second inlet, and the control circuitry being configured to transmit a measurement signal representing the first inlet pressure or the second inlet pressure to a remote device.

[0025] Some examples of this disclosure relate to a welding system including a smart manifold and a remote device communicating with the smart manifold. The smart manifold includes: a first inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid supply device; a second inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a second fluid supply device; an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with a welding power supply, a wire feeder, or a welding tool; a first valve configured to adjustably restrict fluid flow between the first inlet and the outlet based on a first control signal; and a second valve configured to adjustably restrict fluid flow between the second inlet and the outlet based on the first control signal, a second control signal, or a third control signal; and the remote device is configured to send the first control signal, the second control signal, or a device control signal to the smart manifold.

[0026] In some examples, the remote device is configured to send a device control signal, and the smart manifold further includes a control circuitry configured to: receive the device control signal from the remote device; determine a first control signal or a second control signal based on the device control signal; and provide the first control signal or the second control signal to the first valve and the second valve. In some examples, the remote device includes a welding power supply, a mobile device, or a computing system. In some examples, the remote device includes: a user interface configured to receive welding parameter selection; and a device circuitry configured to determine the device control signal based on the welding parameter selection. In some examples, the welding parameter selection includes fluid type, fluid mixture, fluid source, or welding process. In some examples, the smart manifold further includes a pressure sensor configured to measure inlet pressure at the first inlet or the second inlet and outlet pressure at the outlet, and the control circuitry configured to transmit a measurement signal representing the inlet pressure, the outlet pressure, or the flow rate to the remote device.

[0027] Figure 1 Examples of welding systems 100, such as those used for welding operations (e.g., welding, cutting, brazing, etc.), are shown. In some examples, Figure 1 The example welding system 100 shown can be used for gas-shielded metal arc welding (GMAW) processes. In some examples, the welding system 100 can also be used with other arc welding processes, such as flux-cored wire arc welding (FCAW), gas-shielded flux-cored wire arc welding (FCAW-G), gas tungsten inert gas welding (GTAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), or similar arc welding processes. In some examples, the welding system 100 can be used with metal fabrication systems, such as plasma cutting systems, induction heating systems, etc.

[0028] exist Figure 1 In one example, the welding system 100 includes a welding power supply 102 (also known as a welding power source), a wire feeder 104, a fluid tank 106, and a welding torch 108. In some examples, the welding power supply 102 typically supplies welding power to the various welding components and / or accessories (e.g., wire feeder 104 and / or welding torch 108) of the welding system 100 via a connection of one or more plugs 111 to one or more slots 110 of the power supply 102. Figure 1In the example, the welding power supply 102 is connected to the wire feeder 104 via a plug 111a connected to a slot 110a, and to the workpiece fixture 116 via another plug 111c connected to a slot 110c. Plug 111c is connected to one or more lead cables 114, which lead to the workpiece 112 via the workpiece fixture 116, while plug 111a is connected to one or more welding cables 118 leading to the wire feeder 104. Figure 1 In the example, fluid tank 106 is connected to welding torch 108 via fluid conduit 132 and wire feeder 104.

[0029] exist Figure 1 In some examples, the wire feeder 104 includes a slot 122 that connects to a plug 124 of the welding torch 108. In some examples, welding power from the welding power supply 102 and fluid from the fluid tank 106 can be supplied to the welding torch 108 via the connection of the plug 124 to the slot 122. In some examples, filler material (e.g., welding wire) from the wire feeder 104 can also be supplied to the welding torch 108 via the connection of the plug 124 to the slot 122. Figure 1 In the example, the trigger plug 125 of the welding torch 108 is also connected to the wire feeder 104. Through the connection of the trigger plug 125, signals caused by the activation / deactivation of the trigger of the welding torch 108 can be transmitted.

[0030] In some examples, the welding power supply 102 can alternatively be directly connected to the plug 124 and / or trigger plug 125 of the welding torch 108, allowing power, filler material, fluid, and / or trigger signals to be transmitted directly through the slot 110 of the power supply 102. During operation, the operator can press the trigger of the welding torch 108 to initiate an arc (and / or other welding operations) between the welding torch 108 and the workpiece 112. Although in Figure 1 The example depicts a welding torch 108, but in some examples, the welding torch 108 may be some other welding tool.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In this example, the conventional pressure regulator 150 is coupled to the fluid tank 106. In some examples, the fluid tank 106 may be a compressed air tank, a protective gas tank, or some other type of fluid source (e.g., a bottle, cylinder, etc.). Figure 1 In the example, fluid tank 106 includes a handwheel 130 configured to open and / or close the valve of fluid tank 106 when turned.

[0032] In some examples, when the valve of fluid tank 106 is open, fluid flows from the outlet of fluid tank 106 to the inlet of pressure regulator 150. As shown, fluid tank 106 is in fluid communication with wire feeder 104 via hose 132, which in turn is connected to the outlet of pressure regulator 150. In some examples, wire feeder 104 may have a slot configured to receive hose 132.

[0033] In some examples, the pressure regulator 150 may include a knob that allows an operator to regulate the flow rate of fluid from the fluid tank 106 to the wire feeder 104 by changing the relative pressure between the inlet and outlet of the pressure regulator 150. In some examples, one or more gauges on the pressure regulator 150 may indicate the pressure at the inlet and / or outlet of the pressure regulator 150. In some examples, the pressure regulator 150 may alternatively be in fluid communication with the welding power source 102 (e.g., via hose 132 and slot 110 of the power source 102) or directly in fluid communication with the welding torch 108.

[0034] Conventional pressure regulators can be difficult to read and / or operate. The pressure gauges on conventional regulators may not be intuitive, often requiring calculations to determine how relative pressure translates to flow rate. Furthermore, operators must be near the conventional pressure regulator to change the flow rate, which can be inconvenient if they are performing welding operations far from the regulator. Additionally, if the operator is performing a welding operation and the fluid supply from fluid tank 106 is depleted, it can adversely affect the welding operation.

[0035] To reduce and / or avoid the drawbacks associated with conventional pressure regulators, the intelligent regulator 200 can be configured to work with a remote device 250 (e.g., a computer, mobile device, welding equipment, etc.) to provide information about the regulator(s) current pressure and / or flow rate in a manner easily understood by the operator. The remote device 250 can also use the information from the regulator 200 to determine and / or output additional information, such as how much fluid remains and / or how much time remains before the fluid is depleted or falls below a dangerous level.

[0036] Figure 2aAn example embodiment of the smart regulator 200 is shown. As shown, the smart regulator 200 has a regulator inlet 202 connected to a tank outlet 152 of a fluid tank 106. The smart regulator 200 also has a regulator outlet 204 connected to a hose 132. The hose 132 fluidly connects the smart regulator 200 to a welding device 299 (e.g., a wire feeder 104, a welding power supply 102, and / or a welding torch 108). The smart regulator 200 also communicates electrically (e.g., wired and / or wirelessly) with a remote device 250. In some examples, the remote device 250 may include one or more of a computer server 180, a desktop computer 182, a laptop computer 184, a tablet computer 186, a smartphone 188, a smartwatch 190 (and / or other smart accessories), a teaching disk 192, a welding torch 108, a wire feeder 104, and / or a welding power supply 102.

[0037] Figure 2b This is a block diagram showing example components of the smart regulator 200 and the remote device 250. Figure 2b In this example, the smart regulator 200 includes a regulator inlet 202, a regulator outlet 204, a valve 206, two pressure sensors 208, a regulator communication circuitry 210, a regulator control circuitry 212, and a regulator user interface 218. As shown, the smart regulator 200 communicates electrically with a remote device 250 via a wired connection through regulator port 214 and device port 264 and / or a wireless connection through regulator antenna 216 and device antenna 266. In some examples, the connection can be made via a network (e.g., a local area network, a wide area network, the Internet, etc.). In some examples, regulator port 214 and / or device port 264 can be configured to accept Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial, RJ45, CAT5, CAT6, CAT7, Ethernet, and / or other suitable plugs, cables, and / or connectors.

[0038] exist Figure 2b In the example, remote device 250 includes device control circuitry 262, device communication circuitry 260, and device user interface 268. In some examples where remote device 250 is a computer server, device user interface 268 may be a different remote device 250. Although in Figure 2b Not shown in the examples, but in some examples, the smart regulator 200 and / or remote device 250 may also include one or more power sources (e.g., batteries, power circuitry, etc.). In some examples, power may additionally or alternatively be received from an external power source (e.g., mains power) via regulator port 214, device port 264, and / or some other means.

[0039] exist Figure 2bIn the example, the regulator inlet 202 and regulator outlet 204 of the smart regulator 200 are in fluid communication with each other via a valve 206 of the smart regulator 200. In some examples, valve 206 may be a proportional valve, a solenoid valve, a diaphragm valve, and / or some other suitable valve. In some examples, valve 206 may include a valve plug that can move into and out of the fluid flow path between regulator inlet 202 and regulator outlet 204, thereby providing variable flow path blockage and / or flow rate limitation. In some examples, the valve plug may be movable by a valve stem, armature, and / or other suitable means.

[0040] exist Figure 2b In some examples, valve 206 includes actuator 220 configured to open and / or close valve 206. In some examples, actuator 220 may include a current-to-pressure converter, a solenoid (and / or a solenoid coil), an electric motor (and / or a motorized transmission, a motor, etc.), and / or some other suitable electrically actuated mechanism. In some examples, valve 206 may be self-actuated, and / or actuator 220 may be omitted.

[0041] exist Figure 2b In the example, pressure sensor 208 of the smart regulator 200 is in fluid communication with both the regulator inlet 202 and the regulator outlet 204. Specifically, inlet pressure sensor 208a is in fluid communication with the regulator inlet 202, while outlet pressure sensor 208b is in fluid communication with the regulator outlet 204. In some examples, pressure sensor 208 may be configured to measure fluid pressure at the regulator inlet 202 and / or the regulator outlet 204. Although in Figure 2b The example shows two pressure sensors 208, but in some examples, a single pressure sensor 208 may be used.

[0042] exist Figure 2b In the example, pressure sensor 208, valve 206, regulator communication circuitry 210, regulator control circuitry 212, regulator port 214, regulator antenna 216, and regulator UI 218 communicate electrically with each other via the same electrical bus. In some examples, UI 218 may include user-accessible inputs and / or outputs. For example, UI 218 may include one or more visual outputs (e.g., touchscreen display, video monitor, LED, incandescent lamp, and / or other lights, etc.) and / or one or more audio outputs (e.g., audio speaker). In some examples, UI 218 may further include one or more inputs (e.g., touchscreen display, button, knob, switch, microphone, etc.). In some examples, UI 218 may include one or more input and / or output ports and / or devices (e.g., USB port, audio port, HDMI port, etc.).

[0043] In some examples, the regulator communication circuitry 210 may be configured to facilitate communication via one or more wired and / or wireless protocols (e.g., via regulator port 214 and / or regulator antenna 216). Wired protocols may include, for example, USB, Ethernet, serial, and / or other suitable wired protocols. Wireless protocols may include, for example, cellular protocols, the IEEE 802.11 standard protocol (commonly referred to as WiFi), short-wavelength UHF protocols (commonly referred to as Bluetooth), the IEEE 802.15.4 standard protocol (commonly referred to as Zigbee), near-field communication (NFC) protocols, radio frequency identification (RFID) protocols, and / or other suitable wireless protocols. In some examples, the regulator control circuitry 212 may include one or more drive circuits (and / or processes) for the pressure sensor 208, valve 206, actuator 220, regulator communication circuitry 210, and / or UI 218.

[0044] exist Figure 2b In the example, the regulator control circuit system 212 includes a regulator processing circuit system 222 and a regulator memory circuit system 224. In some examples, the regulator processing circuit system 222 may include one or more processors. In some examples, the regulator memory circuit system 224 may store machine-readable instructions configured to be executed by the regulator processing circuit system 222 and / or one or more processors. As shown, the regulator memory circuit system 224 includes a fluid control process 300a, which will be discussed further below.

[0045] exist Figure 2b In the example, the device communication circuitry 260, device control circuitry 262, UI 268, device port 264, and device antenna 266 of the remote device 250 are electrically connected to each other via the same electrical bus. In some examples, UI 268 may include user-accessible inputs and / or outputs. For example, UI 268 may include one or more visual outputs (e.g., a touchscreen display, video monitor, LED, incandescent lamp, and / or other lamps, etc.) and / or one or more audio outputs (e.g., an audio speaker). In some examples, UI 268 may further include one or more inputs (e.g., a touchscreen display, button, knob, switch, microphone, etc.). In some examples, UI 268 may include one or more input and / or output ports and / or devices (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an audio port, an HDMI port, a disk drive, an optical disc (CD) drive, a digital video disc (DVD) drive, etc.).

[0046] In some examples, the device communication circuitry 260 may be configured to facilitate communication via one or more wired and / or wireless protocols (e.g., via device port 264 and / or device antenna 266). Wired protocols may include, for example, USB, Ethernet, serial, and / or other suitable wired protocols. Wireless protocols may include, for example, cellular protocols, the IEEE 802.11 standard protocol (commonly referred to as WiFi), short-wavelength UHF protocols (commonly referred to as Bluetooth), the IEEE 802.15.4 standard protocol (commonly referred to as Zigbee), NFC protocols, RFID protocols, and / or other suitable wireless protocols. In some examples, the device control circuitry 262 may include one or more drive circuits (and / or processes) for the device communication circuitry 260 and / or user interface 268.

[0047] exist Figure 2b In the example, device control circuitry 262 includes device processing circuitry 272 and device memory circuitry 274. In some examples, device processing circuitry 272 may include one or more processors. In some examples, device memory circuitry 274 may store machine-readable instructions configured to be executed by device processing circuitry 272 and / or one or more processors. As shown, device memory circuitry 274 includes a collector regulator process 700b, which will be discussed further below. Figure 2b In the example, the device memory circuit system 274 also includes a fluid control process 300b, which will be discussed further below.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the fluid control process 300. Although in Figure 2b In the examples, the fluid control process 300 is shown as stored in the regulator memory circuit system 224 and / or the device memory circuit system 274, but in some examples, the fluid control process 300 may alternatively or additionally be implemented via discrete circuit systems of the regulator control circuit system 212 and / or the device control circuit system 262. In some examples, the fluid control process 300 may be implemented via machine-readable instructions stored in the regulator memory circuit system 224 and / or the device memory circuit system 274. Although for clarity and simplicity... Figure 3 In some examples, the fluid control process 300 is shown as a single process, but in others, the portions of the fluid control process 300 may be implemented and / or executed individually by the smart controller 200 and / or the remote device 250 (e.g., via fluid control process 300a and / or fluid control process 300b, respectively). In some examples, the fluid control process 300 may be executed as part of or concurrent with a larger welding process.

[0049] exist Figure 3 In the example, the fluid control process 300 begins at box 302. At box 302, the user provides one or more inputs. In some examples, the input(s) may be provided via UI 268 of remote device 250. In some examples, the input(s) may be provided via UI 218 of smart regulator 200. In some examples, user inputs may include, for example, welding processes (e.g., GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SMAW, plasma, etc.), welding operations (welding, cutting, brazing, etc.), workpiece 112 positioning (e.g., flat, horizontal, vertical, top-mounted), tool type (e.g., TIG torch, MIG torch, electrode holder, cutting tool, etc.), fluid type (e.g., compressed air, argon, helium, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc.), fluid tank dimensions (e.g., height, diameter, weight, volume, pressure when full, etc.), fluid tank brand, fluid tank identifier (e.g., serial number), pressure when the fluid tank is full, threshold information, target flow rate, target pressure at regulator outlet 204, target usage time and / or other relevant information.

[0050] exist Figure 3 In the example, fluid control process 300 proceeds to box 304 after box 302. At box 304, fluid control process 300 determines a target flow rate through smart regulator 200 based on the user input(s) received at box 302. For example, the user may directly input a target flow rate, and fluid control process 300 may determine that this is an appropriate target flow rate (e.g., within a known, stored, and / or previously determined range). As another example, fluid control process 300 may determine a recommended target flow rate based on information from other user input (e.g., welding process, welding operation, positioning, tool type, target time, fluid type, fluid tank size, etc.). In some examples, fluid control process 300 may prompt (and / or receive) user approval (e.g., via UI 218 and / or UI 268) before executing the recommended target flow rate.

[0051] In some examples, the fluid control process 300 may additionally or alternatively determine a target pressure at regulator outlet 204 to achieve a target flow rate. In some examples, one or more signals indicating the target flow rate (and / or target pressure) may be transmitted round trip between the smart regulator 200 and / or the remote device 250. In some examples, UI 268 of the remote device 250 and / or UI 218 of the smart regulator 200 may provide one or more outputs indicating the target flow rate (and / or target pressure).

[0052] exist Figure 3In the example, the fluid control process 300 proceeds to block 306 after block 304. At block 306, the fluid control process 300 sets the flow rate of the smart regulator 200 based on the target flow rate determined at block 304. In some examples, setting the flow rate may include (e.g., via actuator 220) setting valve 206 to achieve the target flow rate (and / or outlet pressure). In some examples, setting valve 206 may include sending one or more electrical signals to valve 206 and / or actuator 220.

[0053] exist Figure 3 In the example, fluid control process 300 proceeds to block 308 after block 306. At block 308, fluid control process 300 monitors and / or measures the pressure at regulator inlet 202 and / or regulator outlet 204 via pressure sensor 208. In some examples, measurement signals representing multiple measured pressures may be transmitted from smart regulator 200 to remote device 250 via one or more communication channels. In some examples, the UI 218 of smart regulator 200 and / or remote device 250 may provide one or more outputs representing multiple measured pressures. In some examples, the multiple measured pressures may be stored, along with timestamps, in regulator memory circuitry 224 and / or device memory circuitry 274.

[0054] exist Figure 3 In the example, at block 308, the fluid control process 300 also monitors, measures, and / or determines the existing flow rate. In some examples, the existing flow rate may be determined based on pressure(s). In some examples, this determination may be performed by remote device 250. In some examples, this determination may be performed by smart regulator 200. In some examples, one or more signals indicating the existing flow rate may be transmitted round trip between smart regulator 200 and / or remote device 250. In some examples, UI 268 of remote device 250 and / or UI 218 of smart regulator 200 may provide one or more outputs indicating the existing flow rate. In some examples, the existing flow rate may be stored, along with a timestamp, in regulator memory circuitry 224 and / or device memory circuitry 274.

[0055] exist Figure 3 In the example, fluid control process 300 proceeds to box 310 after box 308. At box 310, fluid control process 300 determines (and / or estimates) the amount of fluid remaining in fluid tank 106. In some examples, the amount of remaining fluid may be stored in a memory circuit system along with a timestamp. In some examples, fluid control process 300 may determine the amount of remaining fluid in fluid tank 106 based on pressure(s) measured at box 308. For example, fluid control process 300 may determine how much fluid is remaining by measuring the pressure at regulator inlet 202.

[0056] In some examples, the fluid control process 300 may additionally determine the remaining fluid percentage based on the pressure when the fluid tank 106 is full. In some examples, information about the fluid tank 106 being full can be directly entered by the user at box 302. In some examples, information about the fluid tank 106 being full can be determined using information entered by the user at box 302. For example, the user may enter the fluid type, tank size, tank identifier, and / or tank brand, and the fluid control process 300 may determine the pressure when the fluid tank 106 is full based on this information (e.g., via a database, lookup table, etc.). In some examples, if it cannot be determined from user input, some preset information about the fluid tank 106 may be defaulted.

[0057] In some examples, the fluid control process 300 may determine the remaining fluid volume in fluid tank 106 based on the amount of fluid used and the amount of fluid when fluid tank 106 is full. For example, the remaining fluid volume may be equal to the amount of fluid in tank 106 when it is full (or at the start of the current operation) minus the amount of fluid used. In some examples, the fluid control process 300 may use stored past flow rate(s), measured pressure(s), and / or timestamp information to estimate how much fluid has been used and / or flowed through smart regulator 200 since the start of the fluid control process 300 (and / or within a given amount of time).

[0058] exist Figure 3 In this example, the fluid control process 300 proceeds to box 312 after box 310. At box 312, the fluid control process 300 determines whether the remaining fluid level in fluid tank 106, as determined at box 314, is below a threshold level. In some examples, the threshold level may be stored in regulator memory circuitry 224 and / or device memory circuitry 274. In some examples, the threshold level may be input by the user at box 302. In some examples, if the user does not input a threshold, the threshold level may be set to a default level (e.g., 10% remaining).

[0059] exist Figure 3In the example, if the fluid control process 300 determines that a threshold level has been reached at box 312, the fluid control process 300 proceeds to box 314 after box 312. At box 314, the fluid control process 300 takes one or more preventative measures and / or generates one or more outputs to prevent the fluid level below the threshold from negatively impacting the welding operation. For example, the fluid control process 300 may shut down and / or disable the welding equipment 299 to prevent the fluid level below the threshold from negatively impacting the welding operation. As another example, the fluid control process 300 may output prominent and / or highlighted alarms, notifications, and / or warnings on the UI of the welding equipment 299, the UI 218 of the smart regulator 200, and / or the UI 268 of the remote device 250. In some examples, the alarms, notifications, and / or warnings may be output to operators, owners, purchasing managers, and / or welding supply distributors via communication (e.g., via email, text messages, and / or apps). As another example, the fluid control process 300 can open a website or service where more fluid can be ordered, output a link to a website or service where more fluid can be ordered, or automatically reorder more fluid.

[0060] exist Figure 3 In the example, fluid control process 300 ends after box 314. However, as shown, in some examples, fluid control process 300 may proceed to box 316 after 314 instead of ending. As shown, if the remaining fluid quantity determined at box 310 is higher than a threshold level, fluid control process 300 also proceeds to box 316 after box 312.

[0061] At block 316, the fluid control process 300 determines the remaining time until fluid tank 106 reaches a threshold level. In some examples, the remaining time can be a positive or negative value (e.g., to indicate that the threshold has been exceeded). In an example where block 316 is executed after block 314 and the threshold amount of remaining fluid used at block 312 is greater than zero, the fluid control process 300 can use zero as the threshold.

[0062] In some examples, determining the remaining time can be based on the remaining fluid volume determined at box 310 and the estimated fluid utilization rate. In some examples, the estimated fluid utilization rate can be determined using existing fluid flow rates and / or average fluid flow rates. In some examples, the average fluid flow rate can be estimated using fluid flow rates, outlet pressures, and / or remaining fluid levels represented by past timestamps stored at boxes 308 and / or 310. In some examples, the average fluid flow rate can be determined based on the average fluid flow rate over similar welding processes, welding operations, tool types, fluid types, tank brands, workpiece positioning, etc. For example, the device memory circuitry 274 may have databases, lookup tables, and / or other data relationships that allow this information to be accessed.

[0063] exist Figure 3 In the example, fluid control process 300 proceeds to box 318 after box 316. At box 318, fluid control process 300 provides output based on the remaining fluid and / or time determined at boxes 310 and 316. In some examples, the remaining fluid may be output in the form of graphics, video, audio, text, numerical values, and / or a percentage (e.g., representing the total possible and / or initial fluid). In some examples, the output may be communication with operators, owners, purchasing managers, and / or welding supply distributors (e.g., via email, text messages, and / or apps).

[0064] exist Figure 3 In the example, fluid control process 300 proceeds to block 320 after block 318. At block 320, fluid control process 300 compares the existing flow rate (and / or measured outlet pressure) with a target flow rate (and / or target outlet pressure) and determines whether the existing flow rate and / or outlet pressure matches the target flow rate and / or target outlet pressure (and / or falls within a certain input and / or stored threshold range). In some examples, this determination may occur at smart regulator 200. In some examples, this determination is performed at remote device 250, and remote device 250 sends one or more signals indicating the determination result to smart regulator 200.

[0065] exist Figure 3In the example, if the fluid control process 300 determines that the existing flow rate and / or outlet pressure does not match the target flow rate and / or target outlet pressure (and / or is outside the threshold range), the fluid control process 300 proceeds to block 322 after block 320. At block 322, the fluid control process 300, given the existing flow rate (and / or outlet pressure), determines and / or performs (e.g., via actuator 220) one or more adjustments to valve 206 to achieve the target flow rate (and / or outlet pressure). In some examples, performing one or more adjustments to valve 206 to correct fluid flow may include sending one or more electrical signals to valve 206 and / or actuator 220.

[0066] exist Figure 3 In the example, fluid control process 300 returns to box 304 after box 322. As shown, if fluid control process 300 determines that the existing flow rate and / or outlet pressure does indeed match the target flow rate and / or target outlet pressure (and / or is within the threshold range), then fluid control process 300 also returns to box 304 after box 320.

[0067] While the intelligent regulator 200 can help operators more easily control and monitor fluid flow from a single fluid tank 106, in some examples, operators may wish to control and / or monitor fluid flow from several different fluid tanks 106. For example, when the fluid supply in one fluid tank 106 is insufficient, the operator may wish to switch to a different fluid tank 106. Or the operator may wish to switch to a different fluid type to support different welding operations and / or different welding processes. Or the operator may wish to use several different fluid tanks 106 at once to produce customized fluid mixtures for a specific task. In such examples, it is helpful to provide a way to change which fluid tank 106 is supplying fluid to a welding device 299 without having to go to the fluid tank 106 and manually change the connection.

[0068] This disclosure further envisions a smart manifold configured to work with several different fluid supply devices (e.g., fluid tank 106 and / or smart regulator 200). This allows the operator to easily mix multiple fluid types, switch between different fluid types, and / or switch between different fluid sources. Furthermore, the smart manifold may allow a single type of connector to be used with soldering equipment 299.

[0069] Figure 4aAn example of a smart manifold 400 is shown. As shown, the smart manifold has three manifold inlets 402 and one manifold outlet 404. In some examples, the smart manifold 400 may have more than three manifold inlets 402. As shown, each manifold inlet 402 of the smart manifold 400 is in fluid communication with a different fluid tank 106 via a smart regulator 200. The smart regulator 200 is connected both to the fluid tank 106 and to a hose 132 leading from the smart regulator 200 to the manifold inlet 402. The manifold outlet 404 is in fluid communication with a welding device 299 via a hose 132 extending from the manifold outlet 404 to the welding device 299.

[0070] exist Figure 4a In the example, the smart manifold 400 is in electrical communication with each smart regulator 200. As shown, the smart manifold 400 is also in electrical communication with a remote device 250. Although in Figure 4a The examples show wired electrical connections, but in some examples, electrical communication can be achieved via wireless media.

[0071] Figure 4b This is a block diagram showing example components of the intelligent manifold 400. Figure 4b In the example, the smart manifold 400 includes three manifold inlets 402, which are in fluid communication with a manifold outlet 404 via three one-way check valves 406. In some examples, the one-way check valves 406 can ensure no fluid backflow. In some examples, when fluid is received from multiple manifold inlets 402, the fluid communication line between the check valves 406 and the manifold outlet 404 can serve as a mixing chamber. In some examples, an additional check valve can be arranged between the manifold outlet 404 and all other check valves 406, and the fluid communication line between the additional check valve and the other check valves 406 can serve as a mixing chamber.

[0072] exist Figure 4b In the example, the smart manifold 400 further includes four manifold ports 414, four manifold antennas 416, a manifold communication circuitry 410, a manifold control circuitry 412, and a manifold UI 418, all of which are electrically connected to each other via the same electrical bus. As shown, the smart manifold 400 is electrically connected to the remote device 250 via a wired connection through manifold port 414d and / or a wireless connection through manifold antenna 416d. The smart manifold 400 is electrically connected to three smart regulators 200 via wired connections through manifold ports 414a, 414b, and 414c and / or wireless connections through manifold antennas 416a, 416b, and / or 416c.

[0073] Despite Figure 4bThe example shows only one manifold port 414d to facilitate a wired connection between the smart manifold 400 and the remote device 250, but in some examples, several manifold ports 414 may be used (e.g., similar to the manifold regulator 600 discussed below). In some examples, each manifold port 414 may be configured similarly to the regulator port 214 discussed above. In some examples, each manifold antenna 416 may be similar to the regulator antenna 216 discussed above. Although in Figure 4b The example shows several manifold antennas 416, but in some examples, fewer manifold antennas 416 may be used (e.g., one manifold antenna 416).

[0074] In some examples, the manifold communication circuitry 410 may be configured to facilitate communication via one or more wired and / or wireless protocols (e.g., via manifold port 414 and / or manifold antenna 416). Wired protocols may include, for example, USB, Ethernet, serial, and / or other suitable wired protocols. Wireless protocols may include, for example, cellular protocols, the IEEE 802.11 standard protocol (commonly referred to as WiFi), short-wavelength UHF protocols (commonly referred to as Bluetooth), the IEEE 802.15.4 standard protocol (commonly referred to as Zigbee), NFC protocols, RFID protocols, and / or other suitable wireless protocols. In some examples, the manifold control circuitry 412 may include one or more drive circuits (and / or processes) for the manifold communication circuitry 410.

[0075] exist Figure 4b In the example, the hub control circuitry 412 includes a hub processing circuitry 422 and a hub memory circuitry 424. In some examples, the hub processing circuitry 422 may include one or more processors. In some examples, the hub memory circuitry 424 may store machine-readable instructions configured to be executed by the hub processing circuitry 422 and / or one or more processors. As shown, the hub memory circuitry 424 includes a hub control process 500, which will be discussed further below.

[0076] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the manifold control process 500. Although the manifold control process 500 is shown as stored in... Figure 4b In the collector memory circuitry 424, however, in some examples, the collector control process 500 may alternatively or additionally be implemented via a discrete circuitry of the collector control circuitry 412. In some examples, the collector control process 500 may be implemented via machine-readable instructions stored in the collector memory circuitry 424.

[0077] In some examples, the manifold control process 500 may be executed as part of or concurrently with the fluid control process 300. In some examples, the manifold control process 500 may facilitate communication of information and / or control signals between the remote device 250 and the respective smart controllers 200 when the remote device 250 and the respective smart controllers 200 are executing the fluid control process 300. In some examples, the manifold control process 500 may facilitate communication between the smart controllers 200 and the remote device 250 for one, two, or three (or more) instances of the fluid control process 300 (e.g., one instance per smart controller 200).

[0078] exist Figure 5 In the example, the manifold control process 500 begins at block 502. At block 502, the manifold control process 500 (e.g., via manifold port 414d and / or manifold antenna 416d) receives one or more device control signals from remote device 250. In some examples, the device control signals may relate, for example, to the target flow rate of all or some of the smart regulators 200, the target outlet pressure of all or some of the smart regulators 200, and / or specific adjustments to be made to the valves 206 of all or some of the smart regulators 200.

[0079] exist Figure 5 In the example, the manifold control process 500 proceeds to box 504 after box 502. At box 504, the manifold control process 500 analyzes the device control signals received at box 502. In some examples, the analysis may include parsing the control signals to determine which smart controller(s) ...)(s)(s)(s)(s))(s)(s)(s))(s)(s)(s))(s

[0080] At block 504, the manifold control process 500 also generates one or more manifold control signals to be sent to one or more smart regulators 200. In some examples, the manifold control signals may be based on the device control signals received at block 502. For example, the manifold control signals may include the same commands, targets, and / or other data as the corresponding device control signals. In some examples, the manifold control signals may include addressing information to ensure they are sent to the correct smart regulator 200 (e.g., via the correct manifold port 414, manifold antenna 416, and / or communication protocol), and / or be formatted to ensure the appropriate smart regulator 200 can understand the information.

[0081] exist Figure 5In the example, the manifold control process 500 proceeds to block 506 after block 504. At block 506, the manifold control process 500 sends the manifold control signals generated at block 504 to the appropriate smart regulators 200 (e.g., via the appropriate manifold port 414, manifold antenna 416, and / or communication protocol).

[0082] exist Figure 5 In the example, the manifold control process 500 proceeds to block 508 after block 506. At block 508, the manifold control process 500 (e.g., via manifold ports 414a-c and / or manifold antennas 416a-c) receives one or more regulator measurement signals from (multiple) smart regulators 200. In some examples, the regulator measurement signals may, for example, relate to the measured inlet pressure, outlet pressure, and / or flow rate of all or some of the smart regulators 200.

[0083] exist Figure 5 In the example, the manifold control process 500 proceeds to block 510 after block 508. At block 510, the manifold control process 500 analyzes the regulator measurement signals received at block 508. In some examples, the analysis may include parsing the measurement signals to determine from which smart regulator(s)200(s) the regulator measurement signals were sent. In some examples, the regulator measurement signals sent from the smart regulator(s)200(s) may include one or more identifiers corresponding to the associated smart regulator(s)200(s) and / or fluid tank(s)106(s). In some examples, the smart manifold 400 may use this information to help determine from which smart regulator(s)200(s) the regulator measurement signals were received. In some examples, the smart manifold 400 may additionally or alternatively determine through which manifold port(s)414 and / or manifold antenna(s)416 the regulator measurement signals were received to determine from which smart regulator(s)200(s) these signals were received.

[0084] At block 510, the manifold control process 500 also generates one or more manifold measurement signals to be sent to the remote device 250. In some examples, the manifold measurement signals may be based on the controller measurement signals received at block 508. For example, the manifold measurement signals may include measurement data as corresponding controller measurement signals. In some examples, the manifold measurement signals may include addressing and / or identification information to indicate to the remote device 250 to which they belong, the smart controller 200 and / or fluid tank 106.

[0085] exist Figure 5In the example, the manifold control process 500 proceeds to box 512 after box 510. At box 512, the manifold control process 500 sends the manifold measurement signals(s) generated at box 510 to the remote device 250. As shown, the manifold control process 500 terminates after box 512. However, in some examples, the manifold control process 500 may instead return to box 502 instead of terminating.

[0086] Despite about Figures 4a to 5 The intelligent manifold 400 discussed can help operators easily mix multiple fluid types, switch between different fluid types, and / or switch between different fluid sources, but this requires several intelligent regulators 200 to operate correctly. However, in some examples, the necessary number of intelligent regulators 200 may not be available. Therefore, this disclosure further envisions an alternative intelligent manifold regulator 600 that integrates the intelligent regulators 200 into the intelligent manifold 400 and can function without requiring additional intelligent regulators 200.

[0087] Figure 6a An example of a smart manifold regulator 600 is shown. Similar to smart manifold 400, manifold regulator 600 has three manifold inlets 402 and one manifold outlet 404. In some examples, manifold regulator 600 may have more than three manifold inlets 402. As shown, each manifold inlet 402 of manifold regulator 600 is in fluid communication with a different fluid tank 106 via a hose. Unlike smart manifold 400, manifold regulator 600 is in direct fluid communication with fluid tank 106, rather than through smart regulator 200. Like smart manifold 400, the manifold outlet 404 of manifold regulator 600 is in fluid communication with a welding device 299 via a hose 132 extending from manifold outlet 404 to welding device 299.

[0088] exist Figure 6a In the example, the manifold regulator 600 is in electrical communication with the remote device 250. Although in Figure 6a The examples show wired electrical connections, but in some examples, electrical communication can be achieved via wireless media. Although in Figure 6a The example shows a single wired electrical connection, but in some examples, multiple wired electrical connections may exist (e.g., multiple device ports 264 connected to remote device 250).

[0089] Figure 6b This is a block diagram showing an example component of the manifold regulator 600. Figure 6bIn one example, the manifold regulator 600 includes three manifold inlets 402, which are in fluid communication with a manifold outlet 404 via three valves 206 and three one-way check valves 406. In some examples, the fluid communication line between the check valves 406 and the manifold outlet 404 can serve as a mixing chamber when fluid is received from multiple manifold inlets 402. In some examples, an additional check valve 406 may be arranged between the manifold outlet 404 and all other check valves 406. In such an example, the fluid communication line between the additional check valve 406 and the other check valves 406 can serve as a mixing chamber.

[0090] exist Figure 6b In the example, the manifold regulator 600 has a valve 206 in the fluid flow path between each manifold inlet 402 and its corresponding check valve 406. In some examples, some or all of the check valves 406 may alternatively be located upstream of valve 206. As shown, each valve 206 has an actuator 220. In some examples, the actuator 220 may be omitted, as discussed above.

[0091] exist Figure 6b In the example, the pressure sensor 208 of the manifold regulator 600 is in fluid communication with each manifold inlet 402 and manifold outlet 404. In some examples, the pressure sensor 208 may be configured to measure the fluid pressure at each manifold inlet 402 and / or manifold outlet 404. Although in Figure 6b The example shows four pressure sensors 208, but in some examples, more or fewer pressure sensors 208 may be used. In some examples, additional pressure sensors 208 may be used to measure the pressure at the mixing chamber of the manifold regulator 600.

[0092] exist Figure 6b In one example, the manifold regulator 600 includes three manifold ports 414 and three manifold antennas 416. In some examples, the manifold ports 414 and / or manifold antennas 416 may be similar to those described above with respect to the smart manifold 400. As shown, each manifold port 414 is electrically connected to the remote device 250 via a wired connection (e.g., with a corresponding device port 264). In some examples, each manifold antenna 416 may communicate with the remote device (e.g., via a wireless connection with a corresponding device antenna 266). In some examples, fewer or more manifold ports 414 and / or manifold antennas 416 may be used. In some examples, only one manifold port 414 and / or manifold antenna 416 may be used.

[0093] Although the manifold regulator 600 has been shown and described as being directly connected to the fluid tank 106 without an intermediary smart regulator 200, in some examples, similar to the smart manifold 400, the manifold regulator 600 can be used with one or more smart regulators 200. For example, the remote device 250 can use different communication channels to communicate with the smart regulator 200 and the manifold regulator 600. In some examples, the manifold port 414 and / or manifold antenna 416 of the manifold regulator 600 can be used to communicate with the smart regulator 200. In some examples, additional manifold ports 414 and / or manifold antennas 416 can be added to the manifold regulator 600 to enable its communication.

[0094] exist Figure 6b In this example, the manifold regulator 600 also includes a manifold UI 418, a manifold control circuitry 412, and a manifold communication circuitry 410. As shown, the pressure sensor 208, valve 206, manifold UI 418, manifold communication circuitry 410, manifold control circuitry 412, manifold port 414, and manifold antenna 416 are electrically connected to each other via a common bus. In some examples, the pressure sensor 208, valve 206, manifold UI 418, manifold control circuitry 412, manifold communication circuitry 410, manifold port 414, and manifold antenna 416 of the manifold regulator 600 may be similar to those described above regarding the smart manifold 400.

[0095] exist Figure 6b In the example, the collector control circuitry 412 includes a collector processing circuitry 422 and a collector memory circuitry 424. In some examples, the collector processing circuitry 422 may include one or more processors. In some examples, the collector memory circuitry 424 may store machine-readable instructions configured to be executed by the regulator processing circuitry 222 and / or one or more processors. As shown, the collector memory circuitry 424 includes a collector regulator process 700a, which will be discussed further below.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the manifold regulator process 700. Although the manifold regulator process 700 is shown as stored in... Figure 2b and Figure 6bIn the collector memory circuitry 424 and / or device memory circuitry 274, but in some examples, the collector regulator process 700 may alternatively or additionally be implemented via discrete circuitry of the collector control circuitry 412 and / or device control circuitry 262. In some examples, the collector regulator process 700 may be implemented via machine-readable instructions stored in the collector memory circuitry 424 and / or device memory circuitry 274. Although for clarity and simplicity... Figure 7 In the examples shown, it is presented as a single process, but in some examples, the various parts of the manifold regulator process 700 may be implemented and / or executed individually by the manifold regulator 600 and / or the remote device 250. In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may be executed as part of or concurrent with a larger welding process.

[0097] exist Figure 7 In the example, the manifold regulator process 700 begins at box 702. At box 702, the user provides one or more inputs. In some examples, the input(s) may be provided via UI 268 of remote device 250 and / or UI 418 of manifold regulator 600. In some examples, the user(s) may include, for example, welding process, welding operation, material of workpiece 112, location of workpiece 112, tool type, fluid type, fluid tank size, fluid tank brand, fluid tank identifier, pressure when fluid tank is full, threshold information, target flow rate, target outlet pressure, target fluid mixture, target usage time(s), and / or other relevant information. In some examples, some user inputs (e.g., fluid type, fluid tank size, target flow rate, etc.) may be associated with a specific inlet 402, valve 206, and / or pressure sensor 208.

[0098] exist Figure 7 In the example, the manifold regulator process 700 proceeds to box 704 after box 702. At box 704, the manifold regulator process 700 determines the target fluid mixture based on the user input(s) received at box 702. For example, the target fluid mixture may include 100% of a specific fluid, or a certain percentage of several different fluids (e.g., 25% fluid A and 75% fluid B). In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may determine the target mixture based on direct user input (e.g., of the target mixture), or derive the target mixture from other user input (e.g., welding process, welding operation, material of workpiece 112, etc.).

[0099] At block 704, the manifold regulator process 700 further determines a target flow rate through the manifold regulator 600 for each fluid tank 106 connected to the manifold regulator 600. In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may determine the target flow rate based on user input(s) received at block 702 and / or the target mixture determined at block 704. For example, the user may directly input the target flow rate, and the manifold regulator process 700 may determine that one or more of these target flow rates are appropriate target flow rates (e.g., within a known, stored, and / or previously determined range).

[0100] As another example, the manifold regulator process 700 may determine one or more recommended target flow rates based on other user input information (e.g., welding process, welding operation, positioning, tool type, target time, fluid type, target fluid mixture, fluid tank size, etc.). In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may determine one or more other parameters (e.g., target fluid mixture, target usage time, etc.) based on user input information (e.g., welding process, welding operation, (multiple) fluid types). Subsequently, the manifold regulator process 700 may determine (multiple) target flow rates based on (multiple) parameters and / or other user input information. In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may prompt (and / or receive) user approval before continuing execution at the recommended target flow rate (e.g., via UI 268 and / or UI 418).

[0101] In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may additionally or alternatively determine a target pressure at the manifold outlet 404 to achieve a target flow rate. In some examples, the target pressure at the manifold outlet 404 may be determined relative to each manifold inlet 402. In some examples, one or more signals indicating the target flow rate (and / or (multiple) target pressures) may be transmitted round trip between the manifold regulator 600 and / or the remote device 250. In some examples, the UI 268 of the remote device 250 and / or the UI 418 of the manifold regulator 600 may provide one or more outputs indicating the target flow rate (and / or target pressure).

[0102] In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may allow only one valve 206 to be opened at a time. Therefore, in some examples, at block 704, the manifold regulator process 700 may additionally determine the timing of the flow rate and / or outlet pressure relative to each manifold inlet 402 and / or valve 206. For example, the manifold regulator process 700 may schedule valve 206a to open for duration y1 to achieve a target flow rate x1, then schedule valve 206c to open for duration y2 to achieve a target flow rate x2, then schedule valve 206b to open for duration y3 to achieve a target flow rate x3, then schedule valve 206c to open again for duration y4 to achieve a target flow rate x4, and so on. In some examples, the flow arrangement may be set to cyclical until a certain threshold is reached or new input is provided.

[0103] In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may be configured to open valve 206a to achieve a target flow rate x1 until a certain threshold amount or remaining time in fluid tank 106 is reached, at which point valve 206a may be closed and valve 206b opened. For example, the manifold regulator process 700 may determine that a user-input welding process and / or operation requires a certain fluid (and / or flow rate), and (e.g., based on user input information) determine that valves 206a and 206b control the fluid flow from fluid tank 106 containing that fluid. Subsequently, the manifold regulator process 700 may automatically control valve 206a to achieve the target flow rate until the threshold amount or threshold time is reached, and then automatically switch to another fluid tank 106 with the appropriate fluid to ensure continuous fluid flow.

[0104] exist Figure 7 In the example, the manifold regulator process 700 proceeds to block 706 after block 704. At block 706, the manifold regulator process 700 sets the flow rate of the manifold regulator 600 based on the target flow rate determined at block 704. In some examples, setting the flow rate may include setting one or more valves 206 (e.g., via actuators 220) to achieve the target flow rate through the valves 206. In some examples, setting the valves 206 may include sending one or more electrical signals to the valves 206 and / or actuators 220.

[0105] exist Figure 7In the example, the manifold regulator process 700 proceeds to block 708 after block 706. At block 708, the manifold regulator process 700 monitors and / or measures the fluid mixture, flow rate(s), and / or pressure(s) of the manifold regulator 600. In some examples, the manifold regulator 600 may include a gas sensor in fluid communication with the mixing chamber (and in electrical communication with the same bus), and the manifold regulator process 700 may monitor and / or measure the composition of the fluid mixture in the mixing chamber via the gas sensor. In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may monitor and / or measure multiple pressures at the manifold inlet 402 and / or manifold outlet 404 via pressure sensor 208. In some examples, the pressure in the mixing chamber may also be measured.

[0106] In some examples, one or more measurement signals representing the measured fluid mixture and / or(multiple) pressures can be transmitted from the manifold regulator 600 to the remote device 250 via one or more communication channels. In some examples, UI 418 of the manifold regulator 600 and / or UI 268 of the remote device 250 can provide one or more outputs representing the measured mixture and / or(multiple) pressures. In some examples, the measured mixture and / or(multiple) pressures can be stored, along with a timestamp, in the manifold memory circuitry 424 and / or the device memory circuitry 274.

[0107] exist Figure 7 In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 also determines one or more existing flow rates at block 708. In some examples, the flow rates(s) can be determined based on the pressure(s) measured at block 708. In some examples, this determination can be performed by remote device 250. In some examples, this determination can be performed by manifold regulator 600. In some examples, one or more signals indicating existing flow rates can be transmitted round trip between manifold regulator 600 and / or remote device 250. In some examples, UI 268 of remote device 250 and / or UI 418 of manifold regulator 600 can provide one or more outputs indicating existing flow rates(s). In some examples, the existing flow rates(s) can be stored along with timestamps in regulator memory circuitry 224 and / or device memory circuitry 274.

[0108] exist Figure 7In the example, the manifold regulator process 700 proceeds to box 710 after box 708. At box 710, the manifold regulator process 700 determines (and / or estimates) the amount of remaining fluid in each fluid tank 106 connected to the manifold regulator 600. In some examples, the operation of box 710 is largely similar to the operation of box 310 of the fluid control process 300 for each fluid tank 106. For the sake of brevity, a repeated description of this box is omitted.

[0109] exist Figure 7 In the example, the manifold regulator process 700 proceeds to box 712 after box 710. At box 712, the manifold regulator process 700 determines whether the remaining fluid level in the fluid tank(s) 106 connected to the manifold regulator 600 is below a threshold level. In some examples, this determination can be made for each fluid tank 106 connected to the manifold regulator 600. In some examples, the threshold level can be stored in manifold memory circuitry 424 and / or device memory circuitry 274. In some examples, the threshold level can be input by the user at box 702. In some examples, if the user does not input a threshold, the threshold level can be set to a default level (e.g., 10% remaining).

[0110] exist Figure 7 In the examples, if the manifold regulator process 700 determines that a threshold level has been reached, the manifold regulator process 700 proceeds to box 714 after box 712. In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may proceed to box 714 only if all fluid tanks 106 connected to the manifold regulator 600 have reached the threshold. In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may proceed to box 714 if any one of the fluid tanks 106 connected to the manifold regulator 600 has reached the threshold. In some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may proceed to box 714 if a threshold number of fluid tanks 106 connected to the manifold regulator 600 has reached the threshold. In some examples, the operation of box 714 is largely similar to the operation of box 314 of the fluid control process 300. For brevity, a repeated description of this box is omitted.

[0111] exist Figure 7 In the example, the manifold regulator process 700 ends after box 714. However, as shown, in some examples, the manifold regulator process 700 may proceed to box 716 after box 714 instead of ending. As shown, if the remaining fluid quantity determined at box 710 is higher than a threshold level for all or some of the fluid tanks 106, the manifold regulator process 700 may also proceed to box 716 after box 712.

[0112] In some examples, the operation of box 716 is largely similar to the operation of box 316 in the fluid control process 300 for each fluid tank 106. For brevity, a repeated description of this box is omitted. Figure 7 In the example, the manifold regulator process 700 proceeds to box 718 after box 716.

[0113] In some examples, the operation of box 718 is largely similar to the operation of box 318 in the fluid control process 300 for each fluid tank 106. For brevity, a repeated description of this box is omitted. Figure 7 In the example, the manifold regulator process 700 proceeds to box 720 after box 718.

[0114] exist Figure 7 In one example, the manifold regulator process 700 compares an existing mixture, multiple flow rates, and / or pressure measurements with a target mixture, multiple flow rates, and / or multiple pressures. Based on this comparison, the manifold regulator process 700 determines whether the existing mixture, multiple flow rates, and / or multiple pressures are correct (and / or within a certain input and / or stored threshold range). In some examples, this determination may occur at the manifold regulator 600. In some examples, the determination is performed at a remote device 250, and the remote device 250 sends one or more signals indicating the determination result to the manifold regulator 600.

[0115] exist Figure 7 In the example, if the manifold regulator process 700 determines that one or more of the existing mixture, flow rate(s), and / or pressure(s) are incorrect (and / or outside the threshold range), the manifold regulator process 700 proceeds to block 722 after block 720. At block 722, the manifold regulator process 700 determines and / or performs (e.g., via actuator(s) 220) one or more adjustments to valve(s) 206 to achieve a target mixture, flow rate(s), and / or pressure(s). In some examples, performing one or more adjustments to valve(s) 206 to correct fluid flow may include sending one or more electrical signals to valve(s) 206 and / or actuator(s) 220.

[0116] exist Figure 7 In the example, the manifold regulator process 700 returns to box 704 after box 722. As shown, if the manifold regulator process 700 determines that the existing fluid mixture, flow rate(s) and / or pressure(s) match (and / or are within threshold ranges) the target mixture, flow rate(s) and / or pressure(s), the manifold regulator process 700 also returns to box 704 after box 720.

[0117] This disclosure envisions intelligent regulators 200 that provide operators with information about the current pressure and / or flow rate(s) in a manner easily understandable. In some examples, this information may be provided to the operator using a remote device 250. In some examples, the remote device 250 may also use this information to warn of a decrease in fluid level in the fluid tank 106.

[0118] This disclosure also envisions a smart manifold 400 and / or a smart manifold regulator 600 configured to work with several different fluid tanks 106 and / or smart regulators 200. This allows the operator to easily mix multiple fluid types, switch between different fluid types, and / or switch between different fluid tanks 106. Furthermore, the different connections of the smart manifold 400 to the fluid tanks 106 can allow tools that conventionally have different air / gas connectors to all use the same connector.

[0119] The methods and systems described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. A typical combination of hardware and software may include a general-purpose computing system having a program or other code that, when loaded and executed, controls the computing system to cause it to perform the methods described herein. Another typical implementation may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or chip. Some implementations may include a non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium (e.g., a flash drive, optical disc, magnetic disk, etc.) storing one or more lines of machine-executable code that enables the machine to perform the processes described herein. As used herein, the term "non-transitory machine-readable medium" is defined to include all types of machine-readable storage media and excludes propagated signals.

[0120] As used herein, "and / or" refers to any one or more items in a list connected by "and / or". For example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in the three-element set {(x),(y),(x,y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" refers to any element in the seven-element set {(x),(y),(z),(x,y),(x,z),(y,z),(x,y,z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y and z".

[0121] As used herein, the terms “approximately” and / or “close to” when used to modify or describe a value (or range of values), location, shape, orientation, and / or action mean that it is fairly close to that value, range, location, shape, orientation, and / or action. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the listed values, ranges of values, locations, shapes, orientations, and / or actions, but should include reasonably practicable deviations.

[0122] As used herein, the terms “e.g.” and “for example” refer to one or more non-restrictive examples, instances, or illustrations.

[0123] As used herein, the terms “couple,” “coupled,” “attach,” “attached,” “connect,” and / or “connected” refer to structural and / or electrical attachments, combinations, fastenings, connections, and / or other forms of fixation.

[0124] As used herein, the terms “circuit” and “circuit system” refer to physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and / or any software and / or firmware (“code”) that can configure, be executed by, and / or otherwise associate with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory may constitute a first “circuit” when executing a first line or more of code, and a second “circuit” when executing a second line or more of code.

[0125] As used herein, when a circuit system includes the hardware and code necessary to perform a function (if necessary), the circuit system is "configured" to perform that function, regardless of whether the execution of that function is disabled or not enabled (e.g., through user-configurable settings, factory settings, etc.).

[0126] As used herein, control circuitry may include digital and / or analog circuitry, discrete and / or integrated circuitry, microprocessors, DSPs, etc., located on one or more circuit boards to form part or all of a controller and / or software, hardware and / or firmware for controlling the soldering process and / or devices such as power supplies or wire feeders.

[0127] As used herein, the term "processor" means a processing device, apparatus, program, circuit, component, system, or subsystem, whether implemented in hardware, software in a tangible form, or both, and whether or not it is programmable. As used herein, the term "processor" includes, but is not limited to, one or more computing devices, hardwired circuitry, signal modification devices and systems, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices and systems, field-programmable gate arrays, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), systems-on-a-chip (SoCs), systems including discrete components and / or circuitry, state machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing facilities, and any combination thereof. A processor can be, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, digital signal processing (DSP) processor, or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A processor can be coupled to and / or integrated with a memory device.

[0128] As used herein, the terms “memory” and / or “memory device” refer to computer hardware or circuitry used to store information for use by a processor and / or other digital devices. Memory and / or memory devices can be any suitable type of computer memory or any other type of electronic storage medium, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, optical disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), computer-readable media, etc.

[0129] For convenience, the term "electricity" is used throughout this specification, but "electricity" also includes related measurements such as energy, current, voltage, and enthalpy. For example, controlling "electricity" may involve controlling voltage, current, energy, and / or enthalpy, and / or control based on "electricity" may involve control based on voltage, current, energy, and / or enthalpy.

[0130] As used herein, welding-type power refers to power applicable to the following: welding, cladding, brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, CAC-A and / or hot wire welding / preheating (including laser welding and laser cladding), carbon arc cutting or planing, and / or resistance preheating.

[0131] As used herein, a welding power supply and / or power source means any device capable of supplying power to welding, cladding, brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, laser processing (including laser welding, laser hybrid welding and laser cladding), carbon arc cutting or planing, and / or resistance preheating when power is applied to it, including but not limited to transformer-rectifiers, inverters, converters, resonant power supplies, quasi-resonant power supplies, switch-mode power supplies, and their associated control circuitry and other auxiliary circuitry.

[0132] As used herein, welding tools refer to any tool capable of performing welding, cladding, brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, carbon arc cutting, or planing and / or resistance preheating operations.

[0133] Disabling circuitry, actuators, and / or other hardware can be accomplished via hardware, software (including firmware), or a combination of hardware and software, and may include physical disconnection, power-off, and / or software control that restricts the execution of commands to activate the circuitry, actuators, and / or other hardware. Similarly, enabling circuitry, actuators, and / or other hardware can be accomplished using the same mechanisms as disabling via hardware, software (including firmware), or a combination of hardware and software.

[0134] Although this method and / or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of this method and / or system. For example, the blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this method and / or system is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Instead, this method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and according to the principle of equivalents.

Claims

1. An intelligent data management system, comprising: A first inlet, configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid supply device; A second inlet, configured to be in fluid communication with a second fluid supply device; An outlet, configured to be in fluid communication with a welding power supply, wire feeder, or welding tool; A mixing chamber, which is in fluid communication with the outlet, the first inlet, and the second inlet; A first valve is configured to adjustably restrict fluid flow between the first inlet and the mixing chamber based on a first valve control signal; A second valve is configured to adjustably restrict fluid flow between the second inlet and the mixing chamber based on a first valve control signal or a second valve control signal. as well as The control circuit system is configured to: Monitor the composition of the fluid mixture in the mixing chamber. The first valve control signal or the second valve control signal is determined based on the composition of the fluid mixture in the mixing chamber and the target fluid mixture; and The first valve control signal or the second valve control signal is provided to the first valve or the second valve.

2. The intelligent data management system as described in claim 1, further comprising: A communication device that communicates with a remote device, the remote device including the welding power supply, the wire feeder, the welding tool, a moving device, an accessory device, a teaching pendant, or a computing system, wherein the control circuitry is configured as follows: Welding parameters are received from the remote device, including a fluid mixture, a fluid source, or a welding process. The first valve control signal or the second valve control signal is determined based on the composition of the fluid mixture in the mixing chamber, the target fluid mixture, and the welding parameters.

3. The intelligent data management system as described in claim 2, further comprising: A first sensor, configured to measure a first fluid flow characteristic at the first inlet; as well as The second sensor is configured to measure the second fluid flow characteristics at the second inlet. The control circuit system is configured as follows: The first valve control signal or the second valve control signal is determined based on the first fluid flow characteristics or the second fluid flow characteristics, the composition of the fluid mixture in the mixing chamber, the target fluid mixture, and the welding parameters.

4. The intelligent manifold as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a housing that accommodates the first valve, the second valve, the mixing chamber, and the control circuit system.

5. The intelligent manifold of claim 1, further comprising a communication circuit system configured to transmit the components of the fluid mixture in the mixing chamber to a remote device.

6. The intelligent data management system as described in claim 1, further comprising: A first one-way check valve is located between the first valve and the mixing chamber, and the first one-way check valve is configured to prevent reverse fluid flow from the mixing chamber to the first inlet. as well as A second one-way check valve is located between the second valve and the mixing chamber, and is configured to prevent reverse fluid flow from the mixing chamber to the second inlet.

7. The intelligent data management system as described in claim 1, further comprising: A first sensor, configured to measure a first fluid flow characteristic at the first inlet; A second sensor, configured to measure the second fluid flow characteristics at the second inlet; as well as A communication device that communicates with a remote device. The control circuit system is configured as follows: Based on the first fluid flow characteristics or the second fluid flow characteristics, determine the amount of remaining fluid in the first fluid supply device or the second fluid supply device, and In response to determining that the amount of fluid in the first fluid supply device or the second fluid supply device is below a fluid threshold, (i) an alarm is sent to the remote device via the communication device, (ii) a disable signal is sent to the welding power supply, the wire feeder, and the welding tool via the communication device, (iii) a website link for ordering more fluid is sent to the remote device via the communication device, or (iv) more fluid is automatically reordered.

8. The intelligent data management system as described in claim 1, comprising: An actuator configured to regulate the first valve or the second valve in response to an actuator control signal.

9. The intelligent manifold of claim 8, wherein, The control circuit system is configured as follows: Receive device control signals from a remote device. The actuator control signal is determined based on the device control signal; and The actuator control signal is provided to the actuator.

10. The intelligent manifold of claim 9, wherein, The remote device includes the welded power supply, mobile device, or computing system.

11. The intelligent manifold of claim 9, wherein, The remote device includes: User interface, configured to receive welding parameter selection, and The device circuit system is configured to determine the device control signal based on the selection of the welding parameters.

12. The intelligent manifold of claim 11, wherein, The selection of welding parameters includes fluid type, fluid mixture, or welding process.

13. The smart manifold of claim 9, further comprising a pressure sensor configured to measure inlet pressure at the first inlet or the second inlet and outlet pressure at the outlet, the control circuitry configured to transmit a measurement signal representing the inlet pressure, the outlet pressure, or the flow rate to the remote device.

14. The smart manifold of claim 9, further comprising a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor, the first pressure sensor being configured to measure a first inlet pressure at the first inlet, the second pressure sensor being configured to measure a second inlet pressure at the second inlet, and the control circuitry being configured to transmit a measurement signal representing the first inlet pressure or the second inlet pressure to the remote device.

15. A welding system, comprising: Intelligent data management system, comprising: A first inlet, configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid supply device; A second inlet, configured to be in fluid communication with a second fluid supply device; An outlet, configured to be in fluid communication with a welding power supply, wire feeder, or welding tool; A mixing chamber, which is in fluid communication with the outlet, the first inlet, and the second inlet; A first valve, configured to adjustably restrict fluid flow between the first inlet and the mixing chamber based on a first valve control signal; and A second valve, configured to adjustably restrict fluid flow between the second inlet and the mixing chamber based on a first valve control signal and a second valve control signal; and The control circuit system is configured to: Monitor the composition of the fluid mixture in the mixing chamber. The first valve control signal or the second valve control signal is determined based on the composition of the fluid mixture in the mixing chamber and the target fluid mixture; and Provide the first valve control signal or the second valve control signal to the first valve or the second valve; and A remote device communicating with the smart manifold, the remote device being configured to send one or more device control signals representing the target fluid mixture to the smart manifold.

16. The welding system of claim 15, wherein, The control signals of one or more devices further represent a fluid source or a welding process.

17. The welding system of claim 15, further comprising: A first sensor, configured to measure a first fluid flow characteristic at the first inlet; as well as The second sensor is configured to measure the second fluid flow characteristics at the second inlet. The control circuit system is configured as follows: The first valve control signal or the second valve control signal is determined based on the first fluid flow characteristics or the second fluid flow characteristics and the device control signal.

18. The welding-type system as defined in claim 15, wherein, The intelligent manifold further includes: a housing that accommodates the first valve, the second valve, the mixing chamber, and the control circuit system.

19. The welding-type system as defined in claim 15, wherein, The smart manifold further includes a communication circuit system configured to transmit the components of the fluid mixture in the mixing chamber to the remote device.

20. The welding-type system as defined in claim 15, wherein, The intelligent data management system further includes: A first one-way check valve, located between the first valve and the mixing chamber, is configured to prevent backflow of fluid from the mixing chamber to the first inlet; and A second one-way check valve is located between the second valve and the mixing chamber, and is configured to prevent reverse fluid flow from the mixing chamber to the second inlet.

21. A welding system, comprising: The smart manifold of claim 1, wherein the second valve is configured to adjustably restrict fluid flow between the second inlet and the outlet based on the first valve control signal, the second valve control signal, or the third valve control signal; as well as a remote device in communication with the smart header, the remote device configured to send the first valve control signal, the second valve control signal, or a device control signal to the smart header.

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