Arc Welding Device Demagnetization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetization of metal pipes during manufacturing makes arc welding difficult due to deflection of the arc and misalignment, and existing methods for demagnetization are cumbersome and often ineffective without additional power sources.

Innovation Solution

An arc welding device with an inverter power unit and a control unit that provides an output current with alternating direction and decreasing amplitude, allowing for reliable demagnetization of metal pipes without complex accessories, integrated into the welding device itself.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual current ramping is used to demagnetize metal pipes, then demagnetization can be achieved, but the procedure is cumbersome and often ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemagnetization effectivenessVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using alternating current direction that automatically reverses at regular intervals during the demagnetization process. The control unit switches the current direction periodically while gradually reducing the current amplitude, creating a controlled alternating magnetic field that effectively demagnetizes the metal pipe without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through the control unit that automatically adjusts the current parameters based on the demagnetization process requirements. The system monitors and controls the current amplitude reduction and direction reversal to achieve optimal demagnetization results, eliminating the need for experimental manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate power source is used for demagnetization, then demagnetization function is available, but additional equipment is required that is often not available on construction sites

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemagnetization capabilityVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the demagnetization function with the existing arc welding device by integrating the necessary components (inverter power unit, commutator, and control unit) into the welding equipment. This combination allows the same device to perform both welding and demagnetization functions, eliminating the need for a separate power source and reducing overall equipment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing the arc welding device to perform multiple functions - both arc welding and demagnetization of metal pipes. The inverter power unit and control unit are configured to support both welding operations and demagnetization processes, making the equipment versatile and suitable for various on-site applications without requiring additional specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If magnetized metal pipes are welded directly, then welding can proceed, but the arc is significantly deflected making welding difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding efficiencyVSAvoidarc deflection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing demagnetization of the metal pipe before the welding process. The control unit executes a demagnetization program that reduces the magnetic field in the pipe to below 5% of its initial value, thereby eliminating arc deflection issues before welding begins and ensuring smooth welding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables effective demagnetization of metal pipes, reducing residual magnetization to less than 1% of the initial level, facilitating precise welding without the need for separate demagnetization power sources or complex accessories.

Implementation Method 1

a commutator (6) that is set up to reverse the current direction of the output current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical commutation:

Implementation Method 2

the control unit for the demagnetization function is set up to run through a demagnetization program in which the arc welder provides an output current with alternating current direction and decreasing current amplitude

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic demagnetization: Alternating Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2974820B1Arc welding device, system and method for de-magnetising a metal pipe
Publication Date: 2017.04.12 EWM
  • EP2974820B1 patent drawing
  • EP2974820B1 patent drawing
  • EP2974820B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an arc welding machine (2) with an inverter power section (4) configured to provide an output current for arc welding, with a commutator (6) configured to reverse the current direction of the output current, and with a control unit (16) configured to control the arc welding machine, wherein the arc welding machine (2) provides a demagnetization function in addition to a welding function, wherein the control unit (16) for the demagnetization function is configured to execute a demagnetization program in which the arc welding machine (2) provides an output current with alternating current direction and decreasing current amplitude.Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising such an arc welding device (2) and a demagnetizing cable (22) as well as a method for demagnetizing a metal tube (18) by means of such an arc welding device (2) or by means of such a system (20).