Arc Welding Power Source Periodic Parameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing arc welding methods face challenges in producing high-quality vertical weld seams due to the tendency of the molten pool to flow downward, requiring manual adjustment of welding parameters which can be error-prone and distract the welder, leading to suboptimal weld quality.

Innovation Solution

The method automatically detects the periodicity of relative movement between the welding electrode and the molten pool and adjusts at least one welding parameter, such as welding current or wire feed speed, to optimize the welding process without predefining durations, allowing for targeted cyclical changes that enhance weld quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of welding parameters is used to support the molten pool, then weld quality can be improved, but the welder is distracted and errors occur leading to suboptimal weld quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld qualityVSAvoidweld consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The welding system automatically detects the periodicity of torch movement and adjusts welding parameters without human intervention. The control part of the welding power source monitors the welding process and autonomously modifies parameters to support the molten pool, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and preventing welder distraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control part continuously monitors welding parameters and torch movement periodicity, then automatically adjusts parameters in response to detected changes. This closed-loop control ensures consistent weld quality by responding to actual process conditions rather than relying on manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If welding parameters are pre-defined with fixed durations, then the welding process is simple to operate, but the parameters do not correspond to the optimum for specific welding applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding process simplicityVSAvoidweld quality optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The welding parameters are transformed from static, pre-defined values to dynamic values that automatically adapt to the actual welding conditions. The system detects the periodicity of torch movement in real-time and adjusts parameters accordingly, allowing the welding process to optimize itself for specific applications without requiring complex pre-programming or manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the welder manually optimizes parameter durations during welding, then weld quality can be improved, but the welder is distracted from guiding the welding torch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld qualityVSAvoidtorch guidance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The welding power source automatically performs parameter optimization without requiring welder intervention. The control part detects torch movement periodicity and autonomously adjusts welding parameters, allowing the welder to focus entirely on guiding the torch while the system handles parameter optimization independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If cyclical parameter changes are triggered by external events, then parameter adjustment can be made responsive, but unintentional triggering events can occur that impair weld quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter responsivenessVSAvoidweld quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the welding process itself (torch movement periodicity detection) to trigger parameter changes, rather than relying on external events. This ensures that parameter adjustments are responsive to actual welding conditions while preventing unintentional triggering, as the control part only responds to detected periodicity patterns from the welding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach reduces the influence of random events and allows for precise control of welding parameters based on the detected periodicity, improving the consistency and quality of vertical weld seams by aligning parameter changes with the optimal movement of the welding torch.

Implementation Method 1

welding energy is supplied from a welding power source to the welding electrode of a welding torch and an electric arc burns between the welding electrode and a molten pool arranged on a workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric arc: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 2

Due to the arc, the free end of the welding wire is heated to such an extent that it liquefies and individual drops separate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc heating: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP3132878B1Arc welding method and welding power source for performing the method
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 LORCH SCHWEISSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3132878B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3132878B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an arc welding process in which welding energy is supplied to the welding electrode (44) of a welding torch (26) by a welding power source (12), and an electric arc (72) burns between the welding electrode (44) and a weld pool (74) arranged on a workpiece (28). To further develop the arc welding process in such a way that a targeted cyclical change of at least one welding parameter is enabled while avoiding random triggering events and ensuring easy handling of the welding torch (26), the invention proposes that the periodicity of a periodic change of a welding parameter caused by a relative movement between the welding electrode (44) and the weld pool (74) is detected, and that at least one welding parameter is automatically and periodically changed by the welding power source (12) according to the detected periodicity.Furthermore, a welding power source (12) is proposed for carrying out the procedure.