Arc Welding Apparatus Spatter Control via Dynamic Reverse Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing arc welding technologies face challenges in maintaining consistent welding quality due to spatter issues, which can arise from variations in welding frequency and conditions, leading to reduced arc length and increased spatter when the short state period is reduced.

Innovation Solution

An arc welding apparatus with a detection unit, feed adjustment unit, determination unit, and instruction unit that continues reverse feeding the consumable electrode for a predetermined period regardless of whether it is in a short or arc state, adjusting the feeding direction and current to maintain proper arc length and reduce spatter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If reverse feeding is applied until short is opened regardless of welding frequency, then spatter increase is suppressed, but welding quality deteriorates when short state period is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespatterVSAvoidwelding quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic control of the feeding direction based on real-time detection of welding state (arc state or short state) and welding frequency. The control unit switches between forward feed and reverse feed modes dynamically, and adjusts the duration of reverse feed based on detected welding frequency, allowing the system to adapt to varying welding conditions and maintain both spatter suppression and welding quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of feeding direction (forward/reverse) and its duration based on detected welding frequency. When welding frequency is high, the reverse feed duration is reduced or omitted; when welding frequency is low, reverse feed is applied for a predetermined period. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing spatter control for each welding frequency condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If reverse feeding is applied for a fixed period, then spatter is reduced, but arc length stability deteriorates when welding frequency varies

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespatterVSAvoidarc length stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control by detecting the welding frequency and using this information to adjust the reverse feed duration. The detection unit monitors welding conditions, and the control unit responds by adjusting feeding parameters, creating a closed-loop system that maintains arc length stability while controlling spatter across varying welding frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the reverse feed duration based on real-time welding frequency detection. Instead of applying a fixed reverse feed period, the control unit modifies the feeding strategy according to the detected welding conditions, thereby maintaining arc length stability while suppressing spatter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If forward feeding is used to maintain arc length, then welding speed is improved, but spatter increases when short state period is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding speedVSAvoidspatter
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic reverse feeding at specific intervals (based on detected short state and welding frequency) rather than continuous forward feeding. This periodic intervention suppresses spatter during critical moments while maintaining overall welding speed through forward feed during other periods, resolving the contradiction between productivity and spatter control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The feeding direction is dynamically switched between forward and reverse modes based on real-time detection of welding state and frequency. The system applies reverse feed only when and where needed to control spatter, while using forward feed for the majority of the welding process to maintain productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 improves welding quality by maintaining a stable arc length and reducing spatter, even when the short state period is reduced, by continuously applying reverse feed during the predetermined period, ensuring consistent and high-quality welding.

Implementation Method 1

an arc welding apparatus that continues to apply reverse feed until at least a predetermined period has elapsed regardless of whether it is in a short state or an arc state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric arc: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP2865476B1ARC welding apparatus, ARC welding method, ARC welding system, and welded article
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • EP2865476B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2865476B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2865476B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An arc welding apparatus includes: a detection unit (41) configured to detect whether it is in a short state or an arc state between a consumable electrode (14) and a welded article (W); a feed adjustment unit (42) configured to apply a forward feed for feeding the consumable electrode when the arc state is detected and apply a reverse feed for feeding the consumable electrode when the short state is detected; a determination unit (43) configured to determine whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed after the detection unit has detected the short state; and an instruction unit (44) configured to instruct the feed adjustment unit to continue the reverse feed even when the arc state is detected, until the determination unit determines that the predetermined period has elapsed.