Automatic Darkening Filter With Profile-Based Parameter Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic darkening filters require cumbersome parameter adjustments, especially when worn with protective gloves, and lack a simplified setup mechanism.

Innovation Solution

An automatic darkening filter with a switchable shutter system controlled by a filter controller, connected to a set-up device via wireless or wired communication, allows simultaneous adjustment of parameters like shade, sensitivity, and delay based on predetermined profiles, enabling faster and easier setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If parameters are adjusted through external wireless devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter adjustmentVSAvoidcommunication system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter controller automatically detects welding conditions and self-adjusts parameters without requiring external devices or user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational environment and making autonomous parameter modifications, thereby improving ease of operation while avoiding the complexity of external communication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The filter controller continuously monitors welding conditions and uses this feedback to automatically adjust parameters. The system creates a closed-loop control where operational data feeds back to the controller, which then modifies settings in real-time, eliminating the need for complex external adjustment devices while maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple parameters are adjusted separately, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter setting accuracyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter controller merges multiple parameter adjustments into a single automated operation. Instead of requiring separate adjustments for each parameter, the system combines all parameter modifications into one unified process that occurs automatically based on detected welding conditions, thereby maintaining precision while dramatically reducing setup time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter controller performs preliminary detection of welding conditions and pre-calculates optimal parameters before welding begins. By preparing all parameter settings in advance based on pre-welding environmental assessment, the system ensures precise parameter configuration without requiring time-consuming sequential adjustments during setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If headgear is removed for parameter adjustment, then ease of operation is worsened, but measurement precision is improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding condition detectionVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter controller continuously monitors welding conditions without requiring the user to remove or adjust the headgear. The system performs self-detection of environmental parameters and automatic parameter adjustment while the headgear remains in place, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment (requiring headgear removal and physical knob turning) with an automated electronic sensing and control system. The filter controller uses electronic sensors to detect welding conditions and electronically adjusts parameters, substituting mechanical user interaction with automated electronic control, thus maintaining precision while improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates quicker and more accurate filter adjustments without needing to remove the headgear, enhancing user safety and convenience, particularly for inexperienced users.

Implementation Method 1

The liquid-crystal molecules orientate themselves in a particular direction when a voltage is applied across the liquid-crystal cell under the control of an electronic module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal orientation effect: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

The photodetector recognizes the presence of the incident light-to-be-filtered, and an electronic module generates a control voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3999903B1Automatic darkening filter with simplified set-up
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3999903B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3999903B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an automatic darkening filter 20 which is suitable for darkening for protection from light, in particular from high intensity light, with a simplified set-up, as well as to a set-up device 40 for setting up parameters of a such filter 20. The present disclosure also relates to a system 100, 100' comprising such an automatic darkening filter 20 and such a set-up device 40, in particular a welding device 110. The present disclosure furthermore relates to a method for setting up such an automatic darkening filter 20 as well as to a headgear 10 with such an automatic darkening filter 20 and to a welding device 110 with such a set-up device 40.