Dynamic Welding Control Limits for Stable Weld Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing welding control systems face challenges in maintaining stable weld quality, particularly when dealing with aluminum sheet combinations and galvanized steel, due to varying sheet thicknesses and high specific conductivity, which affects heat conversion and impedance.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method dynamically sets controller limit values for welding parameters using an optimization algorithm that calculates optimal limits based on quality criteria, allowing for a tolerance range to ensure consistent welding quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed controller limits are used for welding parameters, then the control system is simple to operate, but weld quality becomes unstable due to system behavior variations and electrode wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld quality stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of controller limits for welding parameters based on real-time process impedance measurements. The system continuously adapts the limits rather than using fixed values, allowing the control system to respond to electrode wear and system behavior variations. This dynamic approach maintains weld quality stability while managing complexity through automated adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of controller limits by automatically measuring process impedance and calculating optimal limit values without requiring external intervention. The welding control system serves itself by continuously monitoring and adapting its own parameters, eliminating the need for manual recalibration while maintaining reliable weld quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If adaptive welding control with fixed limits is implemented, then the control system can monitor process impedance, but weld quality remains unstable for aluminum and galvanized steel due to varying sheet thicknesses and high conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld quality consistencyVSAvoidadaptability to varying material properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the controller limit parameters based on real-time process impedance measurements. For aluminum and galvanized steel with varying thicknesses and high conductivity, the system adjusts the limits according to the measured impedance values, enabling adaptation to different material properties and thickness variations while maintaining consistent weld quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from process impedance measurements to continuously adjust controller limits. By monitoring the actual welding process impedance and comparing it with expected values, the system dynamically modifies the limits to account for varying sheet thicknesses and material conductivity, ensuring reliable weld quality across different aluminum and galvanized steel combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual setting of welding parameters is used, then the control system is simple, but optimal parameter selection changes over time due to electrode wear and system variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter setting simplicityVSAvoidparameter optimality over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs parameter optimization by continuously measuring process impedance and dynamically adjusting controller limits without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains parameter optimality over time despite electrode wear and system variations, while keeping the operation simple for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static manual parameter setting into a dynamic automated process. The controller limits are continuously adapted based on real-time impedance measurements, allowing the system to maintain optimal parameters automatically as electrode wear and system behavior change, eliminating the need for manual recalibration.

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 ensures that the welding controller operates within an optimal tolerance range, improving weld quality by adjusting controller limits dynamically, thereby addressing the instability issues in welding diverse metal combinations.

Implementation Method 1

calculating a first controller limit value of at least one welding parameter using an optimization algorithm based on the first numerical value of the welding quality criterion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptimization algorithm calculation:

Implementation Method 2

the high specific conductivity of aluminum alloys results in very low heat transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

affects heat conversion and impedance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3892412B1Method of dynamically setting control thresholds for welding control, and corresponding welding control and computer program
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3892412B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3892412B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for dynamically setting controller limits (RGW1, RGW2) of at least one welding parameter (SP) of a controller (10) of the welding control system (1). The invention further relates to a welding control system (1) for dynamically setting controller limits (RGW1, RGW2) of at least one welding parameter (SP) of a controller (10) of the welding control system (1). The invention also relates to a computer program and a computer-readable data carrier.