Extruded Welding Power Supply Base for Multi-Model Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing welding type power supplies require distinct bases and mounting patterns for each model, leading to high production costs due to the need for various molds and dies, as different models have different lengths and component locations.

Innovation Solution

A welding type power supply with a base made of extruded material, featuring a constant cross section and mounting channels along its entire length, allowing for versatile use across various models without mechanical fasteners, and enabling easy assembly by inserting sides into channels at the base's edges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If distinct bases with distinct mounting patterns are used for each welding power supply model, then each model can have customized component locations and lengths, but the production cost increases due to the need for various molds and dies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel customizationVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single base structure with mounting channels that can accommodate multiple welding power supply models. The base includes channels that allow components to be mounted at various positions along the length, enabling one base design to serve multiple model configurations without requiring separate molds for each model.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting structure into modular components. The base features channels that can accommodate different component placements, allowing the same base to be segmented into different functional configurations for different models through selective component placement rather than requiring entirely different base designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If bases are pressed from sheet metal or made with injection mold for each model, then each model gets a customized base, but the complexity of manufacturing increases due to the need for various molds and dies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel-specific customizationVSAvoidmold and die variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a single extruded base design that can be used across multiple models. The extrusion process creates a base with integrated channels that provide mounting flexibility, eliminating the need for multiple injection molds or sheet metal pressing dies while maintaining model-specific customization capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by using extrusion to create a base with variable length parameters. The same base cross-section and channel design can be extruded to different lengths to accommodate different model sizes, changing only the length parameter rather than requiring different base designs for each model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides a cost-effective and adaptable base for different welding type power supply models, reducing production expenses by allowing a single base design to accommodate multiple models and eliminating the need for multiple molds, while ensuring secure component mounting without mechanical fasteners.

Implementation Method 1

The base is comprised of extruded material and has a constant cross section along an entire length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Implementation Method 2

mounting channels and mounting devices extending along the entire length of the base or side for joining further component structures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2969356B1Welding type power supply having four sides, a top and a base made of extruded material ; method of making such welding type power supply
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP2969356B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2969356B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2969356B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A welding type power supply for providing welding type power is disclosed. The welding type power supply has fours sides, a top and a base (100). Two opposing of the sides and the top are part of a housing. A front panel and a back panel form the other two opposing sides. The front and back panel and the housing are joined such that the front and back panels and the first and second sides form the four sides of the welding type power supply. The base (100) is comprised of extruded material, and has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is joined to a bottom of the first side and the second edge is joined to a second bottom of the second side. Power and control circuitry disposed in the space formed between housing, front panel, back panel and base (100).