Mobile Welder Chassis With Magnetic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic welding systems require a track to move the work piece relative to a stationary welder, which is costly, labor-intensive, and raises safety concerns, limiting mobility and increasing installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mobile welding system that moves along a work piece without relying on a track, featuring a chassis with a motor assembly, travel assembly, and a magnet holder to maintain a selected distance from the work piece, allowing for uninterrupted line of sight for the welding implement and enabling controlled movement and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a track is used to move the work piece relative to a stationary welder, then the welding operation can be performed, but the system complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the work piece relative to a stationary welder using a track, the patent inverts the approach by making the welder mobile and moving it relative to the stationary work piece. This eliminates the need for a complex track system while maintaining the automated welding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the track system from the welding setup. By making the welder itself mobile with onboard propulsion and positioning systems, the external track infrastructure is completely eliminated, reducing system complexity and installation requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a track is installed to enable mobile welding, then the welder can move along the work piece, but installation cost and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile welder is equipped with its own propulsion system, drive wheels, and positioning capabilities, allowing it to move and position itself relative to the work piece without requiring external track infrastructure. This self-service capability eliminates installation costs and labor requirements for track systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical track system with a mobile platform equipped with drive mechanisms, sensors, and control systems that enable the welder to autonomously navigate and position itself for welding operations.
3Reliability
If a track system is used, then the welder path is defined, but safety issues and additional costs are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile welder incorporates sensors, cameras, and positioning systems that provide real-time feedback about its location and orientation relative to the work piece. This feedback enables autonomous navigation and path following without requiring physical tracks, eliminating safety hazards associated with track installation and removal.
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 reduces costs and safety risks associated with track installation, enhances mobility, and allows for flexible and precise welding operations without the physical limitations of a track, improving the efficiency and safety of the welding process.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet holder to provide a force holding the chassis a selected distance from the work piece
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile welding system that does not rely exclusively on a track to define the path of the welder. One embodiment includes a mobile welder adapted to move along a work piece. The mobile welder includes a chassis, including a welding implement, and a travel assembly configured to support the chassis over a portion of the work piece. The mobile welder also includes a motor assembly configured to selectively cause the chassis to move relative to the work piece. The mobile welder further includes a chassis holder, having a magnet assembly, configured to provide a force holding the chassis a selected distance from the work piece. The magnet assembly includes a magnet rotatably mounted between a ferrous material and a non-ferrous material to selectively control application of a magnetic field toward the work piece.