Multi-mode Welding Power Supply Load Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional welding-type power supplies are limited in providing suitable power levels for both welding applications and battery charging, particularly when dealing with rechargeable batteries, as they often fail to deliver the necessary power without risking damage to the battery.

Innovation Solution

A multi-mode welding-type power supply that can detect the load and operate in either welding or battery charging mode, using a controller to determine the power requirements and adjust the output accordingly, allowing for simultaneous operation with multiple devices and automatic monitoring to ensure safe and efficient charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional welding-type power supplies provide high power output for welding applications, then welding performance is improved, but battery safety deteriorates due to risk of damage to rechargeable batteries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidbattery safety
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply dynamically adjusts its output characteristics based on the detected load type. The controller monitors load parameters and switches between welding mode (high power) and battery charging mode (limited power) to resolve the contradiction between providing sufficient welding power and ensuring battery safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from load detection to control power output. The controller continuously monitors the connected device and adjusts the power supply mode accordingly, providing high power for welding when detected and limiting power when a battery is detected, thus resolving the safety versus performance contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Power

If conventional welding-type power supplies are designed for welding applications, then welding capability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited ability to charge batteries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding capabilityVSAvoidmulti-device compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply is designed with multi-functionality to serve both welding applications and battery charging. The controller detects the connected device type and automatically switches between welding mode and battery charging mode, enabling a single device to perform multiple functions without compromising welding capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its function based on the connected load. Through load detection and mode switching, the power supply transforms from a single-function welding device into a versatile power source that can accommodate both welding tools and rechargeable batteries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the power supply provides high power output, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to potential battery damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidbattery damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary action by detecting the connected device before full power is applied. The controller monitors load parameters and prevents high power output from damaging batteries by switching to an appropriate charging mode before harmful effects can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor the connected device and adjust power output accordingly. This real-time control prevents battery damage while maintaining high productivity for welding applications, resolving the contradiction between operational efficiency and safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3357623A1Methods and apparatus for a multi-mode welding-type power supply
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3357623A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3357623A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3357623A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Apparatus and methods are disclosed of a welding-type power source (100) that includes a welding-type power source (102) connected to a multi-mode power output circuit (106), a controller (104) to receive an input from the welding-type power source and output a control signal to the multi-mode power output circuit. The controller (104) is configured to identify whether a load at the multi-mode power output corresponds to a welding mode or a battery charging mode. The controller (104) is also configured to control the multi-mode power output circuit (106) to condition the power from the welding-type power source based on the identified one of the welding mode or the battery charging mode.