Spot Welding Yoke Identification by Force-Displacement Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spot welding arrangements face challenges in determining the type of welding yoke connected, leading to incorrect welding parameters due to visually similar yokes with different characteristics, resulting in potential malfunctions and suboptimal welding operations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving moving a welding tip portion between defined positions, determining the distance and applied force, and using a control unit to identify the connected yoke type based on predefined data, allowing for precise control of welding settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple welding yokes with different characteristics are used, then adaptability to different welding operations is improved, but difficulty in detecting and measuring the yoke type increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different welding operationsVSAvoiddifficulty in detecting yoke type

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies a test force to the welding yoke and measures the resulting displacement to determine yoke stiffness. This feedback mechanism automatically identifies the yoke type based on its mechanical characteristics, resolving the detection difficulty while maintaining adaptability to different yoke types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The welding system performs self-identification of the connected yoke type by measuring its own interaction with the yoke (force application and displacement measurement). This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual yoke identification and automatically configures appropriate welding parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual identification of yoke type is used, then device complexity is reduced, but welding precision deteriorates due to incorrect parameter setting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidwelding parameter accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical identification with an automated measurement system that applies force and measures displacement. This substitution maintains relatively simple device architecture while significantly improving welding parameter accuracy through automatic yoke type detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the measurement parameter from visual inspection to mechanical property measurement (stiffness). By measuring the yoke's response to applied force, the system accurately determines yoke type and selects appropriate welding parameters, improving precision without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12162087B2Method for controlling a spot welding arrangement

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 CAR O LINER AB

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a spot welding arrangement, the method comprising the steps of moving a welding tip portion of the spot welding arrangement between a first and a second position by applying a force to the welding tip portion; determining a distance moved between the first and second positions; determining a type of welding yoke connected to the spot welding arrangement based on the determined distance and the applied force; and controlling settings of the spot welding arrangement based on the welding yoke connected to the spot welding arrangement.