Stick Electrode Holder With Vibration Feedback for Welding Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current welding training systems are expensive and often inadequate in training operators to perform high-quality welds, particularly in manual welding operations, as they may not provide sufficient real-time feedback and practical experience.

Innovation Solution

A stick electrode holder integrated with real-time feedback features, including vibration feedback and augmented reality training modes, to enhance the training experience and improve welding technique accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional welding training systems are used, then training coverage is limited due to high cost, but training quality is insufficient without real-time feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining qualityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode holder incorporates vibration feedback mechanisms that provide real-time tactile information to operators during welding training. This feedback enables operators to immediately correct their technique, improving training quality without requiring expensive traditional training systems. The feedback system monitors welding parameters and vibrates to indicate deviations from proper technique.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The training system enables operators to self-evaluate their welding technique through the vibration feedback provided by the electrode holder. Operators can independently identify and correct their own mistakes without requiring constant instructor intervention or expensive simulation equipment, making the training system more accessible and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual welding training is provided without real-time feedback, then training cost is reduced, but welding technique accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding technique accuracyVSAvoidreal-time feedback information
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode holder provides real-time vibration feedback to operators during welding operations. This feedback conveys information about welding technique accuracy, allowing operators to immediately adjust their movements and achieve better welding precision without losing critical performance information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional visual or verbal feedback mechanisms with mechanical vibration feedback through the electrode holder. This substitution provides more immediate and intuitive information to operators, improving technique accuracy without requiring complex visual display systems or continuous verbal instruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If traditional welding training equipment is acquired, then initial training capability is provided, but operational effectiveness is limited without immersive features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining efficiencyVSAvoidtraining engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode holder incorporates vibration mechanisms that provide tactile feedback during welding training. This mechanical vibration creates an immersive training experience that engages operators more effectively than traditional static equipment, improving both training efficiency and operator engagement simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode holder serves multiple functions: it acts as both the welding tool and the feedback delivery mechanism. This multi-functionality integrates training and evaluation into a single device, improving training efficiency while maintaining ease of operation without requiring separate feedback systems.

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

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

The solution enables cost-effective and effective training for welding operators by providing immediate feedback and immersive training experiences, leading to improved welding quality and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A stick electrode holder integrated with real-time feedback features, including vibration feedback

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration feedback: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3130423B1Stick welding electrode holders with real-time feedback features
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3130423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3130423B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3130423B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Present embodiments include systems and methods for stick welding applications. In certain embodiments, simulation stick welding electrode holders may include stick electrode retraction assemblies configured to mechanically retract a simulation stick electrode toward the stick electrode retraction assembly to simulate consumption of the simulation stick electrode during a simulated stick welding process. In addition, in certain embodiments, stick welding electrode holders may include various input and output elements that enable, for example, control inputs to be input via the stick welding electrode holders, and operational statuses to be output via the stick welding electrode holders. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a welding training system interface may be used to facilitate communication and cooperation of various stick welding electrode holders with a welding training system.