Stud Welding Gun With Auto Plunge Setting and Weld Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fastening bolts to substrates are complex and dependent on user expertise, as they require manual adjustment of parameters like electrical current duration and power, and visual inspection for connection quality, which can be inconsistent.

Innovation Solution

A welding gun with a retaining spring and carrier spring mechanism that automates the bolt lifting and immersion process, using a control device to manage electrical current and gas supply for consistent bonding, and an input/output system for parameter setting and process feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of welding parameters is used, then user flexibility is maintained, but operation complexity and dependency on user expertise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidparameter adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding gun automatically determines welding parameters based on detected bolt characteristics and automatically adjusts settings without user intervention. The system performs self-measurement of bolt diameter and self-adjustment of welding current and duration, eliminating the need for manual parameter setting while maintaining adaptability to different bolt types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If visual inspection for connection quality is used, then simple equipment is required, but measurement precision and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection quality measurement precisionVSAvoidinspection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect welding parameters in real-time and provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit monitors welding current, duration, and bolt characteristics, automatically adjusting parameters to ensure optimal welding quality. This closed-loop feedback system replaces subjective visual inspection with objective measurement while keeping the device relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If automated parameter adjustment is implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding parameter precisionVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with electronic sensing and control. A detection unit measures bolt characteristics (diameter, material properties) and the control unit electronically adjusts welding parameters based on this data. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with electronic control achieves high precision while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through integration.

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

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

Simplifies the fastening process by automating key steps, ensuring consistent connection quality and reducing user dependency on experience, while providing real-time feedback on process parameters and outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

a lifting magnet (155) and a carrier (156), wherein the lifting magnet (155) is fixed to the carrier (156) and the holding device (144) is movable relative to the carrier (156) in the welding direction (110) and movable by the lifting magnet (155)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

an electric current flows between the bolt and the substrate, the bolt is lifted from the substrate by forming an electric arc. Due to the energy released, parts of the bolt and substrate material partially liquefy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric arc: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 3

To prevent oxidation of the liquefied material, it is known to purge the contact point between the bolt and the substrate with an inert gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation prevention: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3727738B1Stud welding gun and method
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 HILTI AG
  • EP3727738B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3727738B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3727738B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a welding gun (40) for welding a welding stud (20, 120) in a welding direction to a substrate (30), comprising a holding device (144) for holding the welding stud during a welding process, wherein the welding stud has a contact surface (125), which is provided in order to contact the substrate before and/or during the welding process, furthermore comprising a stud lifting device (150) for conveying the holding device into a plunge start position in the welding direction, furthermore comprising a stud plunging device (160) for conveying the holding device from the plunge start position in the welding direction, furthermore comprising a support element (170) having a support surface (175) for supporting the welding gun on the substrate, and furthermore comprising a device for automatically adjusting the plunge start position relative to the support surface in the welding direction.