Inclined-Surface Weld Bead Mapping to Prevent Dripping and Humping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The formation of weld beads on inclined surfaces is prone to dripping due to gravity, and increasing the torch's traveling speed to prevent dripping can lead to humping, which breaks the weld bead.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that use pre-calculated maps to determine optimal bead heights and widths based on base-surface and track inclination angles, controlling the torch's movement and heat input to prevent dripping and humping, by selecting bead parameters from stored maps that account for gravitational influence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the torch traveling speed is increased to prevent dripping on inclined surfaces, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to humping and weld bead breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorch traveling speedVSAvoidweld bead quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting welding parameters (traveling speed, heat input, bead height, bead width) based on the inclination angle. Pre-calculated maps store optimal parameter combinations for different angles, allowing the system to select appropriate parameters that prevent both dripping and humping while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the torch traveling speed is reduced to prevent humping, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld bead qualityVSAvoidtorch traveling speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal welding parameters in maps before actual welding begins. The system determines the inclination angle in advance and selects the corresponding optimal parameters from the pre-prepared maps, enabling high-speed welding without humping by having the correct parameters ready beforehand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If conventional welding parameters are used on inclined surfaces, then the device complexity is minimized, but the reliability deteriorates due to dripping and humping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding control systemVSAvoidweld bead formation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using the detected inclination angle to automatically select appropriate welding parameters from pre-calculated maps. The system continuously monitors the inclination angle and adjusts parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures reliable weld bead formation without requiring complex real-time calculations or interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Efficiently forms weld beads without issues like dripping or humping, ensuring high-quality built-up objects with reduced production time by selecting appropriate bead dimensions and adjusting torch speed and current values based on inclination angles.

Implementation Method 1

a 3D printer employing a metallic material melts the metal powder or metal wire using a heat source, such as a laser or an arc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

melting and solidifying a filler metal, thereby forming weld beads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolidification: Freezing

Implementation Method 3

there is a possibility that the weld bead being formed drips due to the influence of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3711888B1Method and device for manufacturing shaped objects
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 KOBE STEEL LTD
  • EP3711888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3711888B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3711888B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Provided are a method and device for manufacturing shaped objects with which it is possible to efficiently form weld beads without any defects such as sagging or humping, and shape shaped objects. When using a torch to form weld beads obtained by melting and solidifying a filler material, a map of bead heights and bead widths is created in advance, each bead height and width corresponding to a base surface incline angle formed between the perpendicular direction and a base surface on which a melt bead is to be formed and a trajectory incline angle formed between the perpendicular direction and the direction of the trajectory of the torch on the base surface. When a weld bead is formed on the base surface, a bead height and bead width are selected from the map in accordance with the base surface incline angle and the trajectory incline angle, and the weld bead is formed at the selected bead height and bead width.