Weld Cable Locator Module for Shipyard Power Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Welding systems in shipyards and pressure vessels face challenges with complex cable management and communication issues, leading to reduced productivity, increased costs, and quality assurance problems due to the difficulty in identifying and managing numerous cables and communicating settings across remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A welding-type system that includes a weld cable locator module and communication module, enabling wireless identification and communication of weld cables, allowing for automatic cable identification and data transmission between the weld location and remote power supplies, reducing the need for manual intervention and cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple cables are used to connect remote power supplies to weld locations, then power delivery capability is improved, but cable identification and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cable identification methods with an electronic identification system. Each cable is equipped with an identification circuit that transmits unique identification signals, allowing operators to electronically identify and track cables rather than relying on manual tracking or visual inspection of physical cable markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cable identification circuits as intermediary devices between the power supply system and the weld location. These circuits act as mediators that carry both power and identification information, eliminating the need for separate identification mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If power supply is located remote from weld location, then workspace accessibility is improved, but communication difficulty increases due to ship hull blocking RF signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the weld cable multi-functional by enabling it to carry both power transmission and data communication functions. The cable system serves dual purposes: delivering power to the weld location and transmitting identification and control signals, eliminating the need for separate communication cables and maintaining effectiveness despite the ship hull blocking traditional RF signals.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual cable identification methods are used, then system cost is reduced, but time to locate and identify cables increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-identifying cable system where each cable automatically transmits its identification signal without requiring external active scanning or manual intervention. When a cable is connected, its identification circuit automatically activates and communicates its unique identifier, allowing the system to self-manage cable identification and reducing both time and operational effort.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a means for communicating.