Welder Control Panel With Rotary Parameter Selection and Editing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional welding device control panels are cluttered and difficult to use, making it hard to enter welding parameters accurately and are not suitable for miniaturization, especially in portable equipment.

Innovation Solution

A control panel with a manually operable control element that switches between parameter selection and editing modes, using a rotary control wheel for parameter setting and display, with illuminated display segments for clarity and space efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If buttons or pushbuttons are used for selecting welding parameters, then parameter selection is possible, but the control panel becomes cluttered and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter selectionVSAvoidcontrol panel layout
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary control element serves multiple functions: selecting welding parameters, adjusting parameter values, and navigating through different settings. This single multi-functional element replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate buttons, switches, or dials, thereby simplifying the control panel layout while maintaining full parameter selection capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of parameter selection and value adjustment into a single rotary control element. By combining these functions that would traditionally require separate controls into one unified interface, the control panel becomes less cluttered and easier to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control elements are provided for parameter selection and adjustment, then comprehensive control is possible, but the control panel size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol panel area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary control element is designed to perform multiple control functions including parameter selection, value adjustment, and mode switching. This universal control element provides comprehensive parameter control capability that would traditionally require multiple separate controls, thereby maintaining versatility while minimizing the control panel area

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

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary control element utilizes rotational movement to change multiple parameters. By rotating the element, the user can cycle through different welding parameters and adjust their values, effectively using a single physical control to manipulate multiple system parameters without requiring additional control elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If a compact control panel is used for portable welding machines, then space is saved, but control element functionality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol panel sizeVSAvoidcontrol functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary control element provides universal control functionality that encompasses parameter selection, value adjustment, and navigation. This multi-functional design ensures that despite the compact control panel size suitable for portable welding machines, the full range of control functionalities is preserved and accessible through a single control mechanism

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 simplifies parameter entry, reduces panel size, and enhances user clarity, allowing for easier operation and reliable parameter setting, especially in compact welding machines.

Implementation Method 1

each display segment (5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4, 5-5, 5-6) has a transparent plastic block which can be illuminated by one or more dimmable light sources, in particular light-emitting diodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3941674B1Control panel for a welder ; welder with such panel ; methof of configurating of welding parameters of such a welder
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 FRONIUS INT GMBH
  • EP3941674B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3941674B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2H
  • EP3941674B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4C

AI summary

The invention relates to a control panel (1) for a welding device (SG), having a welding parameter display unit (2) for displaying welding parameters and having at least one control element (3) which can be manually actuated by a user, wherein the control panel (1) can be changed over between a welding parameter selection mode and a welding parameter editing mode by actuating the control element (3), wherein one of the welding parameters of the welding parameter display unit (2) can be selected in the welding parameter selection mode by turning the control element (3), and wherein a parameter value of a selected welding parameter of the welding parameter display unit (2) can be adjusted in the welding parameter editing mode by turning the control element (3).