Welding Arc Transition Control for Stable Multi-Phase Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional welding processes face instability when transitioning between different welding process phases, leading to negative effects on the weld seam and increased weld spatter.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that automatically adjust transition welding parameters, such as wire feed speed, current amplitude and polarity, and voltage, based on changes in arc length to stabilize the transition between welding process phases, with configurable parameter sets stored in a memory for optimal phase transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If welding parameters are changed to switch between different welding process phases, then welding adaptability is improved, but process stability deteriorates during transition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding phase adaptabilityVSAvoidwelding process stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically adjusts transition welding parameters (wire feed rate, current amplitude, voltage) in advance and in parallel with the arc length parameter change before the phase transition is complete. This preliminary adjustment of parameters ensures that the welding process is already stabilized when the transition occurs, preventing instabilities and spatter that would otherwise result from abrupt parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the arc length parameter and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the transition welding parameters. The control device responds to real-time arc length changes by modulating wire feed rate, current amplitude, and voltage, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains process stability during dynamic phase transitions between different welding modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If arc length parameter is changed to adjust welding process phase, then welding process adaptability is improved, but weld quality deteriorates due to transition instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding process phase adaptabilityVSAvoidweld seam quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically adjusts transition welding parameters (wire feed rate, current amplitude, voltage) in advance and in parallel with the arc length parameter change before the phase transition is complete. This preliminary adjustment of parameters ensures that the welding process is already stabilized when the transition occurs, preventing instabilities and spatter that would otherwise result from abrupt parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple welding parameters simultaneously (wire feed rate, current amplitude, voltage) in coordination with the arc length parameter change. This multi-parameter adjustment approach ensures that all critical welding parameters are optimized for the target phase, maintaining weld seam quality and preventing defects during transitions between different welding process phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If welding parameters are adjusted during phase transition, then process adaptability is improved, but spatter increases due to instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding phase adaptabilityVSAvoidweld spatter
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically adjusts transition welding parameters (wire feed rate, current amplitude, voltage) in advance and in parallel with the arc length parameter change before the phase transition is complete. This preliminary adjustment of parameters ensures that the welding process is already stabilized when the transition occurs, preventing instabilities and spatter that would otherwise result from abrupt parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple welding parameters simultaneously (wire feed rate, current amplitude, voltage) in coordination with the arc length parameter change. This multi-parameter adjustment approach ensures that all critical welding parameters are optimized for the target phase, maintaining weld seam quality and preventing defects during transitions between different welding process phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach ensures a stable transition between welding phases, maintaining the quality of the weld seam and reducing spatter by dynamically adjusting parameters to match changing arc length conditions, thereby improving the overall welding process.

Implementation Method 1

a workpiece is welded with a welding arc that extends between a welding wire electrode and the workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc heating: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 2

a droplet forms, which is then detached by the increasing magnetic constriction (pinch effect)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic constriction (pinch effect): Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4010142B1Method and device for stabilizing a transition between different welding process phases of a welding process
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 FRONIUS INT GMBH
  • EP4010142B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4010142B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4010142B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Welding unit (1) for welding a workpiece (W) in a welding process (SP) which comprises various welding-process phases (SPP), in which the workpiece (W) is welded in each case by a welding arc (LB), which extends between a welding-wire electrode (SDE) of the welding unit (1) and the workpiece (W), wherein an arc parameter, LBP, of the welding arc (LB), in particular the arc length thereof, LBL, can be set for the welding-process phases (SPP), wherein the welding unit (1) has a controller (4), which during a welding-process transition (SPÜ) between various welding-process phases (SPP) of the welding process (SP) makes a change in the arc parameter, ∆LBP, of the welding arc (LB) in accordance with the arc parameters, LBP, set for the welding-process phases (SPP), and at the same time automatically adapts at least one transitional welding parameter, ÜSP, of a welding-current source (2) of the welding unit (1) on the basis of the arc-parameter change, ∆LBP, that is made, for the purpose of stabilizing the welding-process transition (SPÜ) within the welding process (SP).