Welding Auxiliary Power Feedback Control for Load Variation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Welding systems face inefficiencies due to unregulated auxiliary power, leading to inrush current and overload conditions as the load demand varies, causing power dissipation through interconnection cables and resulting in undesirable operational conditions.

Innovation Solution

A welding power supply system with control circuitry that detects and compares output and received power parameters, applying a correction factor to stabilize and adjust auxiliary power, using sensors and communication lines to optimize power delivery to auxiliary loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If unregulated auxiliary power is supplied to accessories, then the power supply structure is simple, but the operation efficiency deteriorates and inrush current occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply structureVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller continuously monitors the auxiliary power load demand and adjusts the auxiliary power output accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the auxiliary power supply matches the actual load requirements, preventing inrush current and overload conditions while maintaining simple overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static, fixed auxiliary power supply to a dynamic, adjustable power supply system. The controller dynamically modifies the auxiliary power output based on real-time load conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying power demands of different accessory configurations and welding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If unregulated auxiliary power is supplied, then the device complexity is low, but power dissipation and overload conditions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidpower dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system monitors power delivery and adjusts the auxiliary power output to match actual load demands, minimizing unnecessary power dissipation. The controller receives feedback about the load state and modulates the power supply accordingly, reducing energy waste while adding only minimal control system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the auxiliary power supply by implementing variable voltage and current output controlled by the controller. This allows the system to optimize power delivery parameters based on load conditions, reducing power dissipation in interconnection cables and preventing overload conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If auxiliary power does not respond to load variations, then the power supply structure is simple, but the operational reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower regulation systemVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system continuously monitors load conditions and adjusts auxiliary power output in real-time, ensuring reliable operation across varying load scenarios. This feedback mechanism enables the power supply to respond appropriately to different accessory configurations and welding operations, significantly improving operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power regulation that allows the auxiliary power supply to adapt its output characteristics based on real-time load demands. This dynamic response capability ensures reliable operation under varying conditions, transitioning from a static, non-responsive power supply to an adaptive, reliability-enhancing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11167367B2Welding power supply with controlled auxiliary power
Publication Date: 2021.11.09 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US11167367B2 patent drawing
  • US11167367B2 patent drawing
  • US11167367B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system includes a welding power supply unit and control circuitry. The welding power supply unit includes an auxiliary power supply configured to supply power to an auxiliary power load connected to the auxiliary power supply. The control circuitry is configured to detect a voltage received by the auxiliary power load from the auxiliary power supply, compare an output voltage generated by the auxiliary power supply with the voltage received by the auxiliary power load, and apply a correction factor to the output voltage from the auxiliary power supply based at least in part on the comparison of the output voltage generated by the auxiliary power supply and the voltage received by the auxiliary power load.