Welding Delivery Component Verification Using RFID Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Configuring delivery devices for cutting or welding systems is challenging due to the difficulty in locating and differentiating specific components required for each operation, leading to false starts and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

A system that recommends and verifies the selection of components for a delivery device based on computer-generated job requirements and usage statistics, using RFID tags or other identification methods to ensure compatibility and life expectancy, facilitating quick installation and reducing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If components are stored in a large warehouse without identification systems, then storage capacity is sufficient, but components are difficult to locate and differentiate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent location and differentiationVSAvoidtime to locate and select components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical searching and visual inspection with an automated electronic identification system using RFID tags and readers. The system automatically detects component identities and verifies compatibility, eliminating the need for operators to manually locate and differentiate components in the warehouse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary elements attached to components and RFID readers as intermediary devices that facilitate communication between the component storage system and the delivery device configuration system. This intermediary layer enables automatic identification and verification without direct human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If operators manually select components without verification, then selection speed is fast, but compatibility and life expectancy cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent compatibility and suitabilityVSAvoidconfiguration speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system automatically verifies component compatibility by reading RFID tags and comparing component characteristics against delivery device requirements. The system provides immediate feedback on whether selected components are suitable, allowing operators to quickly correct any incompatible selections without manual verification procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic self-verification of component compatibility and life expectancy by reading RFID tags and comparing data against stored requirements. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual verification while maintaining high configuration speed, as the system autonomously ensures component suitability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If components are not verified before installation, then installation process is simple and fast, but false starts occur and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidoperation success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary verification of component compatibility and life expectancy before installation by reading RFID tags and checking against delivery device requirements. This advance verification prevents false starts and operational failures, ensuring that only suitable components are installed, thereby improving both productivity and operation success rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Loss of substance

If component life expectancy is not tracked, then system complexity is low, but waste increases and sustainability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent wasteVSAvoidtracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual tracking methods with an automated RFID-based system that electronically monitors component life expectancy. The RFID tags store and transmit component information, and the system automatically tracks usage and remaining life, reducing waste by preventing installation of components with insufficient remaining life without requiring complex manual tracking procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3057733B1Systems and methods for configuring a cutting or welding delivery device

Publication Date: 2022.10.05 HYPERTHERM INC

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AI summary

A system is provided for configuring a delivery device of a cutting or welding apparatus. The system includes a determination module and a mobile computing device. The determination module is configured to determine at least one desired component of the delivery device or a value for at least one operating parameter of the cutting or welding apparatus. The mobile computing device includes a receiver, a reader and a processor. The receiver is configured to receive information from the determination module including at least one of i) identification of the desired component or ii) the value of the operating parameter. The reader is configured to read an element associated with a selected component, where the element provides indicia of at least one characteristic of the selected component. The processor is configure to approve the selected component for assembly into the delivery device.