Multi-Run Welding Data Tracking via Virtual Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current welding training systems are expensive and often inadequate in training operators to perform high-quality welds, particularly in manual welding operations, where they fail to effectively manage and monitor welding data and environments.

Innovation Solution

A comprehensive welding system that integrates sensing devices, a user interface, and software to track and analyze welding operations, providing real-time feedback and data management, including augmented and virtual reality training modes, to enhance operator training and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional welding training systems are used, then operator training can be provided, but the systems are expensive and inadequate in training quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining qualityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses virtual reality simulations and digital twins to create virtual copies of welding environments, equipment, and processes. This allows operators to train in realistic scenarios without requiring expensive physical welding equipment for every training scenario, thereby improving training quality while reducing system costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The welding system integrates multiple functions including training simulation, real welding operations, data collection, analysis, and feedback mechanisms into a single platform. This multi-functionality allows the system to serve both training and production purposes, reducing the need for separate expensive training systems while maintaining high training quality.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive welding data monitoring is implemented, then welding quality can be improved, but data management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld qualityVSAvoiddata management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time feedback loops where welding parameters, sensor data, and quality metrics are continuously monitored, analyzed, and fed back to operators and control systems. This automated feedback mechanism improves weld quality by enabling real-time adjustments while reducing data management complexity through algorithmic processing rather than manual analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces software intermediaries and data processing layers that sit between the raw sensor data and the operators or control systems. These intermediaries automatically filter, aggregate, and interpret welding data, making complex information more manageable and actionable while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple welding runs are conducted, then production output increases, but data tracking and management becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction outputVSAvoiddata tracking difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes standardized data collection templates, parameter sets, and tracking protocols before welding runs begin. This preliminary setup ensures that data from multiple runs can be consistently captured and compared, facilitating production scaling while maintaining effective data management through pre-defined structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a hierarchical data management structure where individual weld data is nested within run data, which is nested within production batch data, and so on. This nested organization allows efficient tracking and analysis of data at multiple levels of production aggregation, making it easier to manage information as production output increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3216022B1System and method of recording multi-run data
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3216022B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3216022B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3216022B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3

AI summary

A method includes calibrating a first path of a joint of a workpiece of a welding system relative to a component, determining a first set of welding parameters of a welding torch based at least in part on a tracked position and a tracked orientation of the welding torch along the first path of the joint during a first live-arc welding operation, calibrating a second path of the joint of the workpiece relative to the component, determining a second set of welding parameters of the welding torch based at least in part the tracked position and orientation of the welding torch along the second path of the joint during a second live-arc welding operation, and displaying at least one of the first and second sets of welding parameters on a display. The second path is disposed at least partially over the first path.