Synergic Welding Power Supply With Feedback for Variable Weld Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional welding power supplies lack the ability to dynamically adjust welding output parameters such as voltage and wire feed speed in real-time, leading to issues like burn-through or inadequate fusion when welding pieces with varying thickness and geometry.

Innovation Solution

A welding power supply system that includes a power conversion circuit, communication circuit, and control circuit, allowing for synergic control of voltage and wire feed speed based on a control signal from a remote device, enabling operators to adjust welding output power during operations and switch between deposition modes on-the-fly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If welding power supply uses fixed output parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to accommodate varying workpiece thickness and geometry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld qualityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding power supply transitions from fixed parameters to dynamic adjustable parameters. The control circuit enables real-time modification of voltage and wire feed speed based on workpiece conditions, allowing the system to adapt during welding operations rather than requiring predetermined fixed settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements changeable electrical parameters (voltage and wire feed speed) that can be modified during operation. The control circuit receives input signals that directly adjust these parameters, enabling the welding output to match varying workpiece thickness and geometry requirements without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If welding power supply allows real-time parameter adjustment, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuits and communication interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying workpiece conditionsVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit serves multiple functions: it processes operator inputs, adjusts voltage output, modifies wire feed speed, and provides feedback signals. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated control unit, improving adaptability while managing complexity through functional integration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control circuit monitors welding conditions and adjusts parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control enables real-time adaptation to workpiece variations without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system automatically responds to changing conditions through feedback signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If welding parameters are fixed, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to burn-through or inadequate fusion risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld joint integrityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The welding power supply performs self-adjustment of parameters during operation. The control circuit automatically modifies voltage and wire feed speed based on real-time conditions without requiring constant operator intervention, thereby maintaining weld joint integrity while preserving operational simplicity. The system serves itself by detecting and compensating for variations in workpiece conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3888833B1Welding-type power supply with provision of feedback based on synergic control of a welding-type output
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3888833B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3888833B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3888833B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An example welding-type power supply (102) includes: power conversion circuitry (110) configured to convert input power to welding-type power and to output the welding-type power to a welding-type torch ((106), a communication circuit (118) configured to receive a synergic control signal from a remote control device during a welding-type operation; and control circuitry (112) configured to: based on the synergic control signal, synergically control at least two of a voltage of the welding-type power output by the power conversion circuitry (110), a current of the welding-type power, or a wire feed speed; and output a feedback control signal to control an operator feedback device (162) based on the synergic control signal.