Welding Helmet Interface for Remote Power Supply Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Welding operators face delays and inefficiencies due to the need to physically travel to remote power supplies to change settings, disrupting the welding process.
Innovation Solution
A welding system that includes a helmet with an electronic display and inertial measurement unit, allowing operators to remotely view and control welding power supply parameters using visual and audible commands, eliminating the need for physical travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the power supply is placed remote from the work area, then the welding operator can work without interruption, but the operator must travel to and from the power supply to change settings, causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the power supply interface on the helmet display, showing power supply parameters and controls remotely. This allows the operator to interact with the power supply settings through the helmet display without physically traveling to the power supply location, thus maintaining welding efficiency while eliminating time loss for setting changes
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet display system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the remote power supply. It transmits power supply parameters to the helmet display and relays control inputs from the operator back to the power supply, enabling remote parameter adjustment without physical travel
2Ease of operation
If the power supply is placed remote from the work area, then the work area is less cluttered, but the operator cannot easily monitor or adjust parameters without leaving the work area
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet display creates a visual copy of the power supply interface, displaying all relevant parameters (current, voltage, wire feed speed, etc.) directly on the helmet. This allows the operator to monitor and control power supply settings without leaving the work area, maintaining both ease of operation and information visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system transfers the power supply interface from physical space to the visual dimension through the helmet display. Parameters are presented in a different dimensional format (visual representation on display versus physical buttons and screens), allowing the operator to access controls from any location
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
Enables operators to adjust welding parameters quickly and efficiently without leaving their work area, reducing delays and improving welding productivity by allowing real-time monitoring and control of power supply settings.
Implementation Method 1
a first inertial measurement unit configured to detect movement of the helmet
Implementation Method 2
an electronic display configured to display a representation of a welding-type power supply
Data Source
AI summary
A welding system includes power supply configured to provide a welding power output. The welding system also includes a welding helmet having an electronic display and an inertial measurement unit. The electronic display is configured to display a representation of the power supply and to display one or more indications of one or more parameters of the power supply. The inertial measurement unit is configured to detect movement of the welding helmet. The welding system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the inertial measurement unit and configured to adjust at least one parameter of the one or more parameters based at least in part on the movement of welding helmet.