Welding Power Source Interface Configuration Using Interlocking Graphic Symbols
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for configuring and setting up welding power sources are time-consuming and require specialized knowledge, leading to long waiting times and potential safety hazards due to the lack of standardized interfaces, making it difficult to connect welding power sources with other machines efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method using predefined graphic symbols with bulges and indentations for configuration, allowing for the allocation of parameters to internal and external connections, and optionally establishing logical links through stringing these symbols together, simplifying the setup and programming of welding power sources, enabling less trained staff to perform these tasks and reducing the risk of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standardized interfaces are implemented, then ease of operation and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases due to the need for configuration software and graphical symbol systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual configuration procedures with a graphical user interface that uses visual symbols and drag-and-drop operations. This substitutes the mechanical/manual process of interface configuration with an automated software-based system that guides users through standardized steps, reducing the complexity burden while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses graphical symbols that represent actual interface elements and connections. These visual copies allow users to configure interfaces by manipulating representations rather than dealing with the underlying complexity directly. The graphical model mirrors the real interface structure, making configuration intuitive while hiding implementation details.
2Reliability
If specialized knowledge is required for setup, then manufacturing precision and reliability improve, but loss of time increases due to scarcity of qualified personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration software is designed to be self-guiding, with automated checks and validations that ensure correct setup without requiring external expert intervention. The system performs self-verification of configurations, automatically detecting and preventing errors that would normally require specialized knowledge to identify, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing dependency on scarce expert personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms within the configuration software that provide real-time validation of setup parameters. The system monitors configuration steps, compares them against predefined correctness criteria, and provides immediate feedback on errors or inconsistencies. This automated feedback loop ensures reliable setup while eliminating waiting times associated with expert review and correction.
3Device complexity
If manual configuration methods are used, then device complexity remains low, but loss of time increases due to time-consuming setup procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines standard interface configurations, connection templates, and parameter sets that can be automatically applied to common scenarios. Rather than requiring users to manually configure each parameter from scratch, the system provides pre-prepared configurations that can be selected and adapted with minimal input, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining configuration simplicity through the graphical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical configuration system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it visualizes the interface structure, guides the configuration process, validates parameters, and generates the actual interface implementation. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual steps into a single integrated operation, reducing setup time without increasing perceived complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for configuring an interface of a welding power source (31, 41, 51, 61, 81, 91), said interface comprising at least one external connection (201 . . . 206). Defined graphic symbols of a software are used for configuration, the edges of said graphic symbols having bulges and/or indentations which interlockingly engage with corresponding bulges and/or indentations of a second graphic symbol. The configuration process comprises the allocation of a parameter of the welding device to an internal and/or external connection (101 . . . 105) and optionally establishing a logic link by stringing the graphic symbols together. The invention further relates to a welding power source (31, 41, 51, 61, 81, 91) and to a computer program which are set up for performing or storing the process according to the invention.