Welding Power Supply Interface With Assignable Soft Keys for Gloved Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating devices for arc welding systems face challenges in allowing operators to easily and reliably adjust numerous parameters while wearing work gloves, due to restricted tactile sensitivity and the need for intuitive operation in harsh industrial environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a touchscreen-based operating device with soft keys that can be assigned specific parameters or functions, allowing operators to switch between assignment and working modes for configuring hardware buttons, enabling efficient control of complex welding processes with a minimal number of physical buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple physical buttons are provided for controlling each parameter, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements soft keys on the touchscreen display that can be dynamically assigned to different parameters and functions. Instead of providing separate physical buttons for each parameter, the same physical touchscreen area can represent different controls depending on the current context and selection, allowing one display area to serve multiple control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical physical buttons with a touchscreen interface. The touchscreen display can visually represent buttons, sliders, and other control elements that can be manipulated by touching the screen, eliminating the need for numerous separate mechanical components while maintaining operational control
2Adaptability or versatility
If a touchscreen interface is used, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when wearing work gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the touchscreen interface into distinct functional zones and elements. The display is segmented into parameter display areas, control button areas, and navigation areas, allowing operators to interact with specific functional regions. This segmentation makes it easier to locate and activate specific controls without needing to explore the entire screen
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicators and highlighted elements on the touchscreen that serve as intermediaries between the operator's touch input and the system's response. These visual cues clearly indicate which element is currently active or selected, making it easier for operators wearing gloves to understand what will happen when they touch a particular area
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous parameters are made available for selection, then the adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interface where the displayed parameters and controls change based on the current welding process state, selected parameters, and operational context. The touchscreen display dynamically updates to show only the relevant parameters and controls needed at each stage, reducing the cognitive load and visual search required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides pre-configured parameter sets and default values for common welding operations. When a welding process is selected, the system automatically displays and pre-fills relevant parameters with appropriate default values, eliminating the need for operators to manually search through and configure every parameter from scratch
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device of a welding system is provided with a display means for visually displaying set parameter values of the welding system, and comprises input means by which parameters of the welding system can be changed. An operating device includes a plurality of input means arranged outside the display means, is provided. The input means is designed as soft keys, wherein, each of the soft keys can be assigned parameters of the arc welding method or functions, via operation of the operating device, due to the fact that the display means is designed as a touch-sensitive touchscreen and the respective soft key can be assigned a specific parameter or a specific function by selection from a predefined selection of parameters or functions displayed on the display means and, after selection, the respective parameter can be changed or the function can be applied by actuating the respective soft key.