Welding Power Supply Auto-Configuration by Geographic Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Welding systems require extensive time and effort to configure multiple settings based on geographic region or work environment, as operators must navigate through numerous menus to set appropriate settings for welding applications.

Innovation Solution

A welding power supply system with control circuitry that automatically adjusts user settings based on physical location, using an IP address or geospatial locating device to select predefined settings corresponding to a country or region, displayed via a user interface, allowing for simplified configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operators manually configure welding system settings by navigating through multiple menus, then comprehensive settings can be adjusted, but configuration time and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConfiguration simplicityVSAvoidConfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple sets of welding parameters corresponding to different geographic regions and work environments. When a location is detected, the corresponding pre-configured settings are automatically applied, eliminating the need for operators to manually navigate through multiple menus and adjust each setting individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The welding system automatically detects its geographic location using IP address or geospatial locating devices and self-configures the appropriate settings without requiring manual operator intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously selecting and applying the correct parameter sets based on detected location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple welding system settings are manually adjusted, then comprehensive configuration is achieved, but operator effort and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSettings customizationVSAvoidConfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding system settings are segmented into multiple distinct parameter sets, each corresponding to a specific geographic region or work environment. Instead of presenting operators with a complex array of individual settings to adjust, the system divides the configuration into discrete, pre-packaged sets that can be automatically selected based on location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains adaptability to different geographic regions and work environments by incorporating multiple pre-configured parameter sets. Each set is universally optimized for its specific context, allowing the system to function optimally across diverse conditions without requiring complex manual adjustment for each scenario.

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

3Productivity

If automatic location-based settings are implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConfiguration speedVSAvoidSystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (geographic location detection via IP address or geospatial locating devices) that automatically determines the appropriate settings. This intermediary component bridges the gap between the physical location and the corresponding parameter set, enabling automatic configuration without requiring complex manual intervention while maintaining configuration speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2688705B1Systems and methods for adjusting multiple settings of a welding power supply
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP2688705B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2688705B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2688705B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for adjusting multiple settings of a welding power supply is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of selectable identifiers. Each selectable identifier corresponds to a plurality of user adjustable welding power supply settings. The method also includes receiving an indication to select one of the plurality of selectable identifiers. The method includes adjusting the plurality of user adjustable welding power supply settings that correspond to the received indication.