Welding Mask Alerts for Torch Inclination Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Welding workers face inconveniences in monitoring welding progression due to protective equipment that obscures visual confirmation of welding apparatus settings and information, requiring removal of protective gear.
Innovation Solution
A status alarm mask system that monitors the inclination value of a welding torch, generating notification output data via a communication module, controller, and output unit to inform the user of deviations from a normal range, using visual, tactile, or auditory means, and adjusting the torch temperature if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers wear protective equipment during welding, then safety is improved, but visual confirmation of welding information is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mask controller as an intermediary device that receives welding information from the welding apparatus and presents it to the user through the mask interface. This mediator enables information transmission without requiring the user to remove protective equipment, thus maintaining safety while eliminating information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/visual method of information confirmation (requiring mask removal) with an electronic information transmission system. The mask controller electronically receives and displays welding information, substituting the need for physical mask removal and visual inspection of apparatus displays.
2Loss of information
If workers remove protective equipment to confirm welding information, then visual confirmation is improved, but safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mask controller serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the welding apparatus and the user, delivering information directly to the user's field of vision through the mask. This eliminates the need to compromise safety by removing protective equipment while maintaining full information access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions information delivery from a spatial dimension (requiring the user to look at apparatus displays) to a temporal dimension (continuous real-time display through the mask). Information is delivered in the user's peripheral or central vision field continuously during welding, rather than requiring periodic removal of protective equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring of torch inclination is implemented, then welding quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask controller is designed as a multi-functional device that not only provides the primary function of protecting the user's vision but also integrates torch inclination monitoring and information display functions. By making the mask controller universal, the patent avoids adding separate monitoring devices, thus limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the torch inclination sensor, communication module, and display interface into the existing mask controller structure. This consolidation combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling real-time welding quality monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A status alarm mask may include a main body to cover a face and eyes of a user. The mask may include a filter unit placed at a front surface portion of the main body to protect the eyes. The mask may include a communication module configured to establish a communication session with a welding torch held by the user and receive at least one inclination value of the welding torch being operated by the user, through the communication session. The mask may include a controller configured to determine whether a work of the torch is in progress, on the basis of an operation of the filter unit and to generate notification output data when the work of the torch is in progress. The mask may include an output unit placed at a location not overlapping with the filter unit and configured to receive and output the notification output data.