Welding Parameter Interface for Coordinated Voltage and Wire-Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional welding devices rely on operator knowledge to set voltage and wire-feed speed independently, which can lead to suboptimal welding results, especially for novice users, and lack intuitive interfaces for adjusting these parameters during the welding process.

Innovation Solution

A welding system with an interface that includes input devices for setting welding parameters, a display for graphical representations of acceptable ranges, and control circuitry to automatically adjust voltage and wire-feed speed based on user inputs, allowing for automatic or manual parameter setting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operator manually sets voltage and wire-feed speed independently, then operator has control over welding parameters, but welding quality becomes inconsistent especially for novice users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of parameter settingVSAvoidwelding quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes the mathematical relationship and optimal correlation between voltage and wire-feed speed based on welding science. When the operator sets one parameter, the system automatically calculates and applies the corresponding optimal value for the other parameter, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust both parameters independently and ensuring consistent welding quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the operator's single parameter input and the dual parameter adjustment requirement. It processes the operator's input through pre-programmed algorithms that determine the optimal matching parameter, then automatically adjusts both parameters to maintain their optimal relationship, thereby ensuring welding quality consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If voltage and wire-feed speed are adjusted independently, then operator flexibility is maintained, but parameter coordination becomes difficult during welding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidparameter coordination ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes the mathematical relationship and optimal correlation between voltage and wire-feed speed based on welding science. When the operator sets one parameter, the system automatically calculates and applies the corresponding optimal value for the other parameter, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust both parameters independently and ensuring welding quality consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the relationship between voltage and wire-feed speed parameters and provides automatic feedback adjustment. When one parameter is changed, the system detects this change and automatically adjusts the other parameter to maintain their optimal correlation, ensuring parameter coordination without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If novice operators use traditional welding devices, then device accessibility is improved, but welding results become suboptimal due to lack of knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice accessibilityVSAvoidwelding result quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The welding system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating and setting the optimal voltage and wire-feed speed parameters based on pre-programmed welding science algorithms. The system uses the operator's simple input (such as material type and thickness) to autonomously determine and apply the correct parameter settings, eliminating the need for operators to possess specialized welding knowledge while ensuring optimal welding results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically changes the welding parameters (voltage and wire-feed speed) based on pre-established optimal relationships. By programmatically adjusting these parameters according to the selected wire electrode type and welding conditions, the system ensures that novice operators achieve professional-quality welds without requiring extensive training or experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates consistent and effective welding by providing intuitive graphical interfaces and automatic parameter adjustments, ensuring that welding parameters are within optimal ranges, even for novice operators.

Implementation Method 1

A common metal welding technique employs the heat generated by electrical arcing to transition a work piece to a molten state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical arcing: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 2

current arcs from the electrode to the work piece, completing a circuit and generating sufficient heat to weld the work piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12496650B2Method for setting welding parameters
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US12496650B2 patent drawing
  • US12496650B2 patent drawing
  • US12496650B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for setting welding parameters are provided. For example, in certain embodiments, a method includes receiving an input relating to a change in a parameter of welding power of a welding system via a welding system interface. The method also includes displaying a graphical representation of an acceptable range of values for the parameter of the welding power on a display device of the welding system interface, wherein the acceptable range of values is based on other parameters of a welding process being performed by the welding system. The method further includes constraining subsequent manual inputs relating to changes in the parameter of the welding power to the acceptable range of values.