Welding Powder Container Segmentation for Uniform Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current powder welding technologies face issues with uneven heating of powder, excessive powder consumption, and uncontrolled mixing of old and new powder, leading to inefficiencies in the welding process.

Innovation Solution

A welding device with a first container for unused powder and a second container for used powder, both equipped with members for controlled input of heated gas to ensure even heating and mixing of new and recycled powder, allowing for independent temperature control and efficient recycling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If powder is heated in known welding devices, then the powder temperature increases, but the heating is uneven and insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepowder temperatureVSAvoidheating uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple heating zones with separate heating elements positioned at different locations (bottom, side walls, top) to segment the heating function across multiple independent zones, ensuring uniform temperature distribution throughout the powder mass

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the container receive targeted heating from locally positioned heating elements, with each zone providing heat according to the specific thermal needs of that region, creating locally optimized heating conditions that collectively achieve uniform overall heating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a single container is used for powder storage, then the device structure is simple, but the mixing of old and new powder is uncontrolled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer structureVSAvoidpowder mixture control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The single container is segmented into multiple compartments by partition walls, with each compartment dedicated to storing either new powder or recycled powder, thereby controlling the mixing process while maintaining a relatively simple overall container structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Partition walls act as intermediaries that physically separate different powder batches within the container, preventing uncontrolled mixing while allowing controlled transfer between compartments through designated openings or valves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If high speed welding is performed, then productivity increases, but powder consumption increases and heating becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding speedVSAvoidpowder consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The heating elements operate continuously throughout the powder storage period rather than only during welding operations, maintaining constant temperature to ensure powder is ready for immediate use during high-speed welding, thereby supporting increased productivity without proportionally increasing powder consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Powder is pre-heated to the required temperature before welding begins, ensuring that when high-speed welding occurs, the powder is already in optimal condition for immediate use, reducing waste from improper heating during the welding process itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution provides consistent and efficient heating of powder, reducing waste and improving the mixing ratio of new and recycled powder, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of the welding process.

Implementation Method 1

a first member for input of heated gas in the first container... By arranging a first member for input of heated gas in the first container controlled heating of the powder is enabled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas heating: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2164670B1Device and method for powder handling for welding apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 ESAB AB
  • EP2164670B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2164670B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2164670B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A welding device (1) for powder welding and a method for powder welding is described. The welding device comprises at least a first container (4) for fluxing agent in powder form, which first container (4) comprises an outlet (6) with an outlet direction (7) arranged for outflow of powder. The welding device (1) comprises a first member for inlet of heated gas into the first container. According to the method powder is arranged in the first container. Gas is heated and is allowed to pass into the first container (4) for heating of the powder. The powder is then fed out on a welding area (3).