Automatic Welding Process Selection With Real-Time Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-process welding systems require users to manually select the appropriate welding process and output parameters, which can be challenging due to the complexity of factors involved, such as material type, thickness, and desired weld qualities.

Innovation Solution

A welding system that includes a controller with a process selection module and a parameter setting module, which utilize feedback from the weld and user inputs to automatically select the appropriate welding process and output parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic process and parameter selection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding system automatically selects the welding process and sets output parameters without requiring user expertise. The controller monitors welding conditions in real-time and autonomously adjusts process parameters, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring skilled operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a feedback circuit that continuously monitors welding parameters and conditions. This feedback information is used by the controller to dynamically adjust the welding process and parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple welding processes are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding system is designed to support multiple welding processes (MIG, TIG, stick, flux-core) within a single system. The controller and power circuitry are configured to accommodate different process requirements, allowing one device to perform multiple welding functions rather than requiring separate equipment for each process type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different welding processes based on real-time conditions and requirements. The controller can transition between process modes and adjust parameters on-the-fly, making the system flexible and adaptable to varying welding applications without requiring fixed, process-specific configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time feedback control is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a feedback circuit that continuously monitors welding parameters and conditions. This feedback information is used by the controller to dynamically adjust the welding process and parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual operator judgment and adjustment with automated electronic control. The controller uses electronic sensors and algorithms to monitor and adjust welding parameters, substituting mechanical/operator-based precision with electronic automation and digital control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12202082B2Automatic process and/or set up of welding type system
Publication Date: 2025.01.21 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US12202082B2 patent drawing
  • US12202082B2 patent drawing
  • US12202082B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An example welding type system includes: a welding power circuit having a control input and a welding type power output; a feedback circuit configured to provide feedback regarding the welding type power output or a weld produced using the welding type power output; and a controller connected to the feedback circuit, wherein the controller includes a parameter setting module and a process selection module, the process selection module configured to automatically select a welding process from a plurality of welding processes based on the feedback from the feedback circuit or one or more welding parameters set by the parameter setting module.