Welding Asset Tag Network for Real-Time Equipment Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large welding environments, distinguishing and locating specific welding assets is challenging due to their similarity, leading to inefficiencies in asset management and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A welding asset tracking system that employs a network of tags, hubs, and gateways to continuously track the identity, location, and usage of welding assets, using internal and external positioning systems to facilitate efficient location and identification through a server-based communication network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If welding assets are tracked manually or without identification systems, then the system complexity is low, but the time to locate and identify specific welding assets increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual outputs (lights, displays) as copies or representations of welding asset identity and location information. Instead of physically examining each asset, the system creates visual copies of asset data that can be remotely observed, allowing quick identification without direct contact with the asset.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary communication network between the welding asset and the user. The asset tracking server, communication circuitry, and visual output devices act as intermediaries that transmit asset information without requiring direct physical inspection, thereby reducing the time to locate and identify assets.
2Area of stationary object
If welding assets are distributed across large environments, then the coverage area increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring asset location increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring welding asset location and usage through sensors and communication networks. The asset tracking server receives ongoing data about asset positions and transmits this information back to users via visual outputs, enabling real-time detection and measurement of asset locations across large environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical search methods with electronic and optical detection systems. Instead of physically searching for assets, the system uses communication circuitry, sensors, and visual output devices to electronically detect and display asset locations, making detection easier across large areas.
3Productivity
If similar welding assets are placed close together for efficiency, then the productivity increases, but the ease of distinguishing individual assets decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing unique visual outputs for each welding asset or asset group. Each asset receives customized visual information (distinct colors, patterns, or text) that distinguishes it from others even when physically close together, maintaining ease of identification while allowing high-density asset placement for productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for welding asset tracking are disclosed. In some examples, a welding asset tracking system may comprise an asset tracking network of tags, hubs, and/or gateways retained by welding assets within a welding area. The asset tracking network may obtain and/or communicate to an asset tracking server welding data related to one or more of the welding assets, as well as position data obtained via an internal and/or external positioning system. In this way, the welding asset tracking server may continually receive updated information regarding each welding assets identity, location, and/or use. The asset tracking server may additionally send a command to a selected welding asset that causes an interface of the selected welding asset to emit an output that enables an operator to physically identify the welding asset.