Collaborative Welding Torch Controls for Intentional Arc Start
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arc welding systems face inefficiencies when directly operated by an operator, leading to potential unnecessary welding and reduced work efficiency due to the robot's movement.
Innovation Solution
A welding robot system with a switch unit and button unit on the robot arm, allowing differential operation based on which is pressed first, and a control unit to manage these operations, ensuring efficient arc welding by maintaining robot fixation or mobility depending on the sequence of presses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the robot is allowed to move during direct operation for arc welding, then the operator can perform welding operations, but unnecessary welding may occur leading to deterioration in work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires the operator to press the switch unit first to activate welding mode before the robot can move and perform welding. This preliminary action ensures that welding only occurs when intentionally triggered, preventing unnecessary welding while maintaining direct operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The robot's movement capability is dynamically controlled based on the state of the switch unit. When the switch unit is pressed, the robot enters a state where it can move and weld; when released, movement is restricted. This dynamic control allows flexible operation while preventing unintended welding
2Adaptability or versatility
If the switch unit and button unit are provided on the robot arm, then differential operation control is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch unit serves multiple functions: it enables/disables welding mode, controls robot movement permission, and works in combination with the button unit to provide differential operation control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The control functionality is merged into the torch assembly, with both the switch unit and button unit integrated into the same structure. This consolidation provides differential control capability while maintaining a compact design
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
Enhances work efficiency by allowing operators to perform precise and safe arc welding operations, recognizing the robot's operation mode before initiating welding, thereby reducing unnecessary welding and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
a welding torch unit (12) attached to a tip of a robot arm (11) of a collaborative robot (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A welding robot system includes a welding torch unit (12), a switch unit (13d) that puts a robot into a state where it can operate in response to an external force, a button unit (13a-c) that generates an arc, an operation mode setting unit (211) that sets an operation mode, and a welding control unit (213). The switch unit and the button unit are provided on the torch mount (13). When the operation mode is set to a direct operation mode in which an operator applies an external force directly to the robot with his or her hands and moves and operates the robot in response to the external force and welding is possible, the welding control unit generates an arc when both the switch unit and the button unit are continuously pressed, and causes the robot to operate differently depending on whether the switch unit or the button unit is pressed first.