Welding Torch Display for Real-Time Parameter Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current welding training systems are expensive and often inadequate in training operators to perform high-quality welds, particularly in manual welding operations, as they may not effectively monitor the weld environment and manage welding data effectively.

Innovation Solution

A welding system that includes a welding torch with integrated sensing devices and a computer system for monitoring the weld environment, providing real-time feedback, and managing data, which also utilizes virtual and augmented reality training modes to enhance operator skills and track performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional welding training systems are used, then welding operators can be trained, but the training cost is high and the training quality is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining qualityVSAvoidtraining cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses virtual reality simulations and augmented reality overlays to create virtual copies of welding environments and processes. This allows operators to train in realistic scenarios without consuming physical materials or requiring expensive equipment, thereby reducing training costs while maintaining or improving training quality through repeatable, standardized virtual scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical welding training equipment and materials with software-based virtual and augmented reality systems. This substitution eliminates the need for costly physical training setups while providing comprehensive monitoring and feedback capabilities that improve training quality without proportionally increasing costs.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If manual welding operations are performed without advanced monitoring, then operators have flexibility, but weld quality monitoring and data management are inadequate

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback systems that monitor welding parameters, arc characteristics, and weld quality metrics during the welding process. This feedback is provided to operators through augmented reality displays and automated analysis, enabling immediate corrections and consistent quality without requiring complex manual monitoring procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces software intermediaries that automatically collect, analyze, and interpret welding data from multiple sensors. This intermediary layer manages the complexity of data processing and presents simplified, actionable information to operators, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving comprehensive quality monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If welding data is not monitored in real-time, then data collection is simpler, but training effectiveness and quality improvement are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding data qualityVSAvoiddata management automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated data collection and analysis systems that continuously monitor welding parameters, arc characteristics, and environmental conditions without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically processes this data to provide real-time feedback, generate performance metrics, and identify improvement opportunities, thereby capturing complete welding data while managing automation complexity through self-service capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3215305B1System and method for welding torch display
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3215305B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3215305B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3215305B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3

AI summary

A method including determining an orientation of a display (62) of a welding torch (14) relative to a joint of a workpiece, displaying, on the display (62) of the welding torch (14) during a welding operation, a graphical representation of a welding parameter in relation to a predetermined threshold range for the welding parameter as a position of the welding torch (14) changes, the orientation of the welding torch changes, a movement of the welding torch changes, or some combination thereof, and rotating the graphical representation of the welding parameter based at least in part on the determined orientation of the display of the welding torch relative to the joint. The graphical representation of the welding parameter is associated with the position of the welding torch (14) relative to the joint, the orientation of the welding torch (14) relative to the joint, the movement of the welding torch (14) relative to the joint, or some combination thereof.