Welding System Trigger Control for Periodic Sensor Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional welding systems lack flexibility in defining and modifying trigger conditions for sensors and process actuators connected to the welding power source, limiting their adaptability to periodically changing process parameters.

Innovation Solution

A user interface integrated with the welding power source allows for flexible definition and modification of trigger conditions for various sensors and process actuators, enabling them to be synchronized with periodically changing process parameters through a connection, which can be wired or wireless, and includes features like pre-triggering to compensate for delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional welding systems use predefined trigger conditions for sensors and process actuators, then the system structure remains simple, but the adaptability to different welding processes and parameters is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to periodically changing process parametersVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger conditions are made dynamically configurable through a user interface, allowing operators to adjust trigger parameters, delay times, and selection criteria based on specific welding process requirements. This transforms the static predefined trigger system into a dynamic adaptive system without requiring complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing of trigger condition parameters including trigger level, delay time, and sensor/actuator selection through the user interface. By enabling parameter modification rather than requiring hardware reconfiguration, the system achieves high adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If trigger conditions are predefined and fixed, then the system is easy to operate, but the precision of synchronization with process parameters cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization precision with process parametersVSAvoidtrigger condition configuration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides pre-configured trigger condition templates and default settings that can be selected through the user interface. This allows operators to quickly set up synchronization without complex manual configuration, while still enabling fine-tuning for high precision when needed. The preliminary setup reduces operational complexity while maintaining precision capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow operators to monitor the synchronization performance and adjust trigger conditions accordingly. Through the user interface, operators can observe process parameters and refine trigger timing to achieve optimal synchronization precision while maintaining ease of operation through iterative adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If multiple sensors and actuators are connected with flexible trigger conditions, then the monitoring and control capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring and control capabilitiesVSAvoidnumber of connections and configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface serves as a universal configuration platform that can manage multiple sensors and actuators through a single system. Rather than requiring separate configuration systems for each device, the universal interface consolidates trigger condition management, reducing operational complexity despite supporting multiple devices. This multi-functional approach enhances monitoring and control capabilities while maintaining manageable system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4007671B1Welding system and welding process
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 FRONIUS INT GMBH
  • EP4007671B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4007671B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4007671B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a welding system and welding method, having a welding power source (1) for providing at least one process parameter (Pi(t)) periodically varying with a period (T), a process regulator (2) for specifying the period (T) of the at least one process parameter (Pi(t)), a power unit (3) and at least one terminal (4) for connection to at least one sensor (5) for acquiring process variables (Gj(t)) and/or to at least one process actuator (6) for influencing process parameters (Pi(t)), wherein the at least one sensor (5) and/or the at least one process actuator (6) can be triggered by the periodically varying process parameter (Pi(t)) according to at least one predefined trigger condition (B1). According to the invention, a user interface (7) is provided which is connected to the welding power source (1), via which interface the at least one trigger condition (B1) for triggering the at least one sensor (5) and/or the at least one process actuator (6) can be specified and at least one trigger signal (Trig) can be transferred via the at least one terminal (4) to the at least one sensor (5) and/or the at least one process actuator (6).