Self-Powered Wireless Actuator Unit for Welding Torch Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Welding and cutting systems face complexity in signal management and construction, leading to increased production and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A welding and/or cutting system equipped with a control unit featuring an electric energy generator, wireless signal transmission/reception units, and a protection unit with an LCD filter, which generates and manages signals to activate the generator and protection unit sequentially, reducing cable complexity and eliminating the need for external power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless signal transmission units are added to enable remote control, 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 actuator unit generates its own electrical energy through the movement of its movable element (pedal) to power the wireless signal transmission unit and control unit. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources, batteries, or complex power management systems, thereby improving ease of operation while avoiding additional device complexity from power supply components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the power generation function directly into the actuator unit by integrating an electrical energy generator that converts mechanical movement into electrical energy. This merged design powers both the wireless transmission and control functions within the same unit, reducing overall system complexity while enabling remote operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple signal generation means are used to control protection unit and generator sequentially, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal timing controlVSAvoidsignal management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is divided into distinct functional components: first signal generation means that activates upon pedal movement to trigger the protection unit, and second signal generation means that activates upon pedal release to trigger the generator. This segmentation enables precise sequential control of different system functions while keeping each signal generation mechanism simple and independent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first signal generation means is designed to activate the protection unit before the generator starts operating. This preliminary action ensures that the protective shield is already in place before any potentially harmful operations begin, achieving precise timing control through预先 activation rather than complex coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Simplifies signal management, reduces cable complexity, and lowers production and maintenance costs by using an independent energy generator and wireless communication, ensuring operator safety and system efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the electric energy generator comprises an induction generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3817884B1Welding and/or cutting system with actuator unit
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 TRAFIMET SPA
  • EP3817884B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1A
  • EP3817884B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3817884B1 patent drawingFigure 5~5A

AI summary

The present invention concerns a welding and/or cutting system (1) comprising a generator (4), a welding and/or cutting torch (10), a control unit (6) and an actuator unit (50). The actuator unit (50) comprises: a movable actuator element, first generation means suited to generate a signal, a wireless signal transmission unit and a power supply unit comprising an electric energy generator.