Wireless Pairing and Control Priority for Welding Power Supplies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Welding operators face challenges in controlling welding power supply units from remote locations, requiring a solution to enable wireless control and monitoring of welding operations without the need for physical proximity to the power supply units.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wireless remote control devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, that can pair with welding power supply units via wireless communication networks, allowing operators to control and monitor welding parameters, statuses, and diagnostic messages from a distance, while ensuring exclusive control through prioritization between the control panel and the remote device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If welding operators use a control panel disposed on the welding power supply unit, then they can directly control the welding parameters, but they must be physically present at the location of the power supply unit which is often at a relatively large distance from the welding operation site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the welding operator and the power supply unit control panel. The control panel communicates welding parameters and status information wirelessly to the operator's portable device, and receives control commands wirelessly from the operator, eliminating the need for physical proximity to the power supply unit while maintaining full control capability.
2Ease of operation
If wireless remote control devices are used to control welding power supply units from remote locations, then operators can control welding operations without physical proximity, but control conflicts may occur between multiple control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel continuously monitors which device is currently controlling the welding parameters and provides feedback status information to all connected wireless devices. When a control command is received, the system verifies the source device's authorization status and provides appropriate feedback confirmation or rejection, preventing unauthorized or conflicting control actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts control permissions based on the current operational state. The control panel can switch between different control modes (local panel control vs. remote device control) and updates the authorization status in real-time, allowing flexible and safe control transitions without conflicts.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein include wireless control of a welding power supply via portable electronic devices. In particular, operating parameters and statuses of the welding power supply may be modified by the portable electronic device, as well as be displayed on the portable electronic device. For example, in certain embodiments, the welding power supply may be an engine-driven welding power supply, and the portable electronic device may be configured to start and/or stop an engine of the engine-driven welding power supply. A pairing procedure may be used to pair the welding power supply and the portable electronic device in a wireless communication network. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a method of prioritization of control between a control panel of the welding power supply and the portable electronic device may be implemented.