Wireless Welding Control via Bluetooth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing welding and cutting systems have cumbersome and complex control systems due to cable-based communication, which are also expensive and difficult to integrate with other devices.

Innovation Solution

A Bluetooth-based control system for welding and cutting systems that uses Bluetooth transmission/reception means for communication with various components and external devices, including a microprocessor with low-pass filters and galvanic isolation elements, and a current sensor to manage the welding process and protect the operator's vision from radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable-based communication is used in control systems, then reliable communication is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cable-based communication with wireless Bluetooth communication. The control system uses Bluetooth transmission/reception means to communicate with the welding torch, helmet, and external devices, eliminating the need for physical cables and reducing system complexity while maintaining communication reliability through wireless protocols

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

2Reliability

If cable-based communication is used in control systems, then stable connection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidsystem operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with wireless Bluetooth communication. Operators can control welding parameters, start/stop welding, and adjust helmet darkening without physical cable manipulation. The system automatically establishes wireless connections between components, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining stable communication through Bluetooth protocol

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

3Device complexity

If Bluetooth communication is used, then device complexity is reduced, but communication range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidcommunication range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by using Bluetooth communication for multiple purposes: controlling welding torch parameters, adjusting helmet auto-darkening, transmitting welding data to external devices, and receiving configuration settings. This universal communication approach handles various functions within Bluetooth's effective range, reducing the need for additional long-range communication hardware while maintaining system simplicity

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

4Ease of manufacture

If wireless communication is implemented, then ease of manufacture improves, but reliability of communication may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration easeVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical cable routing and connection assembly with integrated Bluetooth wireless modules. The wireless communication components are easily integrated into the control system, welding torch, and helmet during manufacturing. The system includes error handling and reconnection protocols to maintain communication reliability despite the wireless medium, achieving both ease of manufacture and reliable operation

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

Data Source

PatentEP3126085B1Control system for welding systems
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 TRAFIMET SPA
  • EP3126085B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3126085B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3126085B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention is a control system (6) for welding and/or cutting systems of the type comprising a generator (4), a welding and/ or cutting torch (1) suited to be connected to said generator (4) through a connection element (40) and a protection unit comprising a protection screen (3) that can be darkened, for example an LCD filter, said control system (6) being characterized in that it comprises first transmission/reception means (7) of the Bluetooth ® type cooperating with said protection unit and/or with said protection screen (3) in order to control the darkening of said protection screen (3) and/or the start/stop of the welding and/or cutting arc. The invention concerns also a welding and/or cutting unit comprising a welding and/or cutting torch (1) suited to be connected to a generator (4) through a connection element and a welding and/or cutting system comprising a generator, a welding and/or cutting unit suited to be connected to the generator through a connection element (40) and a protection unit comprising a protection screen (3).