Wireless Welding Remote Control to Eliminate Cable Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable-based remote control systems for welding machines are prone to damage from heavy equipment and introduce high-frequency electrical noise, reducing productivity and increasing the risk of system failure.

Innovation Solution

A wireless control system that includes a welding power source with a control transceiver and a wireless control panel, allowing operators to remotely control welding parameters using radio control signals or other wireless communication methods, eliminating the need for communication cables and reducing noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cable-based remote control system is used, then reliable communication and control of welding parameters can be achieved, but the communication cable becomes vulnerable to damage from heavy equipment and introduces high-frequency electrical noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcable damage and electrical noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based communication system with a wireless communication system. The wireless control panel transmits control signals to the welding power source without physical connection, eliminating the mechanical cable that is susceptible to damage and noise interference while maintaining reliable control functionality.

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

2Ease of operation

If a communication cable is used for remote control, then welding parameters can be controlled from a distance, but the system complexity increases due to additional cables and noise filtering requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcable management and noise filtering
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the communication cable from the system, separating the control function from the power and ground connections. The wireless control panel provides remote control capability without requiring the additional communication cable, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If extra communication cables are used, then remote control functionality is achieved, but portability and convenience in confined areas are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control functionalityVSAvoidportability and confined area operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical cable connection with wireless communication, allowing the control panel to be easily moved and positioned in confined areas without being constrained by cable length or physical connections. This enhances portability and adaptability while maintaining full remote control functionality.

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

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

The wireless control system enhances productivity and longevity of welding machines by preventing cable damage, reducing noise interference, and improving portability and convenience in confined areas.

Implementation Method 1

a control transceiver to communicate with the wireless control panel and receive the signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2081724B2A welding-type system with wireless remote control communication
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP2081724B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2081724B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2081724B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus of communicating control signals to a welding power source from a remote location includes a welding system operated by control signals transmitted by a wireless remote control that can be remotely located from the welding power source. A plurality of welding parameters in the welding system are set and adjusted in response to wireless command signals transmitted to a controller including a control transceiver located on the welding power source. In this regard, an operator is able to quickly and efficiently control a welding system from a remote location, with no more cables than are necessary to perform the intended task.