Wireless Welding Device Tracking via Mesh Network
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in managing welding-type devices is their difficult location and tracking, especially in large and disorganized work sites like shipbuilding yards, leading to inefficiencies and increased theft, as well as the lack of effective systems for monitoring their status and maintenance schedules.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system is implemented, comprising a data storage unit and a wireless communication unit attached to each welding-type device, allowing for real-time location tracking, inventory management, and remote monitoring, with a mesh network architecture to reduce power consumption and enhance signal reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual tracking and log books are used to manage welding devices, then device information can be recorded, but locating and tracking devices becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking systems (log books, paper records) with an electronic wireless communication system that automatically tracks and reports device locations and status, eliminating the time required to manually search for and record device information
Solution Approach 2:
The welding devices automatically transmit their own location and status information through wireless communication modules, eliminating the need for manual tracking and enabling real-time monitoring without human intervention
2Productivity
If welding devices are scattered across vast worksites to increase productivity, then more work can be done, but theft and loss of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives and reports status signals from welding devices across the worksite, providing real-time feedback on device locations and operational states, which enables immediate detection of unauthorized removal or theft while maintaining high device utilization for productivity
3Productivity
If multiple welding devices are used to complete maintenance tasks faster, then repair efficiency increases, but the time to locate all required devices exceeds the repair time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual device location methods with an automated wireless communication system that instantly provides location and status information for multiple welding devices, eliminating the time-consuming search process and enabling maintenance personnel to quickly locate and service multiple devices simultaneously
4Adaptability or versatility
If welding equipment is stored in multiple locations to accommodate different projects, then project flexibility increases, but tracking and retrieving specific equipment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system continuously provides feedback on the location and status of welding equipment across multiple storage and work locations, enabling personnel to easily locate and retrieve specific equipment regardless of where it is stored, thus maintaining project flexibility while simplifying equipment retrieval
Data Source
AI summary
A welding-type device has wireless communications to transmit wireless signals comprising at least identification information or location information. The information may be transmitted either automatically or in response to request signals. Such a welding-type device may be configured to communicate with other welding-type devices, a monitoring device, or both. A wireless communication system has at least one welding-type device, at least one wireless communication assembly, and at least one monitoring device and is capable of assisting a user in locating particular welding-type devices, preventing theft of welding-type devices, and scheduling preventive maintenance.