Welding parameter control via welder motion or position monitoring

• US 9,993,891 B2
• Filed: 07/07/2011
• Issued: 06/12/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
• Original Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
• Inventors: Wiryadinata, Indra Budiman
• Primary Examiner(s): Angwin, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): Norton, John J
• Application Number:
  US13/178,168
• Publication Number:
  US 20120012561A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,532 Days
• Field of Search: 219108, 21913021, 219136, 219137 R, 219 6916, 219 8641, 219 611, 21912128, 21912154, 219132
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 9/0956 using sensing means, e.g. optical
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 9/1087 Arc welding using remote control
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 9/321 Protecting means protecting means in general F16P1/06

Abstract

In certain embodiments, a wireless sensor module includes a motion or position sensor configured to detect a defined motion or position of a welding operator. The wireless sensor module also includes memory circuitry configured to store the defined motion or position and an adjustment of an operating parameter of a welding system which corresponds to the defined motion or position. A processor of the wireless sensor module is coupled to the motion or position sensor and the memory circuitry, where the processor is configured to retrieve the adjustment of the operating parameter from the memory circuitry upon detection of the defined motion or position by the motion or position sensor. The wireless senor module further includes a wireless communication device coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the adjustment of the operating parameter to the welding system.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a welding power supply having a wireless communication receiver; and

a wireless sensor module integrated with an article of clothing, wherein the wireless sensor module comprises;

a motion sensor or a position sensor coupled to a processor of the wireless sensor module and configured to detect a defined motion or defined position of a welding operator;

memory circuitry coupled to the processor and configured to store the defined motion or the defined position and an adjustment of an operating parameter of the welding power supply corresponding to the defined motion or the defined position; and

a wireless communication device coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the adjustment of the operating parameter to the wireless communication receiver of the welding power supply, wherein the wireless sensor module is integrated with a boot or shoe.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless sensor module comprises a power module configured to supply power to the wireless sensor module.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the power module comprises a photovoltaic panel.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the power module comprises a physical switch configured to open and close an electrical connection between the power module and the wireless sensor module.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the motion sensor or the position sensor comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or both.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device transmits the operating parameter adjustment to the welding power supply by a radio frequency communication or an infrared communication.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the operating parameter comprises an output voltage, a current output, or a welding process.

8. A system, comprising:

a welding power supply having a wireless communication receiver; and

a wireless sensor module integrated with an article of clothing, wherein the wireless sensor module comprises;

a motion sensor or a position sensor coupled to a processor of the wireless sensor module and configured to detect a defined motion or defined position of a welding operator;

memory circuitry coupled to the processor and configured to store the defined motion or the defined position and an adjustment of an operating parameter of the welding power supply corresponding to the defined motion or the defined position; and

a wireless communication device coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the adjustment of the operating parameter to the wireless communication receiver of the welding power supply, wherein the wireless sensor module comprises a power module configured to supply power to the wireless sensor module, and wherein the power module comprises a photovoltaic panel.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the power module comprises a physical switch configured to open and close an electrical connection between the power module and the wireless sensor module.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the motion sensor or the position sensor comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or both.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the wireless communication device transmits the operating parameter adjustment to the welding power supply by a radio frequency communication or an infrared communication.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the operating parameter comprises an output voltage, a current output, or a welding process.