Crc Welding Systems, Inc.

A Michael Wells

George E Cook

A template-matching adaptive control system for welding comprising noncontacting means for sensing the lateral profile of a weld joint while the welding electrode moves laterally across the joint, means for comparing the sensed lateral profile to a predetermined reference profile or 'template', and means for adjusting a welding parameter, such as the center of oscillation for tracking, the width of oscillation, and constant fill control, in response to the results of the comparison. The comparison between the sensed lateral profile and the template is based upon a mathematical criterion of the degree of match therebetween. One disclosed embodiment performs control based upon finding the closest match between the sensed lateral profile and a plurality of different templates. Another embodiment performs control by making adjustments related to the value of the mathematical criterion. The disclosed embodiments employ programmed microprocessers to accomplish the template matching. The system can adapt to changes in direction of the weld seam as well as changes in the width and shape of the profile of the weld seam.

Template-matching adaptive control system for welding

An adaptive control system for welding which senses the lateral profile of a weld joint while the welding electrode moves laterally across the joint, compares a first portion of the sensed lateral profile to a second portion of the sensed lateral profile, and then adjusts a welding parameter, such as the center of oscillation for tracking, the width of oscillation, and constant fill control, in response to the results of the comparison. One disclosed signal processing technique matches an average of data samples for the left portion of the weld seam to an average of data samples for the right portion. Another disclosed technique involves comparing an integrated signal corresponding to the leftward portion of the sensed lateral profile to an integrated signal corresponding to the rightward portion. Another disclosed technique involves comparing an integrated sensed profile signal to a predetermined reference value which is based upon a reference signal. The reference signal comprises data representative of the prior history of the weld joint. The disclosed embodiments employ programmed microprocessors to provide horizontal cross-seam control and process the arc signal to remove undesirable noise. The system can adapt to changes in direction of the weld seam as well as changes in the width and shape of the profile of the weld seam.

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Nashville, TN, United States of America

A Michael Wells