Force Sensing Control Apparatus For Welding Machines

摘要

Apparatus for allowing a welder to control the output power of a welding machine, and thus its arc power by applying force to a surface of a force sensing transducer assembly. The force sensing transducer assembly generates a force signal based upon the force applied, for example by reducing the resistance within the force sensing transducer assembly. A control interface module then receives the force signal and controls the welding machine power output based upon the force signal. The welder may set the range of force to change the arc power by setting a minimum amount of force to actuate the welding machine and a maximum force that increases the output power of the welding machine (force below the minimum does not actuate the welding machine and force above the maximum does not increase the welding machine power above a certain level). A user interface provides potentiometers for setting the minimum and maximum, and also provides indicators such as LEDs for indicating whether the welding machine is turned on and actuated. The force signal may be transmitted over a cable or wirelessly.

主权项

1. Force sensing control apparatus for welding machines comprising:
a force sensing transducer assembly for sensing force applied by a welder and for generating a force signal; a control interface module for generating a welding machine control signal based upon the force signal, the welding machine control signal configured to control an operation parameter of a welding machine; and a transmission medium for transmitting the force signal to the control interface module.