Systems and methods to control handheld laser welding equipment
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsShuang Liu, Andrew Pfaller, Todd E. Holverson, Steven B. Massey, JR., Joseph C. Schneider, Bruce Patrick Albrecht, William R. Giese
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for laser welding are disclosed. A laser welding system includes a manually operated laser welding torch to direct laser power to a workpiece to generate a puddle during a laser welding operation. The welding system includes a controller to regulate activation and regulation of the laser power based on user inputs, sensor inputs, and/or synergic control of a laser power source.
Claims20
A handheld laser welding torch, comprising:
- a nozzle to direct laser power from a laser source to a workpiece to perform a laser welding operation;
- and
- a sensor to measure one or more physical parameters of the handheld laser welding torch relative to the workpiece,
- wherein the sensor is configured to transmit signals corresponding to measurements to a laser control system to regulate one or more outputs of the laser source or a welding accessory.
A handheld laser welding torch, comprising:
- a nozzle to direct laser power from a laser source to a workpiece to perform a welding operation;
- a connector to receive a laser welding cable comprising one or more fiber optic cables, the laser welding cable connecting the handheld laser welding torch to a laser power source;
- and
- one or more strain relief devices at one or more interfaces between the handheld welding torch and the laser welding cable, the one or more strain relief devices to regulate rotation, angling or extension of the one or more fiber optic cables.
A handheld laser welding torch, comprising:
- a nozzle to direct laser power from a laser source to a workpiece to perform a laser welding operation;
- and
- a weld guide to control a position or orientation of the handheld laser welding torch relative to the workpiece, the weld guide configured to provide feedback to the handheld laser welding torch corresponding to changes to the position or the orientation thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.