Wireless & powerless sensing node for laser welding monitoring

Abstract

For quality assurance in the manufacture of automotive parts, the integrity of the laser-beam welds joining steel parts must be monitored. A considerable number of on-line inspection systems have being developed to improve weld quality. Traditional monitoring systems are realized through wired systems, formed by communication cables and sensors. These systems suffer from two main drawbacks: a) the sensor cables are easily damaged and conflict with ease of installation and retrofit into industrial plants, b) the installation and maintenance of the sensors cables is much more expensive than the cost of the sensors themselves. Integration of electronics, sensors, wireless communications, has prompted monitoring folks to consider alternatives that reduce wiring costs, make connections not feasible previously, and retrofit more measurement points cost effectively as well. This paper presents a prototype sensing device to achieve wireless and powerless operation for implementing a monitoring laser welding system. The weld monitor is designed to be simple, low cost, and able to withstand a harsh manufacturing environment.For quality assurance in the manufacture of automotive parts, the integrity of the laser-beam welds joining steel parts must be monitored. A considerable number of on-line inspection systems have being developed to improve weld quality. Traditional monitoring systems are realized through wired systems, formed by communication cables and sensors. These systems suffer from two main drawbacks: a) the sensor cables are easily damaged and conflict with ease of installation and retrofit into industrial plants, b) the installation and maintenance of the sensors cables is much more expensive than the cost of the sensors themselves. Integration of electronics, sensors, wireless communications, has prompted monitoring folks to consider alternatives that reduce wiring costs, make connections not feasible previously, and retrofit more measurement points cost effectively as well. This paper presents a prototype sensing device to achieve wireless and powerless operation for implementing a monitoring laser welding syste...