Induction heating system travel sensor assembly

Abstract

Induction heating system travel sensor assemblies are disclosed. An example induction heating system includes an induction heating device configured to move relative to a workpiece, to generate induction heat, and to direct the induction heat to the workpiece; and a travel sensor assembly configured to detect a position, movement, or direction of movement of the induction heating device relative to the workpiece, the travel sensor comprising a non-contacting detector

1 . An induction heating system comprising:
 an induction heating device configured to move relative to a workpiece, to generate induction heat, and to direct the induction heat to the workpiece; and   a travel sensor assembly configured to detect a position, movement, or direction of movement of the induction heating device relative to the workpiece, the travel sensor comprising a non-contacting detector.   
     
     
         2 . The induction heating system of  claim 1 , wherein the travel sensor assembly is configured to transmit a feedback signal relating to the detected position, movement, or direction of movement to a controller that controls a power source providing power to the induction heating device. 
     
     
         3 . The induction heating system of  claim 2 , further comprising the controller, wherein the controller is configured to adjust an amount of power provided by the power source to the induction heating device based at least in part on the feedback signal. 
     
     
         4 . The induction heating system of  claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to automatically detect when the travel sensor assembly is communicatively coupled to the controller, and to automatically adjust control of the power source based on the detection of the travel sensor assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The induction heating system of  claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust the amount of power provided by the power source to the induction heating device based at least in part on parameters of a welding operation performed on the workpiece. 
     
     
         6 . The induction heating system of  claim 1 , wherein the non-contacting detector comprises a magnetic sensor configured to detect the position, movement, or direction of movement. 
     
     
         7 . The induction heating system of  claim 1 , wherein the non-contacting detector comprises an accelerometer configured to detect the position, movement, or direction of movement. 
     
     
         8 . The induction heating system of  claim 1 , wherein the non-contacting detector comprises an optical sensor configured to detect the position, movement, or direction of movement. 
     
     
         9 . The induction heating system of  claim 1 , wherein the travel sensor assembly is removably detachable from a housing of the induction heating device. 
     
     
         10 . A travel sensor assembly, comprising a non-contacting detector configured to detect a position, movement, or direction of movement of an induction heating device relative to a workpiece, the travel sensor assembly configured to transmit a feedback signal relating to the detected position, movement, or direction of movement to a controller that controls a power source providing power to the induction heating device. 
     
     
         11 . The travel sensor assembly of  claim 10 , further comprising the controller, wherein the controller is configured to adjust an amount of power provided by the power source to the induction heating device based at least in part on the feedback signal. 
     
     
         12 . The travel sensor assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the controller is configured to automatically detect when the travel sensor assembly is communicatively coupled to the controller, and to automatically adjust control of the power source based on the detection of the travel sensor assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The travel sensor assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust the amount of power provided by the power source to the induction heating device based at least in part on parameters of a welding operation performed on the workpiece. 
     
     
         14 . The travel sensor assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the non-contacting detector comprises a magnetic sensor configured to detect the position, movement, or direction of movement. 
     
     
         15 . The travel sensor assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the non-contacting detector comprises an accelerometer configured to detect the position, movement, or direction of movement. 
     
     
         16 . The travel sensor assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the non-contacting detector comprises an optical sensor configured to detect the position, movement, or direction of movement. 
     
     
         17 . The travel sensor assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the travel sensor assembly is removably detachable from a housing of the induction heating device.