Accumulator Drop Detection With Pivoted Gravity Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for detecting critical falls of accumulators, often used in machine tools, face challenges in providing clear and reliable measurements due to the complexity of acceleration values from multiple sensors, making it difficult to determine if a fall has caused damage, which may lead to unsafe continued use.

Innovation Solution

A device with a sensor pivotally mounted to detect acceleration values in a single direction, coupled with control electronics and a fastening element, ensures consistent measurement and sends signals to block energy delivery or charging if a predetermined acceleration threshold is exceeded, preventing further damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple acceleration sensors or multiple sensors measuring acceleration in different directions are used, then the ability to detect falls from various orientations is improved, but the volume of measured and processed acceleration values increases, making clear measurement results and reliable statements about criticality difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability for various fall orientationsVSAvoidvolume of measured and processed acceleration values
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential acceleration component needed for fall detection by using a single sensor oriented in a specific direction. The sensor is positioned to detect acceleration primarily in the vertical direction (gravity direction), filtering out unnecessary horizontal components that would complicate the data without providing additional critical fall detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor is strategically positioned and oriented to detect acceleration in a specific local direction (vertical/gravity direction) rather than measuring all spatial directions. This localized measurement approach provides sufficient information for critical fall detection while avoiding the complexity of multi-directional sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple acceleration sensors are used to detect falls, then detection coverage is improved, but the evaluation of criticality becomes more difficult due to the complexity of processing multiple acceleration values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidevaluation of criticality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the critical vertical acceleration component for fall detection, eliminating the need to process multiple acceleration vectors. By focusing solely on acceleration in the gravity direction, the system maintains reliable detection coverage while dramatically simplifying the evaluation of whether a fall is critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a single sensor detecting acceleration in one direction is used, then the volume of recorded data is reduced and evaluation is simplified, but the ability to detect falls from various orientations may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of recorded data and valuesVSAvoiddetection capability for critical falls
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is specifically oriented to detect acceleration in the vertical direction, which is the most critical component for identifying dangerous falls. This localized measurement approach maintains adequate detection capability for critical falls while keeping data volume low and evaluation simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the measurement parameter from multi-directional acceleration vectors to a single scalar value representing acceleration in the gravity direction. This parameter transformation simplifies data processing while maintaining the ability to detect critical falls through threshold-based evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows for clear detection of critical falls and enhances safety by ensuring the accumulator is not used if damaged, preventing potential risks from continued operation or recharging.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor (8) for detecting an acceleration value in a predetermined direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the at least one sensor (8) is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot point (DP) relative to the accumulator and is held essentially in a predetermined spatial position relative to the accumulator when the accumulator rotates about at least one axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGimbal mechanism: Gimbal

Data Source

PatentEP4142983B1Device for detecting a critical drop
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 HILTI AG
  • EP4142983B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4142983B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4142983B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (6) for detecting a critical drop of an accumulator (1) and to an accumulator (1) comprising a device (6) for detecting a critical drop, said accumulator (1) containing a controller (5), which comprises a discharge device (4), and at least one energy storage device (3). The device (6) contains at least one sensor (8) for detecting an acceleration value in a specified direction, an electronic control unit (9), which is designed to control at least one function of the accumulator (1), and a securing element (10) for the at least one sensor (8), whereby the at least one sensor (8) is pivotally mounted about a rotational point (DP) relative to the accumulator (1) and is held substantially in a specified spatial position relative to the accumulator (1) when the accumulator rotates about at least one rotational axis (x, y, z).