Adaptive Detection Zones for Self-Propelled Robot Safety Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for self-propelled travel devices and robots do not effectively suppress motions based on the operating states of the travel device and robots, leading to potential collisions and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A safety device equipped with sensors that detect objects within a defined area and a motion suppressing system, which adjusts detection areas according to the operating states of the travel device and robot, allowing for dynamic suppression of motions through area changes and warning systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed detection area is used for safety monitoring, then the safety coverage is consistent and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to different operating states leading to unnecessary motion suppression or insufficient safety coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is made dynamic by changing its size based on the operating states of the travel device and robot. The area changing device adjusts the detection area from a first detection area when the travel device is moving to a second detection area when the robot is operating, allowing the safety monitoring to adapt to different operational contexts without requiring multiple fixed safety systems.
2Reliability
If the detection area is enlarged to cover all possible operating states, then safety coverage is improved, but unnecessary motion suppression occurs when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the detection area size according to the current operating state. When the travel device is moving, a first detection area is used; when the robot is operating, a second detection area is used. This dynamic adjustment ensures adequate safety coverage for each specific operation while avoiding unnecessary motion suppression in areas not relevant to the current operating state.
3Productivity
If the detection area is reduced to minimize motion suppression, then productivity is maintained, but safety coverage becomes insufficient during certain operations
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is dynamically expanded or reduced based on the operating state. The area changing device ensures that the appropriate detection area is active for each operation type, maintaining comprehensive safety coverage when needed while minimizing unnecessary suppression during operations with lower safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of detection area size according to operating states. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system achieves both adequate safety coverage and minimal unnecessary motion suppression, resolving the contradiction between safety and productivity.
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
The safety device efficiently suppresses the motions of travel devices and robots based on their operating states, enhancing safety by dynamically adjusting detection areas and employing warning systems to prevent collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the reflection factor of a robot with a higher priority is set higher than the reflection factor of a robot with a lower priority. Thus, a sensing signal emitted from the robot with the lower priority is reflected by the robot with the higher priority, and the light is received with sufficient intensity by the robot with the lower priority.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device according to the present disclosure includes a sensor that is attached to a self-propellable travel device or a robot provided to the travel device, is set with a given detection area on the basis of a position of the sensor, and detects an object existing within the given detection area. The safety device further includes a motion suppressing device that suppresses motions of the travel device and the robot, when the existence of the object within the given detection area is detected by the sensor, and an area changing device that changes the given detection area according to operating states of the travel device and the robot.