Cable Suspended Platform with Elongation Sensor for Machinery Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems for preventing hazards around machinery and elevated platforms are inadequate in detecting human presence and disengaging machinery in time to prevent accidents.
Innovation Solution
A platform suspended by cables with elongation sensors that emit signals upon cable elongation due to human presence, triggering the disengagement of machinery or alerting operators to stop the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing safety systems are used to detect human presence, then the system structure is simple, but the detection reliability and response time are insufficient to prevent accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is segmented into multiple independent sensing zones (first sensing zone and second sensing zone) with different detection technologies. The first sensing zone uses simple presence detection while the second sensing zone uses more sophisticated motion detection, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through zoned detection without requiring complex integration across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection in the first sensing zone before the hazard becomes critical. When a human is detected in the first sensing zone, the system prepares for potential hazards by monitoring the second sensing zone and readying the disengagement mechanism, allowing preventive action before the actual danger occurs.
2Speed
If existing safety systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the response speed is too slow to disengage machinery in time
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is pre-programmed with disengagement protocols that are activated immediately when sensing zone violations occur. The machinery disengagement mechanism is kept in a ready state, allowing instantaneous response when the sensing zones detect human presence, eliminating delays associated with complex real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback from the sensing zones to the control system, which immediately triggers machinery disengagement when unauthorized human presence is detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures rapid response by constantly monitoring the sensing zones and automatically actuating the disengagement mechanism without human intervention delays.
3Reliability
If comprehensive safety detection is implemented, then safety coverage is improved, but the false alarm rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple zones with different detection sensitivities and purposes. The first sensing zone detects general human presence with high sensitivity, while the second sensing zone detects specific hazardous motions or positions. This segmentation allows comprehensive safety coverage while reducing false alarms by requiring confirmation from multiple zones before triggering actual safety interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensing technologies and detection thresholds are applied to different spatial zones based on their specific safety requirements. Areas with higher hazard potential have more sensitive detection, while lower-risk areas use less sensitive detection, optimizing the balance between safety coverage and false alarm reduction across the entire workspace.
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
Enhances safety by reliably detecting human presence near machinery and automatically disengaging it or alerting operators to prevent accidents, thereby ensuring human safety around moving equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an elongation sensor engaged with the at least one cable. The elongation sensor is operable to emit a signal in response to elongation of the at least one cable
Implementation Method 2
at least one cable suspending the platform... elongation of the at least one cable
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed comprising a platform operable to support a human. The apparatus also includes at least one cable suspending the platform. The apparatus also includes an elongation sensor engaged with the at least one cable. The elongation sensor is operable to emit a signal in response to elongation of the at least one cable. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed. The method includes the step of positioning the platform adjacent to one of a machine and a path along which the machine moves. The method also includes the step of detecting a mass on the platform by emitting the signal from the elongation sensor in response to elongation of the at least one cable. The method also includes the step of disengaging the machine in response to the detecting step.