Capacitive Detection System for Limb Pinching Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety systems for motor-driven injury-related systems, such as door and window systems, are inadequate in detecting limbs in risk-relevant areas, often resulting in pinching situations due to insufficient detection capabilities and reliability, particularly with auxiliary drives.

Innovation Solution

A capacitive detection system using a wire structure integrated into a sealing device, which generates a capacitive alternating field to detect conductive objects, allowing for precise signal definition and system control, including distance determination and evaluation of signal changes to prevent injuries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional safety devices are used in motor-driven systems, then the systems can operate with drive devices, but the detection of limbs in risk-relevant areas is insufficient leading to pinching situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidpinching injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based safety devices with a capacitive detection system that uses electrical fields to detect objects. The emission element generates a capacitive alternating field that extends into the observation area, and the reception element detects changes in this field caused by the presence of conductive objects, eliminating the need for mechanical contact to trigger safety measures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a capacitive field as an intermediary between the emission element and the object to be detected. The field acts as a mediator that can sense the presence of objects without direct contact, allowing the system to detect limbs in risk areas before mechanical contact occurs, thereby preventing pinching injuries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a capacitive detection system with wire structure is integrated into sealing device, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection precisionVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the detection system into the existing sealing device, allowing the sealing component to serve dual functions: mechanical sealing and capacitive object detection. The wire structure is incorporated within the sealing device housing, enabling the sealing device to function as both a mechanical component and a sensor housing without requiring separate detection apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the emission element and reception element into a single integrated detection system housed within the sealing device. The wire structure integrates both elements in a compact arrangement where the emission element generates the capacitive field and the reception element detects field changes, merging multiple functions into one unified component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the observation area moves with the moving component, then the detection system adapts to moving parts, but systematic changes in reception properties occur during positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system adaptability to moving componentsVSAvoidsignal evaluation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the positioning state of the moving component and adjust the evaluation of reception signals accordingly. The system accounts for systematic changes in reception properties by using the known positioning information to compensate for expected variations in field strength and phase, allowing accurate object detection despite changes in observation area position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively supplements existing safety measures by providing high signal definition for object detection, enabling shutdown or power reduction of drive motors, thus preventing injuries with improved reliability and integration into existing components without significant apparatus expenditure.

Implementation Method 1

with the emission element (22) generating a capacitive alternating field (F) which extends into an observation area (B)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive alternating field: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the object acts as a signal transmission medium whose transmission properties differ significantly from the transmission properties of the observation area in the undisturbed state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP1913426B1Detection device, particularly for realizing a protection system
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 MICROCHIP TECH GERMANY II
  • EP1913426B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1913426B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1913426B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a detection device, particularly for realizing a protection system via which, for example, motor-driven injury-relevant systems can be operated in a controlled manner. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions via which advantages result with regard to the detection of injury-relevant situations, particularly the presence of limbs in danger-relevant areas. To this end, according to a fist aspect of the invention, a detection system is provided, particularly for realizing a protection system via which, for example, motor-driven injury-relevant systems can be operated in a protected manner, comprising a receiving device for detecting the presence of an object, particularly of a living thing, in an observation area. This detection device comprises a detection element for recording a received event caused by the action of a modulated electrical field. This system is characterized by a launching device that has an emitting element for emitting the modulated electrical field, the receiving device and the transmitting device being configured in such a manner that, based on the transmission behavior of the observation area located, at least in sections, between the receiving element and the emitting element, the presence of the object, particularly the living thing, is detected in the observation area.