Carrying Device for Hands-Free Mobile Operator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile operating systems for machines, such as beverage processing plants, are ergonomically unsuitable due to the need for manual carrying and lack of stable storage, leading to difficulties in maintenance and potential overlooking of alarm signals in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A carrying device with a coupling element for attaching the mobile operating device to both the machine and a carrying device, combined with a signal transmitter worn on the body, allowing hands-free operation and notification of alarm signals through vibration, sound, or light, even in noisy conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile operating device is used for machine maintenance, then the user can monitor and control multiple machines simultaneously, but the user must carry the device in hand and has no stable storage option during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrying device as an intermediary between the mobile operating device and the user/machine. This carrying device includes a coupling element that can attach to the operating device and a holding element that can be attached to the user's clothing or the machine, effectively mediating the connection and providing stable storage during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the operating device from being held in the user's hand (one-dimensional portable use) to being attached to the user's body or the machine via the carrying device (adding spatial dimensions). This dimensional change allows the device to be securely positioned in multiple locations while keeping the user's hands free for maintenance tasks.
2Ease of operation
If the user places the mobile operating device inside the machine during maintenance, then the device is within reach for controlling machine components, but alarm and warning signals are easily overlooked in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alarm signal transmission function from the main operating device and routes it through a separate signal transmitter worn by the user. This segmentation allows the operating device to remain inside the machine for control operations while the signal transmitter independently delivers alarm and warning signals to the user through vibration, sound, or light, ensuring information is not lost even when the device is out of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal transmitter acts as an intermediary that receives alarm and warning signals from the operating device and translates them into tangible notifications (vibration, sound, light) that the user can perceive. This intermediary function ensures that critical information is transmitted reliably even when the operating device is placed inside the machine where visual and auditory signals might be overlooked.
3Ease of operation
If the user keeps the mobile operating device in hand during maintenance, then the device is readily accessible for control operations, but the user's hands are occupied and cannot perform other maintenance activities
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying device serves as an intermediary that holds the mobile operating device securely while keeping the user's hands free. The coupling element attaches to the operating device and the holding element attaches to the user's clothing or the machine, creating a hands-free solution that maintains accessibility to control functions while enabling the user to perform maintenance activities with both hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying device creates an equipotential situation where the operating device is equally accessible whether held in hand or attached via the carrying device. By providing secure attachment options that keep the device within easy reach while freeing the user's hands, the system eliminates the disadvantage of hand occupation without sacrificing operational accessibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an operator system (1) for a machine (5), in particular for a beverage processing machine, said system comprising a mobile operator device (2) for the machine (5), a signal emitter (3) for reporting alarm and/or warning signals and a carrying device (4) for the operator device (2), said operator device (2) comprising a coupling element (22) for attaching to the machine (5) and/or to the carrying device (4) and a transmitter (24) for transmitting alarm and/or warning signals. The signal emitter (3) comprises an attachment element (35) for attaching to an article of clothing and/or to a body part of a user (6) and a receiver (34) for the alarm and/or warning signals and the carrying device (4) comprises a mounting element (41) for attaching to an article of clothing (61) and/or to a body part of the user (6) and a receptacle (42) for the operator device (2).