Conductive Glove Safety System for Machinery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems for machinery, such as skinners, are not fully effective in ensuring operator safety as they do not guarantee that the operator is wearing both gloves and can result in false alarms or failure to stop the machine in case of contact with hazardous parts.
Innovation Solution
A safety system comprising a first processing unit associated with the machine and a second processing unit integrated into gloves, with a safety wire embedded in the gloves to detect contact with the machine's moving parts and transmit signals to stop the machine, ensuring proper glove usage and minimizing accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive gloves and roller/blade are used to detect contact through circuit closure, then alarm signal can be generated, but the system cannot ensure the operator is actually wearing both gloves and may produce false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is divided into multiple independent verification components: a first verification means checks glove wearing status through conductive elements in each glove, while a second verification means monitors the integrity of conductive paths. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall reliability without compromising verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism that acts as a mediator between the glove-wearing detection and the alarm system. The first and second verification means serve as intermediaries that validate the operational status before triggering the alarm, ensuring that false alarms are prevented while maintaining accurate safety monitoring.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the safety system continuously monitors glove contact with machine parts, then operator safety is improved, but false alarms may occur reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of glove wearing status and conductive path integrity before the actual safety monitoring begins. The first verification means checks whether gloves are properly worn, and the second verification means ensures the conductive paths are intact, preventing false alarms before they can occur while maintaining continuous safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the verification means continuously monitor the operational status and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop allows the system to distinguish between genuine safety hazards and false alarm conditions, maintaining high reliability while providing continuous protection against operator injury.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the machine is stopped immediately upon detecting contact, then operator safety is enhanced, but false alarms cause operational disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
Before the machine stops operation, the first and second verification means perform preliminary checks to confirm the authenticity of the contact detection. Only after both verifications confirm a genuine hazard does the control system activate the alarm and stop the machine, preventing unnecessary operational disruptions while maintaining rapid response to real dangers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its response based on verification results. When verification indicates a genuine hazard, the machine stops immediately; when verification suggests a false alarm condition, the system maintains operation or provides a warning without stopping. This dynamic response optimizes both 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 system effectively reduces the risk of accidents by ensuring the operator wears gloves correctly and prevents false alarms, thereby enhancing operator safety and reducing operational risks and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first functional group associated with a moving organ of the machine and configured to receive signals; a second functional group integrated into at least one glove and configured to transmit signals to the first functional group
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The safety system (1) for a machine equipped with a moving organ (21) comprises: a first processing unit (4) associated with the moving organ (21), configured to receive signals and comprising a command module (41) configured to alter the operation of the organ (21) itself, upon receiving an alarm signal; gloves (5) that can be worn by an operator (3); and a second processing unit (6), associated with gloves (5) and configured to transmit signals to the first unit. Each glove (5) comprises an element (51) for conducting signals, connected to the second unit (6) and crossing at least a portion of the palm and/or fingers and/or the edge zone opposite the thumb. The system (1) comprises a device for generating a safety signal connected to the conducting element (51) and the second processing unit (6) comprises a first control module (63) configured to detect an interruption of the transmission of the safety signal. The second processing unit (6) comprises an alarm module (64), subjected to the first control module (63) and able to generate an alarm signal, upon verifying the interruption of the safety signal.