Coplanar Sensor Grid for Human Tissue Detection in Machine Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated manufacturing machines pose hazards to operators due to moving components, and existing safety devices often fail to provide optimal protection, especially in three-dimensional spaces and when detecting human tissue embedded in dielectric materials like rubber.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with an emitter plate and coplanar sensor plates generates a dynamic electric field to detect human tissue, capable of distinguishing between tissue and insulating materials by measuring changes in capacitance and displacement current, suitable for various machine configurations and spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If planar electrodes are used with opposite side separation, then capacitance sensing is achieved, but space restrictions make implementation difficult and detection of embedded tissue fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar electrodes separated by distance to coplanar electrodes arranged in a grid pattern on the same plane. This dimensional change allows the sensing surface to conform to complex machine geometries and eliminates space restrictions while maintaining detection capability through capacitive coupling between adjacent grid elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system is divided into multiple discrete sensing elements arranged in a grid pattern, with each element capable of independent or differential measurement. This segmentation allows the system to detect tissue embedded within dielectric materials by comparing signals from adjacent grid points, overcoming the limitation of single planar electrode detection.
2Reliability
If multiple safety devices are combined, then protection for various hazards is enhanced, but the system fails to provide optimum protection and may not detect embedded tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The coplanar grid electrode system serves multiple functions: it detects human tissue presence, distinguishes between tissue and dielectric materials like rubber, and can be configured for various machine geometries. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized safety devices while providing comprehensive protection and adaptability across different hazardous conditions.
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 sensor assembly effectively detects human tissue in protected areas, including those with three-dimensional spaces and embedded in rubber, enhancing operator safety by accurately differentiating between tissue and insulating materials, thus providing improved protection in diverse manufacturing environments.
Implementation Method 1
An emitter plate, formed of an electrically conductive material, is disposed adjacent to the protected area of the machine. The emitter plate is electrically connected to the power source for generating an electric field directed towards the protected area.
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor plate receives the electric field and produces an electrical signal corresponding to the electric field. A device such as a meter, electrically connected to the at least one sensor plate and measures the properties or characteristics of the electrical signal produced by the at least one sensor plate, such as the capacitance.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a sensor assembly which can sense human tissue in a protected area of a machine. An emitter plate and a plurality of sensor plates are disposed co-planar to each other and adjacent to the protected area of the machine. An electric field is generated between the emitter plate and the sensor plates and directed towards the protected area. The sensor plates produce electrical signals corresponding to the electric field received at the sensor plate. The electrical signals are amplified, measures, and analyzed to determine if human tissue is within the protected area. If human tissue is detected, a machine interface circuit will shut down the machine to prevent injury.