Corner Crimping Machine Safety via Lateral Finger Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional corner crimping machines pose a risk of operator injury due to the need to manually actuate drives with hands that are not fully secured, as they are not tied up during the crimping process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of automatically resetting finger-operated switches positioned on the sides of metal profile supports, allowing operators to securely activate drives for the abutment and crimping knives without exposing their hands to danger areas, using spring bar switches with spherical ends for easy actuation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foot pedals are used to activate drives, then operator's hands are free to hold metal profiles, but operator's hands are exposed to danger zones during crimping process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hand rests with integrated finger-actuated switches as an intermediary control mechanism. The operator's fingers rest on the switches which are positioned on the hand rests, allowing activation of drives without the hands needing to leave the safe zones. The hand rests themselves serve as physical barriers or guards that define the safe zones, creating a layered intermediary system between the operator and the danger zones.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If switches are positioned far from supports for safety, then hands are protected from danger zones, but operator fatigue increases during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions switches laterally adjacent to the hand rests rather than only longitudinally along the operator's reach path. This lateral positioning creates a two-dimensional arrangement where switches are within easy finger reach while maintaining longitudinal distance from danger zones. The switches are arranged in a plane that allows finger actuation without requiring hand extension into hazardous areas.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If self-resetting switches are used, then hands remain securely positioned outside danger zone, but switch actuation requires precise finger control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-resetting switches that automatically return to their normal state after actuation. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for manual reset mechanisms or complex interlocking systems. The switches inherently provide the safety function by only allowing drive activation when the operator's fingers are positioned on the hand rests, and they automatically prepare for the next activation cycle without additional operator intervention.
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
This design enhances operational safety by ensuring operators' hands are securely positioned outside the danger zone, allowing for efficient and safe operation of the corner crimping machine without fatigue, even during prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
The switches are designed as self-resetting switches and are each provided with a spring bar
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a corner crimping machine for joining a first and a second metal profile by means of a corner reinforcement, in particular for window and door construction, comprising a support (16) for the first metal profile and a support (18) for the second metal profile, at least one stop (24) for the first and/or the second metal profile, at least one movable abutment (22), at least two movable crimping blades (30, 32), at least one first drive for the abutment (22) and at least one second drive for the at least two crimping blades (30, 32), and several switches (40, 42) for activating the first and second drives, wherein a first switch (40) and a second switch (42) are self-resetting and are designed and positioned laterally to the support (16, 18) for the first and/or the second metal profile.the second metal profile is arranged such that the first switch (40) can be actuated by means of one or more fingers of an operator's hand resting on the first metal profile and the second switch (42) can be actuated by means of one or more fingers of an operator's hand resting on the second metal profile.