Digital Lockout Control for Electrical Isolation Records
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety protocols for disconnecting power sources in electrical systems, such as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), rely on manual processes that are prone to human error and lack digital record-keeping, making them inefficient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A digital lockout/tagout (LOTO) system that uses a computer-implemented method to control isolation devices, perform digital lockout/tagout procedures, and maintain a digital record of lockout status, ensuring secure and authorized operation of electrical equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual LOTO procedures are used, then workers can physically control energy sources with personal locks and tags, but the process is prone to human error and lacks digital record-keeping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical LOTO system (physical locks, tags, and handwritten records) with an automated digital system. The controller automatically identifies energy sources, controls isolation devices, and maintains digital records of lockout status, eliminating human error in record-keeping while preserving the core safety function of controlling energy sources.
2Productivity
If manual LOTO procedures are used, then workers can identify and control energy sources, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the controller automatically performs tasks that previously required manual worker intervention. The controller autonomously identifies energy sources, determines isolation devices, executes lockout procedures, and updates digital records without requiring workers to manually document each step, significantly reducing procedure time while maintaining safety controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor the status of isolation devices and energy sources, and the controller automatically updates the digital record based on real-time system state. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the time workers would spend manually verifying and recording lockout status, improving operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If digital automation is implemented, then human error is reduced and digital records are maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions within a single device: it identifies energy sources, controls isolation devices, maintains digital records, and provides user interfaces for worker interaction. By consolidating these previously separate functions into one universal controller, the system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each function while maintaining high reliability through automated error reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided facilitating worker safety in an electrical system. In the method and system, a request is received from a user to perform a lockout/tagout (LOTO) for equipment in the electrical system. An isolation device(s) is identified for electrically isolating the equipment from an electrical energy source(s) in the electrical system. A digital LOTO procedure is performed for the equipment, which includes controlling shutdown of the equipment; controlling an operation of the isolation device(s) to isolate the equipment from the energy source(s); performing digital lockout for the equipment by setting a lockout status for the equipment which prohibits or prevent unauthorized release of the lockout; and providing a digital record of the lockout which reflects a lockout status of the energy source(s) from the equipment, identifies the user responsible for the request, and provides notice of the lockout status for the equipment.