Door Locking Signal Conductor for Machine Tool Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door movement and locking devices for machine tools and similar applications lack clear indication of obstacle detection when stationary and rely solely on mechanical connections, which can lead to safety risks if mechanical components fail, and are prone to contamination and electrical issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrically isolated signal conductor, such as a guide column, that generates an evaluatable electrical signal when the locking element is activated, allowing for independent movement state detection and providing additional safety by enabling braking even if mechanical connections fail, while eliminating the need for wear-prone electrical connections and enhancing robustness against contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical connection between locking member and guide column is used, then the door locking function is achieved, but the reliability is reduced when mechanical components fail or are defective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical connection between locking member and guide column with an electrical signal-based detection system. A sensor detects the position of the locking member relative to the guide column and generates an electrical signal, which is then evaluated by a control unit. This substitution eliminates wear-prone mechanical contacts while maintaining the locking function, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical signal transmission system between the locking member and the control system. Instead of direct mechanical interaction, the locking member's position is detected by a sensor that converts mechanical position into an electrical signal. This intermediary layer provides isolation between mechanical and electrical systems, reducing the impact of mechanical failures while enabling reliable state detection.
2Ease of operation
If wear-prone electrical lines are used to connect electrical components, then the door movement control is achieved, but the device becomes vulnerable to contamination and electrical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wear-prone electrical lines with a contactless electrical signal transmission system. Electrical signals are transmitted through isolated conductors or wireless communication between the moving door components and the fixed control system. This eliminates physical electrical connections that are susceptible to wear, contamination, and failure, while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs protective enclosures, seals, and insulating materials to shield electrical components from contamination by viscous media, dust, and other harmful factors. These protective layers allow the electrical system to operate reliably in harsh environments without direct exposure to contaminants.
3Productivity
If the door moves at high speeds for short movement cycles, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of injury increases due to high movement speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a real-time feedback system using sensors that continuously monitor the door's position, speed, and locking state. This feedback is immediately evaluated by a control unit that can adjust the drive device's operation or trigger emergency braking if abnormal conditions are detected. The feedback loop enables high-speed operation while maintaining safety through active monitoring and rapid response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary safety measures including pre-positioned locking members, pre-charged spring mechanisms, and pre-programmed emergency stop sequences. These preliminary actions ensure that safety functions are already prepared and can activate instantly when needed, rather than requiring complex real-time calculations during high-speed operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
In a device (1) for moving and locking a movable door (2), in particular a protective door or device arranged in front of a hazard to be secured, comprising at least one profile rail (3, 4) by which the door (2) is guided, a drive unit (5) adjustable to the door (2) by which the door (2) can be moved along a direction of movement or adjustment (8), a locking element (6) arranged on the door (2) and mounted to pivot with limited movement, which engages a guide column (7) running parallel to the profile rails (3, 4), and a contact strip (10) arranged at the lower edge of the door (2), which is drivenly coupled to the locking element (6) and by which a force-fit or form-fit connection for locking the door (2) is formed between the locking element (6) and the guide column (7), the aim is to ensure that the door (2) is clearly determinable when at rest.whether an object or obstacle touches the contact strip (10) without triggering the restricted area (6), and that an additional safety check is available if the mechanical connection between the restricted area (6) and the guide roller (7) and/or between the contact strip (10) and the restricted area (6) should be defective. This is achieved by arranging a signal conductor (11) electrically insulated from the device (1) parallel to the guide rails (3, 4), by closing an electrical circuit through the signal conductor (11) when the locking element (6) is activated, and by generating an electrical signal (S1, S2, Ss) that can be evaluated by the drive unit (5).