Dual-Mode Operating Unit for Safe Mobile Machine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating units for container treatment machines are limited by safety regulations, restricting the operator's mobility and flexibility, especially when performing non-safety critical tasks, as they must always be within reach of the emergency stop switch.
Innovation Solution
An operating unit with a touch-sensitive display that operates in two modes: a first mode connected to the machine for safety-relevant functions and an emergency stop, and a second mode for non-safety critical functions like diagnosis and parameterization, allowing increased operator mobility by disabling emergency stop functions when not physically connected to the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating unit is physically connected to the operating station to ensure safety (emergency stop accessibility), then operator safety is improved, but operator mobility and room to manoeuvre are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operating unit into two distinct operational modes: a first operating mode when physically connected to the operating station (providing full functionality including emergency stop) and a second operating mode when not physically connected (providing restricted functionality). This segmentation allows the system to adapt its safety characteristics based on the physical connection state, resolving the contradiction between safety and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating unit dynamically changes its functional capabilities based on whether it is physically connected to the operating station. The detection means detects the connection state and automatically activates the appropriate operating mode, making the safety characteristics of the system dynamic rather than static. This allows the operator to move freely while the system automatically maintains appropriate safety levels.
2Ease of operation
If the operating unit is made mobile to increase operator room to manoeuvre, then operator mobility is improved, but safety control (emergency stop accessibility) is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments functionality by connection state, with safety-critical functions (emergency stop) only available in the first operating mode when physically connected. Non-safety-critical functions are available in both modes. This segmentation allows mobile operation for diagnostic tasks while maintaining safety control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means acts as an intermediary that automatically detects whether the operating unit is physically connected to the operating station and activates the appropriate operating mode. This intermediary mechanism ensures that safety control is maintained without requiring continuous operator attention to physical connection status.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all functions are always available regardless of connection status, then operational flexibility is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the availability of functions based on the physical connection state detected by the detection means. Safety-critical functions are only enabled in the first operating mode when physically connected, while non-safety-critical functions can be accessed in the second operating mode during mobile operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between flexibility and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the operating unit based on connection status. The detection means detects whether the unit is physically connected and automatically switches between operating modes, thereby changing the parameter of function availability. This parameter change ensures that safety-critical functions are only accessible when the physical connection provides safety assurance.
Data Source
AI summary
Operating unit for a container treatment machine, wherein the operating unit comprises at least one touch-sensitive display device, and the operating unit can be operated in two operating modes, wherein a first operating mode is only executed if the operating unit is connected to an operating station of the container treatment machine, and wherein a second operating mode is only executed if the operating unit is not physically connected to the operating station, wherein the first operating mode and the second operating mode differ at least with regard to one function that can be executed with the operating unit.