Emergency Stop Indicator Optical Feedback Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems for optical display elements in emergency stop switches, particularly in mobile systems, fail to reliably detect malfunctions, leading to potential safety risks due to incorrect statements about the function of the display elements, which do not meet the high safety requirements of mobile emergency stop systems.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system for optical display elements in emergency stop switches, utilizing safety electronics connected to an optical sensor, ensuring reliable operation through safe outputs and inputs, and employing a fiber optic cable to bridge distances, with methods involving optical signal generation, measurement, and comparison to detect malfunctions, and output warning signals when deviations occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current or voltage feedback monitoring is used for optical display elements, then the monitoring system can detect electrical parameters, but it cannot reliably detect actual optical output failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary component that directly detects the optical output of the display element. This intermediary measurement method bridges the gap between electrical control and optical output, allowing the system to detect actual optical failures rather than just electrical anomalies. The optical sensor serves as a mediator that translates optical signals into detectable electrical signals for the safety electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical feedback monitoring with optical feedback monitoring. Instead of using electrical probes to measure current or voltage, the system uses an optical sensor to detect the actual light output. This substitution fundamentally changes the measurement approach from electrical domain to optical domain, enabling direct detection of optical display element failures.
2Ease of operation
If mobile emergency stop systems are used to improve accessibility, then operator flexibility increases, but safety risks increase due to higher susceptibility to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the optical sensor continuously monitors the display element's output and feeds this information back to the safety electronics. This feedback mechanism ensures that any deviation from normal operation is immediately detected, allowing the system to maintain high safety standards despite the increased mobility and accessibility of the emergency stop device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and detection before actual emergency situations occur. By continuously checking the optical output of display elements in advance, the system can detect potential failures early and trigger appropriate safety responses, preventing reliance on faulty indicators during critical emergency operations.
3Loss of information
If optical display elements are used to provide visual feedback, then operator awareness is improved, but false indications can lead to dangerous situations
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor provides continuous feedback on the actual optical output of the display element, enabling the safety electronics to verify whether the visual information being presented to the operator is accurate. This feedback loop ensures that the information displayed truly reflects the system's operational state, preventing false indications.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system uses the optical sensor to self-verify the display element's functionality. Rather than relying on separate testing procedures, the system continuously monitors its own display elements during normal operation, allowing for real-time detection and response to any failures or anomalies in the visual feedback provided to operators.
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
Ensures the reliable functioning of optical display elements, preventing reliance on faulty indicators by detecting malfunctions and triggering emergency stop functions, thereby enhancing safety and compliance with high safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor OS comprises at least one of a photoresistor, a photodiode and a phototransistor
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system for an optical display element of an emergency stop switch, wherein the monitoring system comprises an operating element with optical display element, an optical sensor and safety electronics. The safety electronics are connected to the optical display element and the optical sensor. The safety electronics comprise a safe output and a safe input and are connected to the optical display element via the safe output and are connected to the optical sensor via the safe input. It can thereby be ensured that the optical display element functions reliably or is not faulty in order to avoid fatal consequences for life and limb. The optical display element can comprise a single display element or a plurality of display elements.