Emergency Stop Device Self-Powered Unlocking via Mechanical Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency stop devices require internal or external electrical energy sources to unlock after actuation, which can be impractical and unreliable, especially in situations where power is interrupted.
Innovation Solution
An emergency stop device that uses a mechanical energy generator to convert movement into electrical energy, powering a microcontroller and unlocking actuator, allowing secure authentication without the need for internal or external energy sources, utilizing RFID, biometric, or NFC read devices for authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal energy source is used to power the read device, then unlocking can be authenticated, but the device complexity and reliability worsen due to dependence on power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own electrical energy through mechanical movement of the actuating element (ring) around the control axis. The energy generator converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy that powers the read device and unlocking actuator, making the system self-sufficient without external or internal power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical power supply systems with a mechanical energy generation system. The actuating element's rotational movement around the control axis drives the energy generator, substituting electromagnetic power sources with a mechanically-driven energy conversion system.
2Ease of operation
If a key-based unlocking system is used, then the device can be reset, but key management becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical key-based unlocking with an authentication-based system using the read device. The actuating element's movement triggers energy generation that powers electronic authentication, substituting physical key management with electronic verification processes.
3Reliability
If the control button remains in actuated position, then the electrical circuit stays open, but the device cannot be reset without unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the mechanical energy from the actuating element's movement to power the unlocking mechanism. The same user action that actuates the emergency stop also provides the energy needed to unlock and reset the device, creating a self-service reset system.
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
Enables secure unlocking of the emergency stop device in all situations without relying on electrical power, ensuring reliable operation by harnessing mechanical energy to power the authentication process.
Implementation Method 1
an energy generator arranged to convert the mechanical energy supplied by a movement of the actuating element into an electrical energy intended to power the read device
Implementation Method 2
the read device is of the RFID type and comprises an antenna connected to the microcontroller
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency stop device including a control assembly which can be actuated in translation along a control axis between a released position and an actuated position, a locking element cooperating with the control assembly and able to assume a locking position to hold the control assembly in its actuated position, a read device configured to generate a command for authorising unlocking of the control assembly, an unlocking actuator configured to act on the locking device to release the control assembly from its actuated position, an actuating element which can be actuated in movement to generate a mechanical energy, and an energy generator configured to convert the mechanical energy supplied by a movement of the actuating element into an electrical energy intended to power the read device.