External Proximity Indicators for Industrial Machine Safety Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity detection systems (PDS) in industrial machines do not provide visual feedback to off-board personnel, posing safety risks as individuals approaching the machines are unaware of the detection and potential reactions of the machine.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a PDS in industrial machines that includes a controller and sensors to detect objects in proximity, with the capability to generate optical feedback using a subset of light sources to indicate detection, proximity, and type of object, providing directed visual feedback to external individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proximity detection systems are implemented in industrial machines, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but visual feedback to external personnel is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements external indicators that provide visual feedback to personnel outside the machine about the proximity detection system's status and detected objects. This creates a feedback loop where the detection system's internal state is communicated externally, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining safety monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external indicators as an intermediary component between the proximity detection system and external personnel. These indicators act as a mediator that translates the machine's detection state into visible signals for external observers, enabling communication without direct system modification
2Loss of information
If external indicators are added to provide visual feedback, then information communication is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the visual feedback system into multiple discrete external indicators positioned at different locations on the machine. Each indicator can be independently controlled to convey specific information about detected objects from different zones, allowing complex information communication through simple, modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The external indicators serve multiple functions: they indicate the presence of detected objects, communicate the machine's operational state, and provide spatial information about object locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each purpose, managing complexity while enhancing information communication
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide an industrial machine that includes one or more indicators mounted to an external portion of the industrial machine. The one or more indicators are configured to provide an indication to an individual external to the industrial machine that a proximity detection system has detected his or her presence external to the industrial machine. The one or more indicators are controlled to provide the indication to the individual using, for example, different colors of light, different intensities of light, or activation of different indicators.