Flaying Machine Safety System Using RFID Operator Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety systems for working machines, such as flaying machines, are prone to false interventions due to environmental conditions like moisture and temperature, and require complex calibration and physical connections, limiting operator freedom and being ineffective with unsuitable or worn-out gloves.

Innovation Solution

A safety system using a transceiver unit associated with the operator and the machine, along with conductive gloves, that transmits a presence signal and recognizes authorized operators, and can detect hazardous conditions to immediately shut down the machine, employing RFID, RF, or IR technology, and ensuring continuous electrical integrity through embedded conductor circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage drop detection is used as the critical parameter for safety system intervention, then operator safety is improved, but the system is affected by environmental conditions (moisture, temperature) and electro-physical characteristics of the operator, causing false interventions and production delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety detection accuracyVSAvoidenvironmental conditions and operator characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary conductive element (glove or wristband) that mediates between the operator and the machine structure. This intermediary provides a controlled electrical connection path, allowing the safety system to detect contact conditions through the glove/wristband rather than directly through the operator's body, thereby eliminating the influence of environmental conditions and operator electro-physical characteristics on the detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical voltage drop detection method with a mechanical/electrical hybrid approach using a conductive glove or wristband system. The conductive element provides a reliable electrical path that substitutes for the variable human body electrical characteristics, enabling consistent and accurate contact detection independent of environmental factors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If resonant circuit electric oscillation is used for safety detection, then the system can detect operator contact, but complex calibration procedures and computer displays are required, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact detection capabilityVSAvoidcalibration procedures and electronic marking
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex calibration and identification functions from the safety detection system. By using a simple conductive glove or wristband without requiring calibration sequences, computer displays, or electronic marking systems, the invention removes the cumbersome calibration procedures and supplementary electronic components while maintaining effective contact detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive conductive gloves or wristbands that can be easily replaced if needed, eliminating the need for complex calibration procedures and expensive electronic identification systems. These simple conductive elements provide reliable contact detection without requiring personalized settings or computer-based management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If conductive gloves are used for safety detection, then operator identification and contact detection are enabled, but the system is affected by glove wear and poor glove care, reducing reliability over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator identification and contact detectionVSAvoidglove electrical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical conductivity-based detection through gloves with a wireless communication system using transceivers. Instead of relying on the electrical properties of conductive gloves that degrade with wear, the system uses radio frequency or infrared transceivers that provide reliable operator identification and contact detection without being affected by glove condition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces transceiver units as intermediaries between the operator and the safety system. These transceivers, worn by the operator and integrated with the machine, provide reliable wireless communication for identification and contact detection, eliminating the need for conductive gloves and their associated reliability issues with wear and care

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system provides reliable and quick identification of authorized operators, is unaffected by moisture and temperature, and ensures immediate shutdown in hazardous conditions, enhancing operator safety and simplifying implementation and use.

Implementation Method 1

employing RFID, RF, or IR technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification):

Implementation Method 2

transmits a presence signal and recognizes authorized operators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 3

conductive gloves, that transmits a presence signal and ensures continuous electrical integrity through embedded conductor circuits

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2696125B1Safety system for flaying machine
Publication Date: 2017.12.27 GRASSELLI GIORGIO
  • EP2696125B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2696125B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2696125B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention describes a safety system (100) for a working machine (1), wherein an operator (7) is able to interact with the machine (1), wherein the system (100) comprises a transceiver unit (71) associated with the operator (7), a central processing unit (11), associated with the working machine (1), so as to receive signals from the transceiver unit (71), conductive gloves (81) comprising electrical conduction means (85, 84) configured to operate in ordinary functioning (I) or in an alarm condition (II), electrical connection means (82) configured to connect the transceiver unit (71) to the conductive gloves (81), and wherein the central processing unit (11) is configured to recognize whether the operator (7) is authorized for use of the machine (1), and to transmit an alarm signal (Sx1) so as to disable the machine (1) if the second operative condition (II) occurs.