Foundation Machine Walkway Sensors for Hazard Zone Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foundation construction machines pose safety risks when service technicians fail to follow safety procedures and access dangerous areas while the machine is operational, as operators may not react in time to prevent accidents.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one sensor to monitor access points and dangerous areas, which detects the presence of personnel and automatically executes safety functions to prevent machine operation if individuals are detected, prioritizing safety over operator commands and ensuring fault tolerance through dual-channel connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are integrated to automatically detect personnel and trigger safety functions, then safety reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual safety monitoring (mechanical/physical observation by operators) with automated sensor systems including laser scanners and presence detection devices. These sensors automatically detect personnel in dangerous zones and trigger safety functions, substituting human vigilance with optical/electronic detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the sensors and the machine actuators. When sensors detect personnel presence, the control system processes this information and automatically sends commands to prevent machine movements, mediating between detection and safety action without requiring direct human intervention.
2Reliability
If automated safety functions override operator commands, then safety reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively preventing machine movements when personnel are detected in dangerous zones. The automated safety functions issue override commands before any dangerous motion can occur, counteracting potential harm before it materializes. This prioritizes safety by anticipating and preventing dangerous situations rather than reacting after they occur.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors monitor access points and walkway surfaces, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent sensor units, each responsible for specific zones (access points, walkway surfaces, dangerous areas). This segmentation allows precise monitoring of different locations with dedicated sensors while maintaining modular architecture that manages complexity through distributed functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality where sensors can detect various types of presence (personnel, equipment) and trigger different safety responses based on the detected object and location. The control system processes information from multiple sensors to make comprehensive safety decisions, maximizing the utility of each sensor component.
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
Significantly reduces the likelihood of dangerous situations by automatically disabling machine functions when personnel are detected in hazardous areas, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents during maintenance and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of sensors, such as laser scanners, to monitor access points and walkway surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A foundation construction machine includes a self-moving/mobile assembly moving the construction machine. An upper structure mechanically connected to the self-moving/mobile assembly has an access point allowing access to the upper structure, and equipped with a walkway surface for standing or walking. A mast/boom mechanically connects to the upper structure, whereon an operating equipment mounts for drilling the ground. A presence sensor integrally mounts to the upper structure to monitor a monitoring region integral with the upper structure and covering the walkway surface. The presence sensor detects presence of a solid body in the monitoring region and sends a detection signal representative of the presence. A control system connected to the presence sensor is configured for receiving the detection signal and for sending a control signal to cause the construction machine to execute a predetermined function(s) when the detection signal indicates presence of a solid body proximate the walkway surface.