Synchronously Pivoted Gate Safety Curtains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems for automatically operated gates and doors, such as contact edge protection, light barriers, and sensors, face issues like delayed reaction to obstacles, high design effort, and unsecured areas due to assembly complexities and environmental influences, leading to potential injuries or damage.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single distance-measuring scanning detector with synchronously pivoted beams to generate rectangular safety curtains in front of and behind the gate opening, simplifying evaluation and reducing sensitivity to assembly tolerances and environmental factors, allowing for effective obstacle detection and rapid door reversal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple light barriers or light grids are installed in front of and behind the gate closing level, then safety coverage is improved, but device complexity and design effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light barrier functions into a single integrated distance-measuring scanning detector that emits multiple detector beams simultaneously. This single device performs the safety monitoring function that would otherwise require multiple separate light barriers or light grids, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance-measuring scanning detector serves multiple functions: it measures distances to obstacles, generates multiple detector beams covering different areas, and provides both pre-collision and post-collision safety monitoring. This multi-functional approach replaces several specialized components with one versatile device, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If light barriers and light grids are installed to ensure safety, then protection against obstacles is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to multiple components requiring precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light barrier components into a single scanning detector unit. Instead of assembling and aligning multiple separate transmitters and receivers, the system uses one integrated device that automatically generates and scans multiple detector beams, dramatically simplifying assembly procedures while maintaining comprehensive obstacle protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning detector automatically performs the alignment and positioning functions that would otherwise require manual adjustment of multiple components. The device self-regulates its beam generation and scanning to ensure proper coverage, eliminating the need for complex assembly and alignment procedures.
3Device complexity
If a single distance-measuring scanning detector with multiple beams is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sensitivity to assembly tolerances and environmental factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary distance measurements continuously as the gate approaches the closing position. By monitoring distances in advance with multiple beams and comparing measurements over time, the system can detect obstacles early and compensate for assembly tolerances before they become critical issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning detector provides continuous feedback on distance measurements to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor environmental conditions and assembly variations in real-time, adjusting its safety decisions based on actual measurements rather than relying on fixed, tolerance-sensitive parameters.
4Reliability
If contact edge protection is used to stop the gate drive, then obstacle detection is achieved, but reaction time is delayed until contact occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The distance-measuring scanning detector performs preliminary distance measurements continuously before the gate reaches the closing position. This allows the system to detect obstacles in advance and initiate reversal or stopping actions before contact occurs, eliminating the time delay inherent in contact-based protection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based protection with an optical measurement system. Instead of relying on physical contact to trigger safety responses, the system uses optical distance measurements to detect obstacles and initiate protective actions, significantly reducing reaction time and preventing contact-related injuries.
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
This solution provides comprehensive and adaptive safety coverage, reducing the risk of collisions by allowing for precise and efficient detection of obstacles, even in varying geometric and operational conditions, while minimizing the impact of assembly errors and environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
a distance-measuring scanning detector (10) mounted close to the edge of the door opening by means of two synchronously pivoted distance-measuring detector beams (11, 12)
Implementation Method 2
A single distance-measuring scanning detector with synchronously pivoted beams to generate rectangular safety curtains
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a gate by means of a motor drive along at least one straight guide device over a rectangular gate opening, wherein distance measuring detector beams are moved synchronously to create a forked detector beam probe system in front of and behind the gate closing plane, wherein the individual distance measuring detector beams create safety curtains configured in a particular manner on a gate inner side and a gate outer side separated by the door closing plane, and wherein detector output signals arising when an obstacles occur can be input to a simplified processor due to the synchronous pivoting of the distance-measuring detector beams.