Intelligent Locking for Error-Proof Equipment De-Energization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current equipment management and de-energization systems in industries, particularly in the mining sector, lack automated checks and are prone to human errors, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies during the unlocking and de-energization processes, which are time-consuming and require extensive manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
An automated system comprising an intelligent lock with a communication interface, a control device, and a central server that identifies and verifies the power source, ensures correct locking and unlocking, and manages the de-energization process through a platform for remote access, reducing manual errors and enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual identification and locking of power sources is used, then the system is simple to operate, but human errors occur and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification and locking processes with an automated system comprising intelligent locks, mobile control devices, and central servers. The intelligent lock automatically identifies the power source, verifies its status, and executes locking/de-energization actions without human intervention, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent lock performs self-identification of the power source and self-verification of its status before executing locking actions. The system automatically tracks and manages the locking state, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and reducing operational complexity while enhancing safety through automated self-checks.
2Measurement precision
If automated intelligent locks are deployed, then safety and accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent lock integrates multiple functions into a single device: power source identification, status verification, locking execution, and communication with the central server. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and manual procedures, managing complexity through consolidation while achieving high identification accuracy through automated sensor-based detection.
3Productivity
If manual seven-step process is followed, then the procedure is simple to understand, but time consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent lock performs preliminary identification and verification of the power source status automatically before the maintenance process begins. The system pre-configures the locking parameters and communicates with the central server in advance, eliminating time-consuming manual steps and enabling immediate execution of the locking action, thus reducing overall de-energization time while maintaining procedural simplicity.
4Reliability
If manual key management is used, then the system is easy to operate, but errors in key deposition and management occur
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent lock provides automatic feedback to the central server regarding its locking state, key deposition status, and operational integrity. The system continuously monitors and reports the status of each lock, enabling automated tracking and management of keys without manual intervention. This feedback mechanism ensures high reliability in key management while simplifying operations through centralized automated monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
An equipment locking and de-energization management system (7) is configured to guarantee safety during the locking and de-energization of a power source (6) of an item of equipment (7) during maintenance thereof. The system includes an intelligent lock (1) to be inserted into the power source (6) and perform the locking thereof, a control device (2) configured to manage and sort the locking steps and a central server (15) to assist with the communication between the elements of the locking and de-energization management system. Also described is an equipment locking and de-energization management method (7) which makes use of the locking and de-energization management system, enhancing the safety, efficiency and productivity during locking and de-energization of the power source (6) of an item of equipment (7) undergoing maintenance.