Machine control element with security functionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine operating systems lack an integrated solution to ensure operator safety while allowing operators to perform tasks without diverting attention from the workpiece or machine tool, leading to increased risk of injury due to the need for parallel attention and manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A machine operating element with safety functionality, featuring a support structure integrated with a glove containing a hydraulic pressure transducer and sensor, connected via separate communication links to both the machine's safety circuit and control module, enabling immediate detection and response to safety-critical states without requiring operators to divert attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operator performs manipulation actions and monitoring in parallel, then the processing can be initiated and monitored, but the operator's attention is divided and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service safety monitoring where the sensor-equipped glove automatically detects dangerous states and triggers safety responses without requiring the operator to continuously monitor or manually activate safety functions. The operator simply performs tasks while the system autonomously ensures safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator attention and mechanical safety monitoring with an automated sensor system that uses electromagnetic fields (RFID, capacitive, inductive sensors) to detect the operator's position and dangerous states, substituting human cognitive resources with electronic detection mechanisms.
2Reliability
If safety detection devices are added to the machine tool, then safety monitoring is improved, but the operator still needs to divert attention to operate the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor-equipped glove acts as an intermediary between the operator and the machine tool's safety system. Instead of the operator directly monitoring safety or the machine monitoring the operator's cognitive state, the glove serves as a wearable mediator that continuously tracks the operator's position and communicates with both the machine control and safety systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary safety detection by continuously monitoring the operator's position before dangerous states occur. The sensors detect when the operator approaches dangerous zones or when the workpiece deviates from the intended path, triggering preventive safety responses before actual contact or damage occurs.
3Manufacturing precision
If the operator focuses on the workpiece, then processing quality is maintained, but safety monitoring is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system performs self-service monitoring independently of the operator's attention. The sensor glove automatically detects dangerous states and triggers safety responses without requiring the operator to divide attention between quality control and safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback through the sensor glove that monitors both the operator's position and the workpiece state. This feedback loop enables automatic safety responses while allowing the operator to maintain focus on processing quality, as the system independently handles safety monitoring and alert generation.
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
Enables operators to focus on the processing area while ensuring immediate detection and prevention of safety-critical conditions, reducing the risk of injury by allowing continuous attention on the workpiece and machine operation.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pressure transducer (11) and a hydraulic pressure sensor (12) connected to it
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine operating element (1) with safety functionality, comprising a safety parameter detection means (3) on a supporting structure (2), the supporting structure (2) being arranged in or on an item of clothing, which item of clothing can be arranged on a part of the body carrying out machine operating actions, and there being a first communication connection (7) between the safety parameter detection means (3) and a safety circuit (5) of a machine tool (6) to be operated. The item of clothing is a glove (10), and the safety parameter detection means (3) has a hydraulic pressure transmitter (11) and a hydraulic pressure sensor (12) connected to it. A control variable detection means (4) is also arranged on the support structure (2), with a second communication link (8) existing between the control variable detection means (4) and a control module (9) of the machine tool (6).