Machine Safety Sensing for Position-Based Impact Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems for machine tools lack flexibility and effectiveness in managing the risk of impact between people and moving components, often failing to provide adequate protection regardless of the position of the machine's moving parts and people in the vicinity.
Innovation Solution
A safety system equipped with sensors that detect the presence of people in defined zones and control the movement of machine components to prevent impacts, using a combination of laser scanning and pressure sensors to adjust the movement speed or stop the machine's operational elements based on the position of both the machine's parts and people, ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional safety systems are used, then the machine can operate, but the flexibility in managing impact risk according to position is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system divides the operational space into multiple zones (first zone with first sensor means, second zone with second sensor means) around the machine. Each zone has its own sensor means and control logic, allowing independent detection and response to people in different locations. This segmentation enables flexible, position-specific risk management without requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system dynamically adjusts machine operation based on real-time detection of people's positions. When people are detected in the first zone, the machine slows down; when detected in the second zone, the machine stops. This dynamic response adapts the safety measures to the actual situation, providing flexibility while maintaining manageable system complexity through rule-based control.
2Productivity
If the machine operates at full speed, then productivity is high, but the risk of impact to people is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system continuously monitors the environment using sensor means that detect people's positions in real-time. This feedback information is processed by control means that adjust the machine's operation accordingly - slowing down or stopping when people are detected in proximity zones. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains high productivity when safe while preventing impacts when people are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system performs preliminary detection of people in the first zone before the machine reaches potentially dangerous positions. When people are detected early in the first zone, the machine slows down in advance, allowing time for safe operation adjustment before the machine could pose an impact risk. This preliminary action prevents harmful effects while minimizing disruption to productivity.
3Reliability
If safety zones are expanded to cover more area, then people protection is improved, but the machine operation is restricted more
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system applies different protection levels to different spatial zones. The first zone has less restrictive measures (speed reduction), while the second zone has more protective measures (complete stop). This local differentiation of safety quality provides strong protection where needed while maintaining operational freedom in other areas, balancing reliability and productivity.
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 effectively prevents health-damaging impacts by dynamically adjusting the machine's operation according to the positions of both the moving parts and people, maintaining a high level of safety without compromising productivity.
Implementation Method 1
said first sensor means may comprise at least one laser-type scanning sensor
Implementation Method 2
said second sensor means may comprise a plurality of pressure sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine (1) to perform at least one operation on at least one panel or other workpiece, in said machine (1) being defined an access side (F), said machine (1) comprising: a work surface (3) to receive at least one panel or other workpiece; a transversal member (4) movable, according to a first axis (X), above said work surface (3); first moving and stopping means to move said transversal member (4) according to said first axis (X) and to stop said transversal member (4); at least one first operational element (5) to perform at least one operation on said at least one panel or other workpiece placed on said work surface (3), said at least one first operational element (5) being connected to said transversal member (4) in a movable fashion along a second axis (Y), substantially orthogonal to said first axis (X), between a withdrawn position, distal from said access side (F), and an advanced position, proximal to said access side (F); second moving and stopping means to move said at least one first operational element (5) along said second axis (Y) with respect to said transversal member (4) and to stop said at least one first operational element (5); and a safety system comprising: detection means to detect whether said at least one first operational element (5) is in said withdrawn position or in said advanced position with respect to said transversal member (4); and first sensor means (10) to detect the presence of a person in a first zone (Z2) adjacent to said access side (F) of said machine (1), said first sensor means (10) being operationally connected to said detection means, to said first moving and stopping means and to said second moving and stopping means in such a way that said first senor means (10) transmit a signal to said first moving and stopping means and to said second moving and stopping means to stop said transversal member (4) and/or said at least one first operational element (5) when they detect that at least one person is present in said first zone (Z2) and that said at least one first operational element (5) is in said advanced position.