Magnetic Antenna Sensor for Wood Machining Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining apparatuses for wood or similar materials lack absolute operator safety due to high-speed movable parts, with existing safety devices either being ineffective, overly complex, or requiring significant setup and caution, and do not allow for close inspection of workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A machining apparatus equipped with magnetic field generating means and antenna sensor means on movable parts to detect the operator's presence and stop the apparatus before contact, combined with a control system that adjusts speed and stops the machine based on sensor signals, using contactless magnetic or ultrasonic sensors to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic field generating means and antenna sensor means are used to detect operator presence, then operator safety is improved by stopping the apparatus before contact, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact sensors with magnetic field-based antenna sensors that detect the operator's presence wirelessly through magnetic field distortion, eliminating the need for physical contact detection and reducing mechanical complexity while improving safety reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the operator and the sensing system, allowing detection of operator presence and proximity without direct contact or line-of-sight requirements, enabling safe operation at high speeds
2Productivity
If high-speed movable parts are used in the machining apparatus, then productivity is improved, but operator safety deteriorates due to increased risk of contact
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna sensor detects operator presence and triggers a stop command before the movable part can reach the operator, creating a preliminary safety action that prevents contact entirely rather than reacting after contact occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system dynamically adjusts the stopping distance and response time based on the detected proximity of the operator, allowing high-speed operation when safe and automatic deceleration when risk is detected
3Reliability
If photocell systems are used to detect operator presence, then safety is improved, but the apparatus length must be increased to maintain safety distance, worsening space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical photocell systems with magnetic field-based antenna sensors that can detect operator presence through non-line-of-sight and through materials, eliminating the need for long safety distances and allowing compact apparatus design
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 solution ensures operator safety by preventing contact with movable parts, maintaining high operating speeds, and allowing for close inspection of workpieces, while being more cost-effective and reliable than existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
antenna sensor means arranged on a movable part of the apparatus to detect the distortion of the magnetic field caused by the nearness of the operator
Data Source
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AI summary
A numerically controlled machining apparatus for machining workpieces made of wood or a material similar to wood is disclosed, having a safety device for the safety of an operator, wherein the distortion of a magnetic field caused by the presence of the operator is detected by a sensor, formed of a metal band with an antenna function, applied to a movable part of the apparatus, so as to be able to stop the apparatus before the contact between the operator and the moving part.