Manipulator Safety via Mobile Handset Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to ensure personal safety during the operation of industrial robots, particularly in cooperative operating states where personnel may be within the robot's working area, as they do not effectively prevent malfunctions or incorrect inputs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing mobile hand-held devices with enabling and emergency stop buttons, where the manipulator is only released when all devices are either in a base station or emitting an actuation signal indicating correct operation, ensuring that all devices are properly activated and present in a predetermined location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile handheld devices are used to control manipulators in cooperative operating mode, then ease of operation is improved, but personal safety deteriorates because persons without active device activation are not protected
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the status of enabling switches on mobile handheld devices and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit receives status signals indicating whether enabling switches are activated, and automatically adjusts manipulator operation accordingly - allowing operation when proper safety measures are in place, and preventing operation when safety conditions are not met, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and personal safety
2Reliability
If radio chips are required for all persons in the danger zone, then personal safety is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because cooperative operating mode is precluded
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring uniform radio chips for all persons in the danger zone, the system applies different safety requirements to different locations and roles. Persons actively operating the manipulator use mobile handheld devices with enabling switches, while other persons in the area are monitored by the detection system. This localized differentiation of safety measures enables cooperative operating mode while maintaining personal safety
3Reliability
If safety checks are performed when mobile devices enter safety zones, then personal safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile handheld devices automatically perform safety checks by detecting their own position relative to the manipulator and automatically activating or deactivating enabling switches based on proximity. The device self-manages the safety protocol without requiring additional external monitoring equipment or complex centralized control, thus improving personal safety while minimizing device complexity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The system has a mobile handset unit (1) e.g. portable laptop, comprising two-stage enabling buttons (1.1), and a base station (2) receiving a wirelessly transmitted actuating signal of the handset unit. A presence detection unit detects presence of a system-association of the handset unit in a predetermined break region. A robot controller (3) triggers a stop reaction based on detection of presence of the system-association of the handset unit in the predetermined break region and an actuating signal receiver. An interlock safety door switch (9) is detached by the handset unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for protecting individuals during operation of a manipulator.