Integrated Safety Control for Material Testing Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional material testing systems often fail to comply with international safety standards and are costly due to reliance on off-the-shelf safety components, which can compromise operator safety and system reliability.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a safety system within the material testing system using embedded electronics and semiconductors, incorporating machine state indicators, redundant monitoring, and direct hardware shutdown capabilities to ensure compliance with ISO safety standards and reduce external wiring and component costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If off-the-shelf safety components are used, then safety functionality is provided, but system cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety system with the material testing system into a single integrated unit. The safety processor, actuators, and control circuits are embedded within the testing system architecture rather than being separate off-the-shelf components. This merging eliminates the need for external safety components, reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliability through unified design and control.
2Reliability
If off-the-shelf safety components are used, then safety functionality is provided, but compliance with international safety standards becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is merged with the material testing system architecture, allowing unified control and monitoring that simplifies compliance with ISO 13849-1 and other international safety standards. The integrated design enables centralized safety processor control and coordinated actuator management within a single system framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the safety processor continuously monitors system state through sensors and actuators, and adjusts control signals to maintain safe operating conditions. This real-time feedback ensures compliance with safety standards by dynamically responding to changing system conditions and preventing hazardous states.
Data Source
AI summary
Safety systems requiring intentional function activation and material testing systems including safety systems requiring intentional function activation are disclosed. An example material testing system includes: an actuator configured to control an operator-accessible component of the material testing system; an operator interface comprising a plurality of inputs; a pressure sensitive surface configured to: detect the presence of a pressure on the surface; and output a pressure signal in response to detecting the pressure; and one or more processors configured to: control the actuator based on at least one of a material testing process or an input from the operator interface; and require two or more inputs to be received to permit at least one operation of the actuator, at least one of the two or more inputs comprising the non-detection signal.