Mobile HMI Safety Control via Proximity Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile HMI devices used in automation systems may allow operators to perform safety-relevant operations from distances that are not permitted, compromising personal safety due to their wireless connectivity, which lacks the proximity constraints of wired or stationary terminals.
Innovation Solution
The HMI system employs contactless data transmission, a manual device for releasing or blocking safety-relevant operations, and evaluation and locating means to ensure the mobile control and monitoring device is within a defined active operating area before allowing safety-relevant operations, with additional warning and blocking mechanisms for maintaining safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile HMI devices are used with wireless connectivity, then operator mobility and flexibility are improved, but personal safety is compromised due to inability to enforce proximity constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the distance between the mobile HMI device and the technical unit using locating means (GPS, cellular towers, Wi-Fi positioning). When the device moves outside the active operating area, the evaluation means detect this and trigger blocking of safety-relevant operations, providing real-time feedback to maintain safety constraints while allowing mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system consisting of evaluation means and blocking means that mediates between the mobile HMI device and the automation components. This intermediary layer enforces safety rules by blocking operations when proximity requirements are not met, without restricting the operator's mobility or the device's wireless functionality.
2Reliability
If stationary HMI terminals are used with cable connections, then personal safety is ensured through proximity constraints, but operator mobility and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection constraint with an electronic/software-based proximity control system. Instead of physically tethering the operator to the technical unit via cable, the system uses locating means to track position and evaluation means to enforce virtual boundary constraints, achieving the same safety goal without physical restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static proximity enforcement (cable length limitation) to dynamic proximity management. The active operating area can be dynamically defined and adjusted, and the system continuously evaluates real-time position data to maintain appropriate safety distances while allowing operators to move freely within permitted zones.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile control devices are allowed to operate from any location, then operational flexibility is improved, but safety-relevant operations may be performed from unauthorized distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of the mobile device's location before allowing safety-relevant operations to proceed. The evaluation means check whether the device is within the active operating area as a prerequisite for enabling operations, preventing unauthorized distance operations before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means are prepared in advance to immediately prevent safety-relevant operations if the device moves outside the active operating area. This preliminary anti-action mechanism ensures that even if the device attempts to operate from an unauthorized location, the blocking function is already in place to counteract potential harmful effects.
Data Source
AI summary
An HMI system with a mobile control and monitoring device for automation components of a technical system is provided. The HMI system includes means for a contactless data transmission between the mobile control and monitoring device and the automation components, a manual device for triggering or blocking security relevant operations of the technical system and means for locating the mobile control and monitoring device. Evaluation means are provided for managing an active operational area which activate the automation components for security-relevant operations of the technical system via the mobile control and monitoring device solely when the manual device is released and the locating means detect that the mobile control and monitoring device is located inside the active operational area. Is he manual device placed directly on the housing of the technical system, an operator has to approach such that he/she enters the active operational area in a secure manner.