Mobile Isolation Device for Remote Equipment Energy Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote isolation systems for equipment in large and dynamic environments, such as mining and construction sites, face challenges with high installation costs due to extensive cable requirements and operator downtime from traveling between fixed isolation stations, especially in changing terrains and landscapes.

Innovation Solution

A remote isolation system utilizing mobile isolation devices that enable wireless communication and automated equipment isolation, allowing operators to request and authorize isolation from a portable console, reducing the need for physical travel and cable installations, and incorporating a docking station for recharging and security features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fixed position remote isolation stations are used, then equipment isolation can be achieved remotely, but operators must travel between stations and equipment locations, increasing downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation speedVSAvoidoperator travel time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fixed isolation station into a dynamic mobile isolation device that can move to different locations. The handheld isolation device allows operators to perform isolation functions at the equipment location itself, eliminating the need to travel between fixed stations and equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between remote isolation capability and operator travel time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If dedicated cable connections are installed across large areas, then control system connectivity is achieved, but installation costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system connectivityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The mobile isolation device communicates with the control system via wireless signals, eliminating the need for extensive physical cable installations across large and changing terrains, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable connectivity and installation cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If cable installations are performed in extreme environmental conditions, then system connectivity is established, but installation difficulty and hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem connectivityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for physical cable installation in extreme environments by using wireless communication. The mobile isolation device establishes connectivity through wireless signals, avoiding the hazards and difficulties of working at heights, in flooding conditions, or in other extreme environments required for cable installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Area of stationary object

If fixed remote isolation stations are positioned far apart to cover large areas, then coverage area increases, but operator travel time between stations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidoperator travel time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the stationary coverage model into a mobile one. Instead of positioning fixed stations far apart to cover large areas, the mobile isolation device can be moved to any location within the coverage area, allowing operators to perform isolation functions at the exact location needed without traveling between fixed stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

5Adaptability or versatility

If the terrain changes due to mining or construction activity, then operational flexibility increases, but cable installation costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidcable installation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the cable-based system with a wireless system that inherently adapts to terrain changes. The mobile isolation device maintains connectivity through wireless communication regardless of terrain modifications from mining or construction activity, eliminating the need to reinstall or adapt physical cable infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10222763B2Remote isolation system and mobile device for use in the remote isolation system

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 REMSAFE PTY LTD

AI summary

A remote isolation system (10) for a plant comprising equipment (20,21) energizable by an energy source (30) and a control system (50,260) enabling automated isolation of the equipment (20,21) from said energy source (30) to an isolated state when authorized by the control system (50,260), wherein said control system (50,260) enables remote isolation of the equipment (20,21) by one or more mobile isolation device(s) (120) provided as part of the remote isolation system (10) and configured to request the control system (50,260) to authorize equipment (20,21) isolation.