Mobile Robot Control with Proximity-Gated Safety Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern robot systems pose safety risks due to the potential for dangerous situations arising from malfunctions or failures, especially when operators are not physically proximate to trigger emergency stops, as existing systems rely on wired connections that limit operator mobility and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile operating device that transmits presence signals via short-range connections to ensure safety-relevant control commands are only executed when the operator is in proximity, with a presence check determining spatial proximity and configuring the user interface to restrict or enable safety-critical operations based on proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired operating device with cable connection is used to ensure operator proximity for safety, then safety is improved, but operator mobility and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The operating device communicates with the robot system via wireless signals (first signal connection for presence signals, second signal connection for operating signals), eliminating the physical cable constraint that limited operator mobility while maintaining safety through electronic presence verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary presence check mechanism that verifies operator proximity through wireless presence signals before allowing safety-relevant control commands to be executed. This intermediary verification system enables wireless operation while maintaining the safety requirement of operator proximity.
2Ease of operation
If wireless mobile operating device is used to improve operator flexibility, then operator mobility is improved, but safety control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary presence verification by receiving and verifying presence signals from the mobile operating device before allowing safety-relevant control commands to be executed. This preliminary check ensures operator proximity is confirmed in advance, maintaining safety control despite wireless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives presence signals from the mobile operating device and uses this feedback to determine whether to release safety-relevant control commands. The real-time feedback loop maintains safety control by verifying operator proximity throughout operation.
3Reliability
If presence check with proximity verification is implemented to maintain safety, then safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into two independent signal connections: a first signal connection for presence signals (proximity verification) and a second signal connection for operating signals (control commands). This segmentation simplifies the overall system by separating safety verification from operation control, making each subsystem more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the verification parameter from physical cable connection status to wireless signal presence detection. By monitoring the presence and absence of wireless presence signals, the system determines operator proximity without requiring complex physical connection detection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for automatically securing the operation of a robot system and corresponding components of the system, wherein operation is controlled by a mobile operating device. The robot system receives presence signals transmitted from a mobile operating device via a short-range first signal connection and an operating signal transmitted via a second signal connection designed to be independent of the first signal connection. The operating signal contains a safety-relevant control command for the robot system. The control command is released for execution by the robot system only if a presence check has ascertained that the last received presence signal satisfies a presence criterion specified with respect to the determination of a spatial proximity of the operating device to the robot system. A configuration signal derived from the result of the presence check is transmitted back to the operating device for configuration based on the result.