Motor Kill Switch Latch-Key Arrangement for Operator Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor kill switch arrangements are often circumvented or not used effectively, leading to accidents in motorized equipment such as boats, treadmills, and power tools, as they can be easily overridden or forgotten, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
Innovation Solution
A motor kill switch system with a latch-key member and lanyard that requires the operator to be properly attached to the switch assembly, accompanied by an alarm system that activates if the operator is not securely connected, ensuring the motor cannot operate unless the latch-key member is associated with the switch assembly, and providing a grace period for operator transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple kill switch is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of safety function deteriorates as it can be easily circumvented or forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by requiring the operator to complete specific actions (fastening harness, inserting key) before the motor can be activated. This ensures safety measures are taken in advance rather than relying on operator memory during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback through alarms and warnings that monitor operator status and equipment state. The alarm system alerts the operator when safety harness is not properly fastened or when the kill switch is not engaged, ensuring constant awareness and compliance.
2Reliability
If safety checks and alarms are added, then the reliability of safety function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple safety functions are merged into a single integrated system. The harness sensor, key switch, alarm system, and motor control are combined into one unified safety arrangement that operates together, reducing the number of separate components the operator must manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and verifies safety conditions without requiring active operator intervention. Sensors detect harness fastening status and key insertion automatically, and the system controls alarm activation and motor enablement based on these conditions, reducing cognitive load on the operator.
3Ease of operation
If the motor can be easily started, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintended activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires preliminary safety actions (harness fastening, key insertion) to be completed before the motor can be started. This maintains ease of operation through a simple sequence while preventing unintended activation by ensuring the operator is properly secured and intentionally initiating startup.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to motor safety devices as used in increasing numbers for the killing of engines or disengaging propulsion units from motors, when there are no operators to maintain control of an apparatus or vehicle such as jet-ski, boat, go-kart and the like or personnel to oversee use of a motorised tool or the like. Motor boat operators on a boat have been known to fall overboard without being detected by the operator of the boat. Such runaway boats have been known to seriously injure the operator of the boat in the water since a runaway boat tends to circle back to the place where the operator has fallen overboard. The present invention is also applicable to other types of equipment such as motorised gymnasium equipment, hand operated power tools, such as agricultural and arboriculturist equipment and wood working tools.