OLED Emergency Stop Button State Distinction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modular automation systems, existing emergency stop devices with active lighting do not provide sufficient distinction between active and inactive states, allowing for potential operation without functionality, which is unsafe and non-compliant with standards.
Innovation Solution
The use of state-dependent Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) for the emergency stop button and adjacent connection module surfaces, which change color based on operational status, eliminating mechanical components and ensuring clear visibility of inactivity without additional flaps or hoods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If active lighting is used to illuminate the emergency stop button, then visibility is improved, but the distinction between active and inactive states becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing OLEDs that display different colors based on the operational state: green for active/functional state and red for inactive/non-functional state. This color differentiation provides clear visual distinction between states while maintaining high visibility, resolving the contradiction between illumination and state differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from constant active lighting to state-dependent dynamic lighting. The OLEDs change their illumination state (on/off and color) based on the operational status of the emergency stop device, providing clear visual feedback about functionality while maintaining visibility.
2Reliability
If mechanical flaps or covers are added to cover the button when inactive, then state distinction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flaps or covers with electronic OLED-based visual indication. The OLEDs provide state distinction through color changes without requiring any moving mechanical parts, thereby eliminating the complexity associated with mechanical covering mechanisms while maintaining clear state differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mechanical covers to hide the button, the patent uses color-changing OLEDs to visually indicate the state. The green/red color differentiation provides sufficient state distinction without adding mechanical complexity, as the information is conveyed through optical properties rather than physical coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the module is electronically disconnected but not visibly separated, then modular flexibility is improved, but safety risk increases due to invisible inactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback through OLEDs that continuously indicate the operational state of the emergency stop device. When a module is electronically disconnected, the OLEDs change color (to red) or turn off, providing immediate visual feedback about the inactive state. This feedback mechanism ensures that even though modules can be flexibly connected and disconnected, the safety status is always visible and unambiguous.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the OLED illumination (color and intensity) to reflect the operational status. When a module is disconnected, the illumination parameter changes from green (active) to red or off (inactive), providing clear visual indication of the safety status without requiring physical separation or additional mechanical indicators.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures safe and reliable operation by clearly distinguishing active and inactive states, preventing incorrect operation and compliance with safety standards, while allowing for additional information display in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
both the button and the area are coated with OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes), which are used in numerous customer-specific end devices
Implementation Method 2
the push button and the area of the connection module adjacent to the push button are coated with OLEDs as state-dependent light sources
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
Emergency stop mechanism for a modular automation plant, comprising a button (7) and a connection module (8). The invention is characterized that the button (7) and the surface (9) of the connection module (8) adjoining the button (7) are coated with mode-dependent lighting means in the form of a display as an illumination device.