Virtual Particle Scattering for Machine Mechanical Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CE certification for machine safety, which involves hazard analysis and risk assessment, is manual and inefficient, lacking automation in detecting mechanical hazard locations such as sharp edges or spikes, and does not allow for early detection during the design phase.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a virtual model of a machine to simulate particle scattering, analyze spin changes, and filter data to identify mechanical hazard locations, enabling the determination of safety configuration parameters for automated CE certification and early detection of hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual hazard analysis is performed by inspector, then detection of mechanical hazard locations can be done, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection process with a computational simulation system. Particles are simulated to scatter across the machine model surface, and spin changes are calculated automatically to identify hazard locations, eliminating the need for manual inspector analysis and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or digital model of the machine to perform hazard analysis. Instead of physically inspecting the actual machine, the system analyzes a computational representation, allowing rapid iteration and analysis without time loss from physical handling or setup.
2Speed
If automated particle simulation is used, then hazard detection speed is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential physical phenomenon needed for hazard detection - the spin change of particles upon collision. By focusing solely on this specific metric rather than simulating complete particle physics, the system achieves fast hazard detection while keeping computational complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from simulating detailed physical interactions to monitoring a specific parameter (spin change) of particles. This parameter-focused approach enables rapid computation while maintaining detection accuracy, balancing speed and complexity effectively.
3Reliability
If comprehensive safety analysis is performed, then safety reliability is improved, but manual effort and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service safety analysis system where the simulation automatically performs hazard detection, identification, and classification without requiring manual safety expert intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously analyzing the machine model and generating safety assessments, improving reliability while reducing manual effort.
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
This method allows for quick, reliable, and automated detection and securing of mechanical hazard locations, improving machine safety by enabling early identification and implementation of protective measures during the design phase, reducing manual effort and enhancing safety compliance.
Implementation Method 1
simulating a scattering of one or more particles from the virtual model of the machine in the virtual environment
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for determining a parameter of a safety configuration of a safety system for a machine includes providing a virtual model of the machine in a virtual environment. The method includes simulating a scattering of particles from the virtual model of the machine and acquiring simulation data. The method includes determining spin changes of the particles, each associated with a location at the time of the spin change. The method includes filtering the determined spin changes according to a set of filter criteria. According to a first filter criterion, filtering is performed for ones of the spin changes that are greater than or equal to a defined threshold value. The method includes determining mechanical hazard locations based on the locations that are associated with the filtered spin changes. The method includes determining the parameter of the safety configuration based on the determined mechanical hazard locations.