Pivoting Warning Sensor Layout for Flexible Safety Zone Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current warning detector systems in industrial and logistics settings are costly, complex, and require significant maintenance, often leading to increased risk of accidents due to false alarms and the need for multiple safety solutions, which can be cumbersome and expensive to install and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A versatile warning detector system with pivotally mounted detection members that can be easily oriented to optimize detection zones, using contactless detection elements like infrared or ultrasonic waves, and integrated with a gate assembly for efficient warning activation, allowing for various configurations to address different safety scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple different safety solutions are installed to reduce accident risk, then safety coverage is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety coverageVSAvoidnumber of different safety solutions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single detector system that can perform multiple safety functions. The detector can be configured with different detection members (presence detection, motion detection, height detection) to address various safety scenarios, replacing the need for multiple specialized safety devices while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics through the pivotable detection member that can be adjusted to change detection zones and angles. This dynamic configuration allows a single detector to adapt to different safety requirements and cover multiple scenarios, reducing the need for multiple fixed-purpose safety devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If presence detection is used to activate warning devices, then detection sensitivity is improved, but false alarms increase when objects are stationary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidfalse alarm rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges presence detection with motion detection capabilities in a single system. The detector can identify both the presence of an object and its motion state, allowing it to distinguish between stationary objects (no alarm) and moving objects (alarm activated), thereby reducing false alarms while maintaining detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from motion detection to modulate the warning device activation. By continuously monitoring motion states and providing feedback to the control logic, the system can accurately determine when warning is necessary, preventing false alarms from stationary objects while maintaining sensitivity to actual threats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If fixed barrier protections are installed to prevent collisions, then safety coverage is improved, but adaptability to different areas decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidadaptability to different areas
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the detection member pivotable and adjustable. This allows the detector to be reconfigured for different areas and safety scenarios without requiring physical reinstallation, providing both collision prevention capability and adaptability to various environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detector system serves as a universal safety solution that can be deployed in multiple locations and configured for different safety needs (presence detection, motion detection, height detection). This replaces the need for location-specific fixed barriers with a versatile, reconfigurable detection system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system provides a cost-effective, easy-to-maintain, and adaptable solution for reducing accidents by accurately detecting vehicle and pedestrian presence and movement, minimizing false alarms, and integrating seamlessly with existing safety infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

using contactless detection elements like infrared or ultrasonic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

using contactless detection elements like infrared or ultrasonic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave detection: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentEP4414958A1Warning sensor system and installation comprising same
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 TOTEM
  • EP4414958A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4414958A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4414958A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A detector-alarm system (1) comprising a longitudinal body (2), at least one presence detection element (4) disposed laterally on said body (2), means for processing the detection signal, and means for actuating the warning device, characterized in that the at least one detection element (4) is pivotally mounted relative to the body (2) around a longitudinal axis. An installation comprising at least one detector-alarm system (1).