Portable HMI Vibration Alerts for Reliable Alarm Notification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in industrial production lines do not alert operators to alarms when they are not looking at the screen, compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
A production line management system with a portable terminal connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) that generates vibrations upon receiving alarms, allowing operators to be alerted even when not looking at the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable terminal is used for HMI, then operator mobility is improved, but alarm notification reliability deteriorates when operator is not looking at the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration motor integrated into the portable terminal. When an alarm condition is detected from the PLC, the system triggers the vibration motor to generate tactile feedback, alerting the operator physically regardless of visual attention. This resolves the contradiction by providing a reliable alarm notification mechanism that works independently of the operator's visual focus while maintaining portable terminal mobility.
2Reliability
If fixed HMI terminal is used, then alarm notification reliability is improved, but operator mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed mechanical HMI terminal system with a portable electronic terminal that communicates wirelessly or via cable with the PLC. The alarm notification function is transferred from a stationary display-only system to a mobile device equipped with both visual display and tactile vibration feedback mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling operator mobility.
3Device complexity
If portable terminal without vibration feedback is used, then device simplicity is improved, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration motor acts as an intermediary feedback mechanism between the alarm signal and the operator. It translates electronic alarm signals into tactile sensations that the operator can feel, providing an additional sensory channel for alarm notification. This enhances safety without significantly complicating the terminal structure, as the vibration motor is a compact, integrated component.
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 operator safety by providing alarm notifications through vibrations, enhancing safety in industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
comprises a vibration generation device capable of generating vibrations when the HMI triggers an alarm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a production line management system (100) comprising at least one machine, said system comprising at least one human-machine interface (20) called HMI connected to an industrial programmable logic controller (19), called PLC or PLC according to the Anglo-Saxon acronym "Programmable Logic Controller", or to a digital control system called DCS or DCS according to the Anglo-Saxon acronym "Distributed Control System" or similar, of a machine of said production line, and/or a portable terminal (23);at least one remote terminal (21) attached to the machine or to a safety enclosure (22) of said machine and connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) or connected to the programmable logic controller (PLC) (19) of the machine, said remote terminal (21) comprising means for detecting the presence of the handheld terminal (23) within a defined perimeter and means for connecting said handheld terminal (23) with the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) and/or to the programmable logic controller (PLC) (19) of the machine; said management system is notable in that said handheld terminal (23) and/or a handheld accessory (25), connected to said handheld terminal (23) and/or to the remote terminal (21), comprises a vibration generation device capable of generating vibrations when the HMI issues an alarm.