Wearable Sensor Power Tool Protection for Blade Proximity Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power equipment, such as chainsaws, pose safety risks due to operator fatigue and the discomfort of wearing protective clothing, especially in varying weather conditions. Current safety systems rely on personal protective equipment (PPE) and do not provide intelligent protection against accidental injuries.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising wearable sensors, tool sensors, and a controller that monitors the position of the chainsaw's guide bar or blade relative to the operator's body parts. This system uses inertial measurement unit (IMU) based sensors and distance sensors to detect potential intersections and initiate protective actions, such as activating a chain brake or providing warnings, without relying on traditional PPE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn to protect the operator, then safety protection is provided, but the operator experiences discomfort especially in varying weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical PPE with an electronic safety system comprising wearable sensors, tool sensors, and a controller that monitors distances and initiates protective actions. This substitution eliminates the need for uncomfortable protective clothing while maintaining safety protection through intelligent monitoring and automated responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and a controller as intermediary elements between the operator and the power tool. These intermediaries provide intelligent protection by monitoring distances and operating conditions, enabling safety without requiring the operator to wear uncomfortable PPE.
2Productivity
If the operator works for long periods to complete property maintenance tasks, then productivity is improved, but operator fatigue increases reducing safety awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor distances between the power tool and the operator's body parts. The controller receives this feedback and automatically initiates protective actions when safety thresholds are approached, maintaining safety awareness regardless of operator fatigue or work duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system operates autonomously without requiring continuous operator attention. The wearable sensors and tool sensors automatically monitor conditions and the controller independently initiates protective actions, freeing the operator from the need to maintain constant safety awareness even during extended work periods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sets of wearable sensors are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing system into multiple independent sensor units worn at different body locations and mounted on the tool. Each sensor independently measures distances, and the controller processes these segmented measurements to determine overall safety conditions, improving precision through distributed measurement while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for protecting an operator (110) of a power tool may include a first set of wearable sensors (120) worn by the operator (110), a second set of wearable sensors (130) worn by the operator (110), a first tool sensor (122) disposed at the power tool where the first tool sensor (122) is configured to communicate with the first set of wearable sensors (120), a second tool sensor disposed (132) at the power tool where the second tool sensor (132) is configured to communicate with the second set of wearable sensors (130), and a controller (140). The controller (140) may be configured to determine, based on distances between the first tool sensor (122) and the first set of wearable sensors (120) and between the second tool sensor (132) and the second set of wearable sensors (130), whether to initiate a protective action with respect to the power tool.