Projector Hazard Warning Device for Wet Floor Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hazard warning devices, such as 'wet floor' signs, are inadequate in effectively reducing slip and fall injuries as they can be overlooked and fail to clearly indicate the hazardous area, and existing illumination solutions require additional chemicals or have compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A portable, compact hazard warning device comprising a base, stand, sign, and projector with adjustable light projection and sensor activation to illuminate and outline hazards on a surface, ensuring visibility and safety without the need for additional chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional 'wet floor' signs are used, then the device is inexpensive and simple to deploy, but the hazard area is not clearly indicated and can be easily overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light projection to create visible color changes on the floor surface, projecting colored patterns (such as red or yellow circles) that clearly delineate the hazard area. This optical approach transforms an invisible or poorly visible hazard into a brightly colored, easily detectable zone without requiring physical contact with the hazard material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance between the hazard and the observer. Instead of relying on direct visual detection of the hazard itself (which may be transparent or blend with the floor), the system uses projected light patterns as a mediator to mark and highlight the hazardous area, making it clearly visible and distinguishable from safe areas.
2Illumination intensity
If ultraviolet light with light refracting liquid or powder is used, then the hazard area can be illuminated, but additional chemicals are required that may not be compatible with the hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the chemical component (light-refracting liquid or powder) from the illumination system, replacing it with a purely optical solution using standard visible light sources. This removal of chemical dependencies resolves the compatibility issue while maintaining the core function of hazard illumination through light projection onto the floor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the chemical-based illumination method (ultraviolet light requiring light-refracting chemicals) with a mechanical/optical system using visible light sources and projection lenses. This replacement eliminates the need for chemical reactions or compatibility considerations while achieving the same goal of highlighting the hazard area through optical means.
3Device complexity
If the light projection radius is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to hazards of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability in the light projection system, allowing the projection radius to be varied based on the size and extent of the hazard. This may include adjustable focus mechanisms, movable projection lenses, or variable power sources that enable the operator to expand or contract the illuminated area to match the actual hazard dimensions, transforming a static system into an adaptable one.
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
The device effectively draws attention to and clearly indicates hazardous areas, reducing the risk of slip and fall injuries by providing conspicuous and targeted illumination, while being easy to deploy and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a projector with adjustable light projection
Data Source
AI summary
A hazard warning device for warning of hazardous conditions on a surface, comprising a base, a stand, a sign, and a projector, the projector configured to illuminate a hazard on a surface underneath the projector. The projector comprises a light source and a lens to focus and shape the projected light into a circle on the surface, encompassing the hazard.