Proximity Detection Zone for Working Machine Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Road-working machines often pose safety risks due to the difficulty in stopping or slowing down operations without operator intervention, especially when detecting persons or objects in proximity zones, which can lead to accidents.
Innovation Solution
A control system equipped with proximity sensors and reverse disable buttons that automatically slow or stop the machine's movement and alert the operator when a person or object is detected in predefined zones, allowing ground workers to safely manage the machine's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic proximity detection and control systems are installed on working machines, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic proximity detection and control systems. Sensors detect objects in proximity zones and automatically trigger machine responses without requiring manual mechanical intervention, thereby improving safety while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces proximity sensors and control systems as intermediaries between the machine operator and the machine's movement. These intermediaries detect potential hazards and mediate the control response, enabling automatic safety interventions while reducing the complexity of direct operator control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the machine is equipped with automatic slowing and stopping capabilities, then the risk of accidents is reduced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting objects in advance within defined proximity zones before the machine reaches dangerous positions. The system proactively triggers slowing or stopping commands based on pre-established safety zones, preventing accidents before they occur rather than reacting to immediate threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where proximity sensors continuously monitor the environment and provide real-time information to the control system. The control system processes this feedback and automatically adjusts machine speed or stops when objects are detected in proximity zones, creating a closed-loop safety control system.
3Reliability
If proximity zones are defined and monitoring is implemented, then ground worker safety is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by defining specific proximity zones around the machine where different safety monitoring levels are implemented. Rather than uniform monitoring throughout the entire environment, the system concentrates detection resources in critical zones where ground workers are most at risk, improving safety where needed while managing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine includes a braking assembly and a throttle assembly. A controller is operatively connected to the braking assembly and the throttle assembly. A proximity sensor is operatively connected to the controller and is adapted to emit radiation away from the rear of the working machine, and to receive reflected radiation indicating the presence of a person or object within a danger zone adjacent to the rear of the working machine and within a warning zone that extends beyond the danger zone. The proximity sensor is adapted to send a signal to the controller when it detects a person or object in the danger zone to cause the braking assembly to brake the working machine, and to send a signal to the controller when it detects a person or object in the warning zone to cause the throttle assembly to reduce the speed of the working machine.