Radio Distance Monitoring With Reference Signal Self-Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio-based distance measurement systems in environments with overlapping human and machine operations, such as in autonomous vehicles or machine tools, can malfunction, leading to incorrect distance readings that pose safety risks by underestimating the proximity of individuals to machines.
Innovation Solution
Implement a reference distance measurement system using a monitoring unit to generate and receive a reference signal, determining a reference distance based on transmission and reception times, and comparing it with a predetermined value to identify and correct deviations, ensuring reliable distance determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If radio-based distance measurement systems are used to enable faster machine operation, then productivity increases, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to interference causing incorrect distance readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by transmitting test signals and measuring actual signal propagation times before normal operation. These preliminary measurements establish reference values that are stored and used to correct subsequent distance measurements, compensating for interference effects that would otherwise cause inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors signal propagation times and compares them against reference values obtained during calibration. When deviations are detected indicating interference, the system uses feedback mechanisms to adjust distance calculations or trigger alerts, ensuring reliable operation even in interfered environments
2Reliability
If conventional safety measures like reduced speeds or barriers are implemented, then safety reliability improves, but productivity decreases due to operational restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical safety barriers and physical speed restrictions with an electronic/radio-based distance determination system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical barriers while maintaining safety through continuous wireless monitoring of operator position relative to machine zones
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using dynamic distance measurements to control machine operation instead of fixed speed limits or physical barriers. The machine can operate at full speed when safe distances are confirmed, with control parameters adjusted based on real-time position data
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
Enhances the reliability of distance measurements by identifying and correcting interference, thereby maintaining safe operational distances and reducing the need for conventional safety measures like reduced speeds or barriers.
Implementation Method 1
The mobile unit detects a first transmitted value, which is determined depending on a time of transmission of the first radio signal by the transmitter/receiver of the mobile unit, the first radio signal is received by the station unit by means of a transmitter/receiver of the station unit, wherein the station unit detects a first received value, which is determined depending on the time of reception of the first radio signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a distance determination system (10) to determine at least a distance (12) between a mobile unit (14) and a station unit (16), wherein - a first radio signal (46) is transmitted by the mobile unit and a first transmitted value is recorded, - the first radio signal is received by the station unit and a first received value is recorded, - a second radio signal (48) is transmitted by the station unit and a second transmitted value is recorded, - the second radio signal is received by the mobile unit (14) and a second received value is recorded, - the distance (12) is determined by means of an evaluation unit (18).According to the invention, a monitoring unit (78, 80) generates a reference signal (82), transmits the reference signal to an antenna connection (26, 40) of the transmit/receive part (22) and records a reference transmit value, - the reference signal is received by the transmit/receive part and a reference receive value is recorded, - a reference distance (28) is determined by means of the evaluation unit and compared with a predetermined comparison value.