Radio Ranging Personnel Locator for Industrial Danger Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial environments pose safety risks due to the interaction between people and machinery, with communication challenges exacerbated by metal objects and noise, making it difficult for personnel to detect the presence of hazards.
Innovation Solution
A personnel locator device and reference system using radio ranging signals to determine the location of individuals within an industrial environment, with calculations performed on the device or reference system to identify danger zones and output warning signals, optionally involving equipment locator devices to monitor moving hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radio ranging signals are used to determine personnel location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple nodes and signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference nodes as intermediary elements that facilitate accurate location determination. These nodes transmit radio ranging signals and serve as reference points for calculating personnel positions through time of flight measurements, enabling precise location tracking without requiring direct communication between all system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or visual hazard detection methods with radio ranging signal-based location determination. By using electromagnetic signals and time of flight calculations, the system achieves automated, contactless, and more precise location measurement compared to mechanical sensing or visual monitoring approaches.
2Measurement precision
If multiple nodes communicate to calculate location, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional communication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs location calculations in real-time as radio ranging signals are received, rather than batching processing. The personnel locator device continuously determines position based on incoming signals from multiple nodes, enabling immediate hazard detection and warning without delay from accumulated data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The personnel locator device autonomously performs location determination by processing radio ranging signals from reference nodes and independently calculating its position. The device self-manages the location computation without requiring centralized coordination, reducing communication overhead and time delays.
3Reliability
If warning signals are provided to personnel, then reliability of safety system is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential distraction or false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the personnel locator device receives continuous radio ranging signals from reference nodes and automatically adjusts its position calculations and warning status based on real-time location data. The system provides feedback warnings only when hazard conditions are actually detected, reducing false alarms while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of warning activation from continuous or periodic signaling to conditional signaling based on calculated location parameters. Warnings are triggered only when the determined position of personnel enters a hazard zone, optimizing the balance between safety reliability and minimizing distracting or unnecessary alerts.
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 personnel safety by accurately detecting proximity to machinery or hazards, reducing latency and complexity, and enabling timely remedial actions, such as shutting down equipment or alerting individuals, thereby preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting radio ranging signals between the nodes and the personnel locator device; deriving measurements of times of flight of the radio ranging signals
Data Source
AI summary
A safety sensing system implements a method for a person in an industrial environment comprises providing a personnel locator device (10) for location on a person and a reference system comprising a plurality of nodes (20) located at predetermined locations in the industrial environment (100). Radio ranging signals are transmitted between the nodes (20) and the personnel locator device (10) and measurements of times of flight of the radio ranging signals are derived. The location of the personnel locator device (10) is calculated based on the measurements of the times of flight of the radio ranging signals and reference information representing the predetermined locations of the nodes (10). It is determined if the calculated location of the personnel locator device (10) is within one or more danger zones in the industrial environment (100) and a warning signal is output in response thereto.