Radio-Verified Machine Localization for Adaptive Safety Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Movable machines, such as autonomous vehicles, face challenges in accurately determining their position, which is crucial for adaptive safety functions, as traditional methods like laser scanners can disrupt automation and require adjustments at bottlenecks, leading to potential process downtimes.
Innovation Solution
A safety system comprising a safety controller, a radio location system with stationary radio stations and transponders, and sensors for position determination, allowing for redundant position data verification and adaptive safety function switching based on consistent position data from both systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary protective function (e.g., safe laser scanner) is used to detect persons, then safety is ensured, but automation is disrupted and process downtime occurs at bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of position determination from optical (laser scanner) to radio-based (radio location system), allowing safety functions to operate without disrupting automation processes. The radio location system provides continuous position data without the line-of-sight requirements and interruptions inherent in optical scanning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio location system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides position data for navigation, enables safety monitoring, and supports process control without requiring separate protective devices that would interrupt automation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to switch between safety and automation modes.
2Reliability
If position data from multiple systems are compared for verification, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety controller continuously compares position data from the radio location system and the sensor, forming a feedback loop that verifies position information. When discrepancies are detected, the system can trigger safety responses. This feedback mechanism improves reliability without requiring complex manual verification procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the radio location system and sensor into an integrated position determination system with a unified safety controller that processes both data sources. This merging reduces complexity compared to having separate independent safety systems, as the controller consolidates the evaluation logic and decision-making processes.
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
Enables precise and reliable position identification of movable machines, ensuring functional safety by adapting protective measures according to changing conditions without interrupting automation processes, thus minimizing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
the radio location system has radio stations arranged as stationary, wherein at least one radio transponder is arranged at the movable machine... position data of the movable machine can be determined by means of the radio location system
Implementation Method 2
having at least one sensor (7) for position determination... position data of the movable machine can be determined by means of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A safety system for localizing a movable machine having a safety controller, having at least one radio location system, and having at least one sensor for position determination, wherein the radio location system has radio stations arranged as stationary, wherein at least one radio transponder is arranged at the movable machine, wherein position data of the movable machine can be determined by means of the radio location system, wherein the position data can be transmitted from the radio station or from the radio transponder of the radio location system to the safety controller and position data of the movable machine can be determined by means of the sensor, and wherein the safety controller is configured to compare the position data of the radio location system and the position data of the sensor and to form checked position data on agreement.