Remote Control Safety Link With Independent Abort Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control arrangements with safety devices, such as dead man's switches, are limited in application scope and cannot reliably control large objects or ensure safe positioning of remote-controlled objects, as they require manual intervention to terminate control signals and have a restricted operational range, making them unsuitable for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A remote control arrangement with a safety device that includes safety transmission means to send abort signals independently of the portable computer, allowing for the secure termination of object movement and positioning, enabling the use of portable computers for controlling larger objects like cranes or industrial equipment by ensuring a stable safety control connection is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable computer with a touch-sensitive display is used to send control signals to a remote-controlled object, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened because the system lacks an independent safety mechanism to prevent unauthorized or accidental movement
Solution Approach 1:
A safety device acts as an intermediary component between the portable computer and the remote-controlled object. This safety device includes a mechanically actuated operating element (such as an emergency stop button) that can independently interrupt the control signal transmission path, providing a reliable safety mechanism while maintaining the ease of use of the portable computer interface.
2Reliability
If a dead man's switch is used as a safety device, then reliability is improved by preventing unauthorized operation, but device complexity is worsened due to the need for additional safety components and signal interruption mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is designed to be universally applicable to various remote control applications. The mechanically actuated operating element can serve multiple functions: it can completely interrupt control signals, trigger emergency stop sequences, or activate safety protocols depending on the application requirements, thereby reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality.
3Reliability
If the remote control system requires continuous manual monitoring and intervention to terminate control signals, then reliability is improved by ensuring safe operation, but productivity is worsened due to the need for constant operator attention
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is configured to automatically execute predetermined safety actions when the mechanically actuated operating element is triggered. For example, upon pressing the emergency stop button, the system automatically interrupts control signals and initiates safe stopping procedures without requiring additional manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
4Reliability
If the safety control connection requires a stable electronic signal link between the safety device and the portable computer, then reliability is improved by ensuring authorized control, but ease of operation is worsened due to the need for maintaining continuous connection
Solution Approach 1:
The critical safety function is extracted from the portable computer system and implemented as a separate, standalone safety device with its own mechanically actuated operating element. This extraction allows the safety device to operate independently of the portable computer's software or connection status, maintaining reliability while simplifying operation since the safety function no longer depends on maintaining continuous electronic connection.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a remote control arrangement comprising a portable computer, in which a computer program product for generating and transmitting control signals by means of transmitting means provided on the computer is stored, and a remotely controlled object, on which receiving means for receiving the control signals and control means for controlling the object in accordance with the received signals are provided. Furthermore, the remote control arrangement (2) has a security device (8) having an operating element (10) that can be mechanically actuated. A security control connection (26) can be established between the security device (8) and the portable computer (4), and control of the object (6) can be allowed only when the security control connection (26) is established. The security control connection (26) comprises an electronic signal connection between the security device (8) and the computer (4). The control signals (S) for moving the object (6) cannot be transmitted until the electronic signal connection exists. According to the invention, the security device (8) itself has security transmitting means (31), by means of which a termination signal (NAS) preventing the movement of the object (6) can be transmitted.