Remote Control Activation Sensor with Variable Sensing Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control panels for remote machine operation face challenges in balancing ergonomics and safety, particularly with capacitive sensors that risk accidental activation due to their fixed effective sensor areas, which can lead to unintentional machine function activation.
Innovation Solution
The control panel allows for adjustable effective sensor area configurations, switching between a basic and working configuration based on the control element's state, enabling safer deactivation and more ergonomic activation through capacitive sensors with variable sensor area positioning and sizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a capacitive sensor with a fixed effective sensor area is used for activation, then ergonomic operation is improved by allowing contact-free approach or pressure-free contact, but the risk of accidental activation increases due to the fixed sensor area being either too large or too small for different operational states
Solution Approach 1:
The effective sensor area is made dynamically adjustable between a first configuration (larger area) for ergonomic activation and a second configuration (smaller area) for safe deactivation. The sensor area can be changed during operation based on the control element's state, allowing the system to adapt its sensitivity and physical footprint to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of the sensor area is changed between two configurations. The processor device controls the activation sensor to switch between a first effective sensor area suitable for activation and a second effective sensor area suitable for deactivation, thereby changing the sensor's detection characteristics to match the desired operational state.
2Reliability
If a small fixed effective sensor area is used to prevent accidental activation, then machine safety is improved, but ergonomic operation deteriorates as the sensor area becomes too small for comfortable contact-free approach or pressure-free contact
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor area dynamically expands to a larger first configuration during activation to improve ergonomics, and contracts to a smaller second configuration during deactivation to enhance safety. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both safety and ergonomics at different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor area parameter is changed between a larger value for ergonomic activation and a smaller value for safe deactivation. The processor device manages this parameter change to ensure the appropriate sensor area is active for the current operational state.
3Ease of operation
If a large fixed effective sensor area is used to improve ergonomic operation, then ease of operation is improved by allowing comfortable contact-free approach, but the risk of accidental activation increases as the sensor area becomes too sensitive
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor area is dynamically reduced to a smaller second configuration during deactivation to prevent accidental activation, while maintaining a larger first configuration during activation for ergonomic operation. This dynamic adjustment ensures the sensor is only highly sensitive when intentionally activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor area parameter is changed from a larger value during activation to a smaller value during deactivation. The processor device controls this parameter change to minimize accidental activation risk while maintaining ergonomic operation during the activation phase.
4Reliability
If mechanical buttons or switches are used for activation, then machine safety is improved by preventing accidental activation, but ergonomic operation deteriorates due to the need for constant pressing causing fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical button or switch system is replaced with a capacitive activation sensor that detects contact-free approach or pressure-free contact. This substitution eliminates the need for constant mechanical pressing while maintaining safety through controlled sensor area configurations that prevent accidental activation.
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
This solution enhances operational safety by minimizing accidental activations while promoting ergonomic operation by adapting the sensor area to the operator's needs and preferences, ensuring safer and more comfortable use.
Implementation Method 1
The activation or activation of a control element for controlling a machine function is based on the detection of a change in capacitance of a sensor field when a part of the operator's body is approached or touched.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)3
Figure 2(a)~2(b)3
AI summary
An operating unit (10) for a remote control for controlling a machine comprises: a processor unit (30), at least one manually operable control element (14) provided on the operating unit (10) for controlling at least one machine function, which can be switched between an activated (b) and a deactivated state (a) by the processor unit (30), and an activation sensor (20) associated with the control element (14), which comprises an effective sensor area (22) and is configured to detect a defined approach to the effective sensor area (22) by an operator, wherein the processor unit (30) is configured to switch the control element (14) to the activated state (b) when the activation sensor (20) detects the defined approach to the effective sensor area (22), and then, if no defined approach is detected during a predetermined period of time,to switch the control element (14) to the deactivated state, wherein the control unit (10) is configured such that operation of the control element (14) does not control the machine function as long as the control element (14) is in the deactivated state (a), and wherein the position and/or size of the effective sensor area (22) on the control unit (10) is changeable.