Wireless Emergency Stop Interface for Remote Multi-Operator Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hardwired emergency stop stations require time for operators to reach and activate, which can be hazardous and inefficient, especially when the station is out of reach or in a hazard zone.
Innovation Solution
A wireless emergency stop system comprising personal safety devices with an emergency stop switch and a machine safety device connected via a radio interface, allowing instant activation of the emergency stop from a distance and maintaining machine operation unless specific safety conditions are compromised.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired emergency stop stations are used, then machine safety is ensured, but operator response time is delayed due to the need to physically reach the stop switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardwired emergency stop system with a wireless communication system. Personal safety devices transmit emergency stop signals wirelessly to the machine safety device, eliminating the need for physical contact with hardwired stations and enabling instant activation from any location within wireless range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the operator's personal safety device and the machine's safety system. This intermediary enables signal transmission without physical connection, allowing operators to trigger emergency stops remotely while maintaining safety reliability.
2Reliability
If hardwired emergency stop stations are installed, then emergency stop functionality is provided, but operator accessibility is reduced when stations are out of reach or in hazard zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical presence at a hardwired station with wireless signal transmission. Operators can activate emergency stops from any location within wireless communication range, including areas that would be inaccessible or hazardous for physical approach to traditional stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the emergency stop activation from a spatially constrained mechanical interaction (requiring physical presence at a specific location) to a wireless signal-based interaction that operates across three-dimensional space without location constraints.
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 immediate and safe shutdown of machines without operator delay, reducing hazards and increasing efficiency by allowing multiple operators to trigger stops wirelessly, while maintaining normal operation unless internal faults or communication issues occur.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with multiple personal safety devices
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are provided of wireless emergency stop systems. In an exemplary embodiment, a wireless emergency stop system includes a machine safety device wired to a machine stop circuit for stopping operation of a machine when the machine stop circuit is activated. The machine safety device includes a wireless communication interface. The system also includes multiple personal safety devices. Each personal safety device includes a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the machine safety device, and an emergency stop switch. The emergency stop switch is configured to, when activated, transmit an emergency stop signal to the machine safety device to trigger an emergency stop of the machine. The machine safety device is configured to maintain wireless connections with more than one of the multiple personal safety devices at the same time. Example methods of operating a wireless emergency stop system are also disclosed.