Retractable Emergency Stop Button for Operator Hesitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In emergency stop systems for electrical circuits, operators may hesitate between fixed and mobile emergency stop buttons when the remote-control is not being carried, potentially leading to disastrous consequences due to uncertainty about which button to press.
Innovation Solution
A control system featuring a fixed emergency stop button and a mobile emergency stop button with a mobile support that can occupy a concealed position within a cavity on a control console, allowing the mobile button to be stored and only accessible when needed, with mechanisms for charging, unlocking, and retaining the mobile support in its storage position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile emergency stop button is provided alongside fixed emergency stop buttons, then the operator can access emergency stop control at any position, but the operator may hesitate between which button to press when the remote control is not being carried
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile emergency stop button is extracted from the fixed control console and placed on a separate remote control unit that can be carried by the operator. This extraction eliminates the confusion of having multiple active buttons visible simultaneously, as the mobile button is only present when the operator chooses to carry the remote control.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration of emergency stop buttons is made dynamic through the retractable flap mechanism. The mobile emergency stop button can be concealed or revealed based on whether the remote control is being carried, allowing the system to adapt its interface to the current operational context and eliminate operator hesitation.
2Speed
If the mobile emergency stop button is always visible and accessible, then the operator can quickly press it in an emergency, but the system complexity increases with multiple active buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile emergency stop button is separated from the fixed control console and placed on a portable remote control unit. This extraction allows the system to reduce the number of simultaneously active buttons by keeping the remote control unit separate and optional, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining quick response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable flap mechanism dynamically controls the visibility and accessibility of the mobile emergency stop button. When retracted, only the fixed button is visible, simplifying the interface. When extended, the mobile button becomes accessible for quick emergency response, thus dynamically adjusting system complexity based on operational needs.
3Ease of operation
If the mobile support is stored in the cavity with the mobile emergency stop button concealed, then operator hesitation is eliminated, but the operator must retrieve the remote control to access the mobile button
Solution Approach 1:
The operator carries the remote control unit with the mobile emergency stop button in readiness. By having the remote control already in possession and the mobile button pre-positioned on it, the operator eliminates the need to search for or retrieve the button during an emergency, thus preliminary preparation offsets the concealment mechanism's delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable flap mechanism provides a quick-access pathway for the mobile emergency stop button. When the operator needs to use the mobile button, they simply extend the flap, which is a rapid action that minimizes retrieval time while maintaining the button's concealed state during normal operation to prevent hesitation.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system including: a stationary control console and a first emergency stop button positioned on the control console, a mobile control unit including a mobile holder and a second emergency stop button arranged on the mobile holder, the control console including at least one cavity, the mobile holder configured to assume a first position in which the second emergency stop button is located inside the cavity to be hidden from a view of a user, and a second position in which the second emergency stop button is outside the cavity.