Access Control System for Robot Interference Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems where a worker and an industrial robot share a workspace, it is difficult for the worker to recognize the interference area and determine whether they can work there safely without a conventional safety fence.
Innovation Solution
An access control system that uses indicating lamps to define the boundary between the interference area and other areas, an opening-and-closing member to control access, and a control device to manage the lamps and locking mechanism based on the robot's operation, allowing the worker to recognize the workspace boundaries and safety status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety fence is installed around the industrial robot to ensure safety, then the robot and worker can be separated and protected, but the worker cannot easily access the interference area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical safety fence from the system and replaces it with a virtual boundary defined by light-emitting indicators. This extraction of the physical barrier while maintaining the protective function through optical signals and control systems allows worker access while preserving safety monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical safety fence is replaced with an optical-mechanical control system consisting of light-emitting indicators, sensors, and a control unit. This substitution maintains the safety function through optical detection and mechanical interlocking of the gate, while eliminating the need for a permanent physical enclosure
2Ease of operation
If no safety fence is provided and only monitoring systems are used, then worker access is improved, but it is difficult for the worker to recognize the interference area and determine whether they can work there
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs light-emitting indicators that change their optical state (emitting vs. non-emitting light) to convey different boundary status information. These visual signals clearly indicate to workers whether the interference area is currently accessible or restricted, solving the boundary recognition problem through optical information transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through light-emitting indicators that continuously communicate the current safety status and boundary conditions to the worker. The control unit processes sensor information and provides real-time visual feedback about whether the worker can safely enter or remain in the interference area
3Reliability
If the boundary is clearly indicated with light-emitting indicators and access is controlled, then worker safety and area recognition are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes sensor data, controls the light-emitting indicators, manages the gate locking mechanism, and provides visual feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety and recognition capabilities
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
The system enables the worker to easily identify the interference area and determine their access status, thereby avoiding interference with the robot, reducing the need for a physical fence and simplifying access procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of indicating lamps (31-34) which define, by light-emitting parts of the indicating lamps and/or light emitted therefrom, a boundary between the interference area (13) and other areas
Data Source
AI summary
An access control system configured to manage access of a worker to an interference area that the worker and a robot share, includes the indicating lamps which are disposed at least in four directions from a center of the interference area, a door which opens and closes a gate of the interference area, a lock device which locks and unlocks the door, and a control device which controls the indicating lamps and the lock device corresponding to the operation of the robot.