Compact Robot Safety Module for Parameter Monitoring and Emergency Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems for service robots lack a universal and robust mechanism to enforce safety guidelines regardless of design and implementation, necessitating a higher level of safety assurance.
Innovation Solution
A compact safety device comprising a robot communication unit, emergency stop unit, and control unit that communicates with external components to enforce safety conditions, including sensor integration and power disconnection, ensuring timely emergency stops and speed reductions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing safety systems are implemented in service robots, then basic safety functions are provided, but the safety level is insufficient and lacks universal applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is designed as a universal module that can be integrated into different service robot platforms. It provides multiple safety functions including parameter monitoring, emergency stop, and speed reduction through a single integrated device that communicates with various robot components via standardized interfaces, making it adaptable to different robot designs and implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device acts as an intermediary between the robot controller and external components (actuators, power supply). It receives parameters from the robot controller, evaluates safety conditions, and sends control signals to emergency stop units or speed control units, thereby mediating safety enforcement independently of the specific robot design.
2Reliability
If safety monitoring and emergency stop functions are added, then robot security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device merges multiple safety functions (parameter monitoring, emergency stop control, speed reduction) into a single integrated unit. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate safety systems for each function, while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage through unified control logic.
3Reliability
If continuous parameter monitoring is implemented, then safety conditions are detected timely, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device implements continuous parameter monitoring with feedback control. It receives parameters from the robot controller, evaluates them against safety criteria, and provides immediate feedback through emergency stop or speed reduction commands when safety conditions are violated. This feedback mechanism ensures timely safety response while optimizing energy use by only activating safety interventions when necessary.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A compact safety device for a service robot, comprises a robot communication unit (76) configured to communicate with at least one controller of the service robot (41) and an emergency stop unit (77) configured to communicate with a power supply (45, 46). The robot communication unit (76) receives parameters from at least one first component (42, 43, 44, 47) of the service robot (41). If the set of parameters corresponds to the first safety condition, the robot communication unit (76) sends an instruction signal to stop moving at least part of the service robot or to reduce the speed of the at least part of the service robot. If the set of parameters corresponds to the second safety condition, control the emergency stop unit (77) disconnects at least one actuator (43, 44) of the service robot (41) from a power supply (46). The robot controller (42), the at least one first component (42, 43, 44, 47) of the service robot (41), the at least one second component (42, 43, 44) of the service robot (41), and the at least one actuator (43, 44) are external to the compact safety device.