Rocking-Element Obstruction Sensor for High-Speed Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-collision systems using mechanical sensors have low sensitivity, leading to delayed obstruction detection and potential damage due to inertia, limiting their application to low-speed motion mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An obstruction detecting apparatus with a rocking element and elastic members, allowing for sensitive obstruction detection by generating a signal through a small displacement, reducing actuation travel error and enabling quick detection even at fast speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical sensor with pushbutton switch is used, then the control is reliable without false alerts, but the sensitivity is low and detection is delayed due to inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor into two independent parts: a rocking element that detects obstruction with high sensitivity and a pushbutton switch that provides reliable electrical signal. The rocking element can be triggered by minimal displacement while the pushbutton switch maintains stable electrical contact, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocking element acts as an intermediary between the obstruction force and the pushbutton switch. It amplifies small displacement forces into sufficient actuation force on the switch, enabling high-sensitivity detection while maintaining reliable electrical signal generation.
2Reliability
If a pushbutton switch is used for obstruction detection, then false alerts are avoided, but the response time is delayed due to motor inertia after signal reception
Solution Approach 1:
The rocking element is pre-positioned to be easily deflectable by obstructions. When an obstruction occurs, the rocking element immediately deflects and triggers the pushbutton switch, initiating the reversal process before motor inertia causes significant displacement. This preliminary action reduces the time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocking element introduces dynamic responsiveness to the system. Its ability to freely rock and deflect allows it to respond instantly to obstructions, converting mechanical energy efficiently to trigger the switch, thereby reducing the overall response time while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If a conventional mechanical sensor is used, then the structure is simple, but the actuation travel error is high limiting application to low-speed mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rocking element has asymmetric geometry with different arm lengths. The longer arm provides mechanical advantage, amplifying small obstruction forces into larger actuation forces on the pushbutton switch. This asymmetric design reduces actuation travel error while keeping the overall structure simple.
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
Enhances equipment safety by quickly detecting obstructions, preventing further movement and potential damage, suitable for high-speed and sensitive applications like electric lifting desks and cupboards.
Implementation Method 1
the second housing being floatingly mounted on the first housing via a first elastic member
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic member is provided on the first housing or the second housing, the second elastic member applying, against the rocking element, an elastic force causing the free end to keep abutting against the second housing
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are an obstruction detecting apparatus, an obstruction detecting system, an electric lifting desk, and an electric lifting cupboard, which relate to the field of obstruction detection and render a higher obstruction detection sensitivity. The obstruction detecting apparatus includes a first housing and a second housing, the second housing being floatingly mounted on the first housing via a first elastic member, on the first housing being provided a circuit board, an obstruction detecting switch connected to the circuit board, and a rocking element rotatably mounted, one end of the rocking element being a free end abutting against the first housing, opposite end of the rocking element being a pressing end pressing down on the obstruction detecting switch, the free end, when being rotated, driving the pressing end to be disengaged from the obstruction detecting switch, whereby an obstruction signal is generated.