Safety arrangement and method for a floor surfacing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remotely controlled floor surfacing machines pose a safety risk when operators forget to lock the drive wheels, leading to unintended movement and potential damage or injury, as existing locking pin solutions are difficult to verify and may be overlooked.
Innovation Solution
A safety arrangement that includes a detecting unit connected to a control unit to determine the torque required for operating each drive wheel, preventing the surfacing apparatus from operating if the torque is below a predetermined limit, ensuring the wheels are securely locked before starting the grinding operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking pin is used to lock the drive wheel to the drive motor axle, then the wheel can be locked securely, but it becomes difficult to verify whether the locking pin is in the correct locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a sensor to detect the position of the locking pin and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit then provides visual feedback to the operator through indicators (such as lights or display messages) showing whether the locking pin is correctly positioned. This feedback mechanism resolves the verification difficulty while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary sensing mechanism is introduced between the locking pin and the operator. The sensor acts as an intermediary that automatically detects the locking pin position and translates it into verifiable information for the operator, eliminating the need for direct manual verification while maintaining locking reliability.
2Reliability
If the operator manually checks the locking pin position, then the locking status can be verified, but the operator may forget to check or incorrectly position the locking pin
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification of the locking status through automated sensors and control logic. The machine itself checks whether the locking pin is correctly positioned and automatically prevents operation if locking is improper, eliminating the need for operator intervention and memory-dependent checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback to the operator about the locking status through visual indicators. This feedback mechanism ensures the operator is informed of the locking state without requiring active checking, reducing operator workload while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If the surfacing apparatus can operate without verifying wheel locking, then the machine can start immediately, but the machine may move unintentionally causing damage or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of the locking status before allowing the surfacing apparatus to operate. The control unit checks the sensor signal confirming proper wheel locking before enabling the grinding motor, ensuring safety is verified in advance while maintaining efficient startup once locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by preventing the surfacing apparatus from operating until proper locking is confirmed. The control unit blocks the grinding motor from starting if the locking pin position is not verified, counteracting the potential harmful effect of unintended movement before it can occur.
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
This solution effectively prevents hazardous scenarios by ensuring the drive wheels are locked, thereby preventing the machine from moving unintentionally and enhancing operator safety by providing a reliable verification mechanism for the locking status.
Implementation Method 1
a detecting unit connected to said control unit and adapted for determining a torque required for operating each drive wheel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a safety arrangement for a floor surfacing machine (1) comprising at least one drive wheel (3, 4), a motor arrangement (5, 6) for propelling said drive wheel (3, 4), a surfacing apparatus (13) and a control unit (10, 11a) for controlling the operation of said motor arrangement (5, 6) and said surfacing apparatus (13). The arrangement comprises at least one detecting unit (55; 56, 57) connected to said control unit (10,11a) and adapted for determining a torque required for operating each drive wheel (3, 4) wherein said control unit (10,11a) is configured for preventing operation of said surfacing apparatus (13) if said required torque is lower than a predetermined limit value. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining safety in a floor surfacing machine (1).