Redundant Safety Localization for AMR Function Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety systems for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) face challenges in accurately identifying safe locations for switching between primary and secondary safety functions, leading to reduced productivity and safety concerns due to the lack of functional safety in localization systems and inadequate communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A redundant security system that utilizes a combination of position and feature detection using independent localization and identification systems, activating a security area around a safety location to enable reliable and safe switching between safety functions, with mutual monitoring by multiple controllers to ensure error-free execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the primary safety function of collision avoidance is deactivated to improve productivity during docking and collaboration maneuvers, then productivity increases, but functional safety is compromised because safe locations cannot be clearly determined
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is segmented into multiple independent localization systems (first localization system and second localization system) that operate in parallel. Each system independently determines position information, which are then compared to verify accuracy. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high productivity by deactivating the primary safety function when needed, while still ensuring functional safety through the redundant verification mechanism.
2Reliability
If additional safety measures such as reducing speed and power are implemented to ensure safety when safe locations cannot be identified, then functional safety is improved, but productivity is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where position information from the first localization system is compared with position information from the second localization system. This cross-verification provides feedback on the accuracy and reliability of location determination. When the position information from both systems matches or is within an acceptable tolerance, the system can confidently identify safe locations and maintain normal operating speeds and powers, thus avoiding unnecessary productivity loss while ensuring functional safety.
3Device complexity
If a single localization system is used to determine position for safety function switching, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of safe location identification are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs prior cushioning by implementing redundant localization systems before safety-critical operations. Instead of relying on a single localization system that may have errors, the patent uses multiple independent localization systems to determine position information in advance. The position information from both systems is compared to verify accuracy before the safety function is switched, providing a buffer against localization errors and ensuring reliable identification of safe locations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method with a redundant safety system (2) and redundant safety system (2) for a mobile machine (1), with at least one controller (7), with a first localization system (3) for locating a position of at least one safety location, with a detection system (11) for detecting a feature of the safety location (6), wherein a position (9) of the safety location (6) can be detected by means of the localization system (3), and a feature of the safety location (8) can be detected by means of the detection system (11), wherein, upon detection of the position (9) of the safety location (6) and the feature of the safety location (6) by means of the controller (7), a safety area (8) belonging to the safety location (6) can be activated.