Safety Scanner Dynamic Protected Field Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety scanner systems for cooperative workplaces, such as industrial production plants, face challenges in reliably securing zones where humans and machines interact, particularly in dynamic environments like route crossings, where traditional methods require extensive configuration and testing efforts and may not adequately prevent unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A safety scanner system that utilizes prior knowledge of expected protected field intrusions to suppress safety functions for recognized 'dangerous' objects, such as robot arms or conveyor parts, and dynamically adapts protected fields based on the object's position and movement, eliminating the need for additional sensor systems and reducing configuration efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety scanner systems are used to monitor cooperative workplaces, then safety monitoring is provided, but configuration and testing efforts are extensive and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety scanner automatically performs configuration and adaptation functions by detecting objects in the monitored zone and autonomously generating protected field configurations. The system self-adjusts the protected fields based on detected object positions and characteristics, eliminating the need for manual configuration and extensive testing while maintaining safety monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes protected field parameters (position, shape, extent) based on detected object characteristics. The evaluation unit continuously adapts the protected field configuration parameters according to the detected objects' positions and movements, enabling automatic adaptation without manual intervention
2Reliability
If static protected field configurations are used to secure dynamic work zones, then safety coverage is provided, but system availability decreases due to excessive restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The protected fields are transformed from static to dynamic configurations that automatically adapt to detected objects. The evaluation unit continuously updates the protected field positions and shapes based on real-time object detection, allowing the safety system to maintain adequate coverage while accommodating legitimate operational movements and improving system availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary object detection and characterization to pre-establish appropriate protected field configurations before potential hazards arise. By detecting objects early and proactively configuring protected fields based on object characteristics, the system prevents unnecessary safety interruptions while maintaining protection
3Measurement precision
If additional sensor systems are deployed to monitor cooperative workplaces, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety scanner is designed to perform multiple functions using a single sensor system: it detects objects, characterizes them, determines their positions, and uses this information to dynamically configure protected fields. The single scanner system replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining or improving detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The detection, evaluation, and protection configuration functions are merged into a single integrated safety scanner system. The scanner's detection capabilities are combined with an evaluation unit that processes detection data and automatically generates protected field configurations, eliminating the need for separate sensor systems and reducing overall complexity
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 approach enhances safety by automatically generating necessary information for protected field configurations, reducing the risk of human-machine collisions and improving system availability by dynamically adjusting protected fields to prevent unauthorized access, while simplifying the configuration and testing process.
Implementation Method 1
A light beam generated by a laser periodically sweeps over a monitored zone with the help of a deflection unit. The light is remitted at the objects in the monitored zone and is evaluated in the scanner.
Implementation Method 2
A conclusion is drawn from the angular position of the deflection unit on the angular position of the object from the time of flight of light while using the speed of light
Data Source
AI summary
A safety scanner (10) is set forth for securing a monitored zone (18), wherein the safety scanner (10) has a light transmitter (12) for transmitting a light beam (14), a deflection unit (16) for the periodic deflection of the light beam (14) into the monitored zone (18), a light receiver (24) for generating received signals from the light beam (20) remitted by objects in the monitored zone (18) as well as an evaluation unit (30) which is made to recognize intrusions into a protected field within the monitored zone (18) with reference to the received signals and thereupon to provide a securing signal, except for the case that the intrusion can be associated with an expected dangerous object (40). In this respect, the evaluation unit (30) is made to track the dangerous object (40) in the protected field and to carry out the association of intrusions with the expected dangerous object (40) with reference to the contour and to the then current position, orientation and/or speed of the dangerous object (40).