Safety Scanner Dynamic Protective Field Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety technologies for monitoring shared workspaces between humans and machines, such as conveyor systems, face challenges in reliably identifying and protecting against potential hazards, especially when objects are difficult to measure or dynamically change shape, leading to increased complexity and error-prone systems.
Innovation Solution
A security scanner system that dynamically switches between protective field configurations based on interventions in automation fields, allowing for flexible protection without requiring additional sensors or external control, by treating interventions as control information to adjust protective field settings and ensure safe transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple laser scanners and switchable protective field configurations are used to protect shared workspaces, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner is designed to perform multiple functions: it can dynamically switch between different protective field configurations (first configuration with first hazardous area, second configuration with second hazardous area) based on detected objects. A single scanner handles what would otherwise require multiple scanners or complex external control systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective field configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The scanner automatically adapts the hazardous area definition based on real-time detection of objects or persons in the monitored area. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to respond to changing conditions without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems.
2Reliability
If additional sensors and safety controllers are added to monitor and switch protective fields, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner integrates multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components. It performs object detection, determines object characteristics (position, size, shape), selects appropriate protective field configurations, and controls the hazardous area definition all in one device. This eliminates the need for additional sensors and external safety controllers, reducing component count while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection function, evaluation function, and control function into a single integrated system. The laser scanner merges what would traditionally be separate safety systems into one unified device that automatically manages multiple protective field configurations based on real-time conditions.
3Reliability
If protective fields are strictly enforced without exceptions, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases due to unnecessary stop signals
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous area definition is made dynamic and context-dependent. The system automatically adjusts the protective field configuration based on the detected object's characteristics. For example, if a small object is detected that cannot cause harm, the system may select a configuration that does not trigger a stop signal, whereas a large person would trigger appropriate protective measures. This dynamic adaptation maintains safety while avoiding unnecessary productivity losses.
Solution Approach 2:
Different protective field configurations are applied to different spatial regions and object types. The system evaluates the specific characteristics of each detected object and applies the appropriate level of protection locally rather than applying a uniform protective field to the entire monitored area. This allows selective enforcement of safety measures based on actual risk assessment.
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
Enables reliable protection of shared workspaces by allowing exceptions for difficult-to-identify hazards, reducing system complexity and eliminating the need for additional sensors or external controls, ensuring safe and efficient operation of machinery and human-machine interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A light beam generated by a laser periodically scans a surveillance area with the help of a deflection unit. The light is remitted to objects in the surveillance area and evaluated in the scanner.
Implementation Method 2
From the angular position of the deflection unit, the angular position of the object is inferred from the time of flight of light using the speed of light, in addition to the distance of the object from the laser scanner.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4
AI summary
A security scanner (10) for securing a monitoring area (18) is specified, wherein the security scanner (10) comprises a light transmitter (12) for emitting a light beam (14), a deflection unit (16) for periodically deflecting the light beam (14) into the monitoring area (18), a light receiver (24) for generating received signals from the light beam (20) emitted by objects in the monitoring area (18), and an evaluation unit (30, 40) which is configured to detect intrusions into a protective field (48) within the monitoring area (18) on the basis of the received signals and to provide a safeguarding signal and to switch between several protective field configurations, each defining the boundaries of protective fields (48) within the monitoring area (18).The evaluation unit (30, 40) is further designed to monitor a first automation field (54) and to treat an intervention in the first automation field (54) as a trigger for switching the protective field configuration.