Safety Switch Cable Translator for Machinery Trapping Hazard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users can become trapped inside electromechanical machinery enclosures due to exterior locks that interrupt power supply, leaving them vulnerable to machinery operation when access is accidentally locked.
Innovation Solution
A safety switch with a cable translator and actuator system that allows users to remotely control the power supply or lock from within the enclosure, enabling safe exit by moving between disengaged and engaged positions, and featuring a resilient bias and retaining mechanism to prevent accidental ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock is provided on the exterior of the housing to prevent unauthorized access, then security and access control are improved, but users may become trapped inside the housing when accidentally locked
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is segmented into two separate components: an exterior lock for access control and an interior safety switch for emergency release. This segmentation allows the exterior lock to maintain security while the interior safety switch provides a separate escape mechanism, eliminating the trapping hazard without compromising access control reliability.
2Extent of automation
If the power supply switch is integrated with the exterior lock, then automatic power interruption is improved, but the user loses the ability to turn off power when trapped inside
Solution Approach 1:
The power control system is segmented into two independent switches: an exterior power supply switch integrated with the lock for automatic power interruption, and an interior safety switch for manual power control from within the housing. This segmentation ensures that automatic power interruption function is maintained while providing accessible power control to trapped users through the interior safety switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The interior safety switch acts as an intermediary control mechanism that provides power control capability to users inside the housing. This intermediary switch communicates with the power supply system through the cable and cable translator mechanism, enabling users to turn off power without needing to access the exterior lock area.
3Ease of operation
If the safety switch is provided within the housing, then users can turn off machinery and exit when trapped, but the switch must be positioned remotely from the lock
Solution Approach 1:
A cable translator mechanism acts as an intermediary to connect the interior safety switch to the exterior lock system. The cable translator converts the linear motion of the safety switch actuator into cable tension that operates the exterior lock, enabling remote positioning of the safety switch inside the housing while maintaining functional connection to the lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly with flexible sheathing allows the safety switch to be positioned remotely within the housing while maintaining mechanical connection to the exterior lock. The flexible cable can accommodate the spatial separation between the interior safety switch and exterior lock, enabling easy operation from inside the housing without rigid structural constraints.
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 users to safely turn off machinery and exit by providing a remote means to control the power supply or lock, reducing the risk of trapping and ensuring safety within the enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
a cable translator (2) moveable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, the cable having a second end (24) for connection to the remote lock and/or power supply switch
Implementation Method 2
the cable translator is resiliently biased towards the engaged position
Implementation Method 3
an actuator moveable between an unactivated position and an activated position, wherein the actuator is arranged such that when it is in the unactivated position it prevents the cable translator from being moved from the disengaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A safety switch includes a cable having a first end connected to a cable translator moveable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, the cable having a second end for connection to a remote lock and power supply switch.