Sawing Machine Tool Safety via Spectral Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools, such as miter saws, lack effective safety mechanisms to prevent contact between moving tool support units and human body parts or objects, leading to potential accidents during operation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a recognition unit using spectral evaluation of radiation to detect the presence of materials and human body parts within a defined range, employing sensors with multiple sensitivity ranges in the infrared and visible spectrum to prevent tool motion through safety means when an object or human body part is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a recognition unit with spectral evaluation is integrated into the machine tool, then safety and detection reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical safety sensors with an optical recognition unit that uses spectral evaluation of radiation. This optical system detects material types and human body parts by analyzing reflected radiation spectra, eliminating the need for complex mechanical safety interlocks while improving detection reliability and safety performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiation (electromagnetic waves) as an intermediary between the recognition unit and the objects being detected. The sensor means emits radiation that reflects off materials or human body parts, and the spectral evaluation of this reflected radiation enables identification without direct physical contact, thereby improving safety while maintaining system manageability.
2Measurement precision
If sensor means are carried along on the tool support unit, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor means with the tool support unit, creating an integrated detection system. The sensor means are mounted on the tool support unit so that they move together, ensuring continuous detection coverage of the tool range as the tool is positioned. This integration improves detection coverage without requiring separate complex mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool support unit serves multiple functions: it supports the tool, enables tool movement to desired positions, and carries the sensor means for detection. This multi-functionality improves detection coverage while avoiding additional complexity from separate dedicated sensor mounting structures.
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
Ensures reliable and rapid recognition of objects and human body parts, enhancing safety by preventing unwanted contact and allowing for precise control of tool movements, thus reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The recognition unit is advantageously provided for presence recognition by evaluating a reflection spectrum of radiation reflected on an object to be examined
Implementation Method 2
a recognition unit which is provided for detecting the presence of a type of material in a tool range with the aid of spectral evaluation of radiation
Implementation Method 3
The recognition unit has a sensor unit having at least one sensitivity range for detecting radiation in a wavelength range which is at least partially in the infrared spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool, in particular a sawing machine, is described, having a work surface (14) for placing a workpiece (16) to be machined and a tool support unit (20) for supporting a tool (18), the tool support unit being supported movably relative to the work surface (14). The machine tool includes a tool operation monitoring device (60) for monitoring a tool range (68) at least during tool operation, the device having an imaging unit (62).