Segment Work Zone Monitoring for Multi-Axis Kinematics Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring multi-axis kinematics require complex and costly workspace modeling with large, comprehensive work zones and numerous protection zones, leading to inefficient use of space and increased computational effort.

Innovation Solution

The method involves assigning segment kinematics zones to individual segments of multi-axis kinematics, determining segment work zones based on intended movements, and configuring safety monitoring to check each segment separately, reducing the need for extensive protection zones and optimizing workspace dimensions dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large, comprehensive work zone is defined for the entire multi-axis kinematics to ensure safety monitoring, then safety coverage is improved, but space utilization deteriorates and computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety coverageVSAvoidwork zone volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the multi-axis kinematics into individual segments and defines separate work zones for each segment rather than a single comprehensive work zone. This segmentation allows each zone to be tightly fitted to the actual movement space of its corresponding segment, reducing unnecessary space while maintaining complete safety coverage for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different work zone definitions to different segments based on their specific movement characteristics and spatial requirements. Each segment receives a customized work zone that matches its local movement patterns, rather than applying a uniform large work zone to all segments, thereby optimizing space utilization while preserving safety monitoring effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If numerous protection zones are added to restrict kinematics movement within the work zone, then safety precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkspace precisionVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the safety monitoring task into individual segment-level work zone checks rather than requiring multiple protection zones. By monitoring each segment within its own dedicated work zone, the system achieves precise workspace control without the complexity of layering multiple protection zones, reducing the number of monitoring boundaries that must be maintained and checked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual modeling of work zones is performed by users, then adaptability to specific applications is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to high complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkspace customizationVSAvoidmodeling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to automatically generate segment work zones based on the kinematic definitions and movement parameters that are already provided for production planning. The system self-configures the safety monitoring zones without requiring manual user modeling, leveraging existing kinematic data to create appropriate work zones automatically, thus maintaining adaptability while dramatically simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Volume of stationary object

If segment-specific work zones are defined instead of a general work zone, then space utilization is improved, but measurement and detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework zone volumeVSAvoidsegment monitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments both the kinematics and the monitoring task, assigning each segment its own dedicated work zone and monitoring check. This segmentation actually simplifies detection complexity compared to monitoring a single large comprehensive zone, because each segment can be independently monitored within its own boundaries without requiring complex interactions between multiple protection zones or segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4212287A1Project management of safety-oriented monitoring for a multi-axis kinematic with multiple movable segments
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4212287A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4212287A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4212287A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for designing a safety-oriented monitoring system for a multi-axis kinematic system with several movable segments, comprising the steps of assigning several respective segment kinematic zones to one or more segments of the multi-axis kinematic system, wherein the respective segment kinematic zones are formed by segment envelopes depending on the respective segments, providing respective movements of the respective segments in Cartesian space, detecting spatial elements to be traversed per segment based on the provided respective movements, determining respective total envelopes as respective segment working zones per segment based on the detected spatial elements to be traversed, and providing the respective segment working zones for the design of a safety function of the safety-oriented monitoring system.The invention further relates to an associated equipment component and a safety-oriented control for the safe operation of a multi-axis kinematics system comprising a safety function block designed according to the method.