Sensor-Based Safety for Robotic Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety features for robotic equipment in manufacturing environments, such as light screens and laser scanners, are costly and complex, necessitating a more cost-effective and efficient solution for ensuring safety and productivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing sensor-based safety features that use sensors to capture light from the environment, generate a model image, detect changes, and adjust the robotic equipment's operating speed based on the proximity and speed of approaching objects, thereby preventing collisions or interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety features such as light screens and laser scanners are implemented, then safety protection is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and optical safety systems (light screens, laser scanners, fencing) with a sensor-based vision system that uses image capture and processing to detect objects and generate safety signals, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining safety functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model (model image) of the physical environment surrounding the robotic equipment by capturing and processing sensor data, allowing the system to monitor and respond to safety conditions through this virtual representation rather than requiring complex physical safety barriers
2Device complexity
If sensor-based safety features are implemented, then cost and complexity are reduced, but measurement precision and detection capability may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-generates a model image representing the safe state of the environment and compares real-time sensor images against this model to detect deviations, allowing for early detection of potential safety issues before they become critical threats
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vision system continuously monitors the environment, compares detected objects against the model image, and generates safety signals that feed back to control the robotic equipment, enabling dynamic adjustment of safety responses based on real-time conditions
3Productivity
If the robotic equipment operates at high speed, then productivity is improved, but safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic safety monitoring where the vision system continuously tracks objects in the environment and adjusts safety signals in real-time based on the relative position, speed, and trajectory of detected objects, allowing the robotic equipment to operate at high speed when safe and slow down or stop when potential threats are detected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the robotic equipment to self-regulate its operation based on safety conditions detected by the integrated vision system, which automatically generates safety signals to control the equipment's speed and operation without requiring external intervention, thereby maintaining both high productivity and safety
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 provides a cost-effective method to enhance safety and productivity by automatically adjusting robotic equipment operations in response to approaching objects, reducing the risk of accidents and downtime while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors configured to capture light from an environment surrounding the robotic equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are generally described for sensor-based safety features for robotic equipment, and the implementation thereof. One or more sensors may be positioned relative to the robotic equipment such that the sensors may capture light from at least a portion of an environment surrounding the robotic equipment. In some examples, the sensors may be integrated with the robotic equipment and/or may be configured to rotate. An analysis module coupled to the sensors may build a model image of the environment based on the light captured by the sensors. The analysis module may detect that an unintended object is approaching the robotic equipment in response to detecting a change in the model image, and based on a proximity and/or a speed of approach of the object to the robotic equipment, the analysis module may instruct the robotic equipment to reduce an operating speed and/or stop motion of the robotic equipment.