Sewing Machine Terminal Device Distance-Based Operation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sewing machine operation systems using terminal devices lack effective risk management, allowing operators to leave the sewing machine unattended, which can lead to safety hazards, especially in home environments where children or unqualified individuals may be present, restricting advanced operations that involve mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A sewing-machine operating program and terminal device that measure and compare the distance between the operator and the sewing machine, restricting remote operation functions based on predefined safe ranges, ensuring the operator is within a risk manageable area, using sensors and communication units to enable or disable operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote operation via terminal device is enabled, then operator convenience is improved, but safety risk increases due to operator leaving the sewing machine unattended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic function restriction based on real-time distance monitoring. The control unit continuously monitors the distance between the terminal device and sewing machine, and dynamically adjusts which operations are permitted. When distance exceeds the threshold, mechanical component operations are automatically restricted while informational operations remain available, creating a dynamic safety mechanism that adapts to the operator's position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical component operations are permitted remotely, then operational versatility is improved, but risk of accidents increases when operator is outside safe range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments operations into two distinct categories: informational operations (displaying status, transmitting stitchwork data) and mechanical operations (driving stitchwork frame, needle reciprocation). Informational operations are permitted regardless of distance, while mechanical operations are restricted when the terminal device is beyond the predetermined distance threshold. This segmentation allows the system to maintain operational versatility for safe functions while preventing accidents in mechanical functions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If distance monitoring and function restriction are implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical safety interlocks with electronic distance monitoring and software-based function restriction. Instead of using mechanical switches, physical barriers, or complex safety circuits, the system uses a distance monitoring unit to measure separation and a control unit to enforce operational restrictions through software logic. This substitution simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effective safety control.
Data Source
AI summary
A sewing-machine operating program is installed in a terminal device of a user. A specifying information acquiring step causes a short-distance information acquiring unit to acquire specifying information recorded on a sewing-machine main unit. In the distance measuring step, an apart distance is calculated from a detection result of a movement detecting sensor with a position where the specifying information is acquired being as an initial position. In the distance comparing step, for a remote operation to the sewing-machine main unit, the apart distance and a prescribed distance are compared. In the function restricting step, when the apart distance is within the prescribed distance, an operation command is transmitted to the sewing-machine main unit via a wireless communication device, and when the apart distance exceeds the prescribed distance, the operation command is not transmitted to the sewing-machine main unit.