Tensioned Wire Emergency Stop for Remote Facility Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency stop systems for process facilities, such as those in semiconductor or display device manufacturing, are ineffective when a worker is far from the facility, as they require direct access to a portable switch and can lead to accidental activation or require carrying the switch, complicating emergency shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
An emergency stop apparatus comprising a switch unit and a wire system that allows for intuitive and quick facility shutdown from any position in the workspace, using a tensioned wire connected to switch units and a guide unit, enabling easy manipulation by pulling or pushing the wire to activate the stop switch, without the need for additional switch installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable EMO switch is used to stop facility operation from any position, then the worker can stop the facility remotely, but the worker must carry the switch and be careful not to press it accidentally during normal operations
Solution Approach 1:
A wire is introduced as an intermediary element that physically connects the worker's hand to the switch unit. The wire acts as a mediator that transmits the stopping intent only when deliberately pulled, preventing accidental activation while enabling remote operation. The wire's physical presence and tension requirement create a deliberate action threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire is pre-installed and tensioned between the worker's position and the switch unit before any emergency occurs. This preliminary setup ensures that the emergency stop mechanism is already in place and requires only a simple pulling action to activate, rather than requiring the worker to carry or deploy a portable switch during the emergency.
2Ease of operation
If a portable EMO switch is carried by the worker, then emergency stop is accessible from any position, but the manipulation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is pre-installed and tensioned between the worker's position and the switch unit before any emergency occurs. This preliminary setup ensures that the emergency stop mechanism is already in place and requires only a simple pulling action to activate, rather than requiring the worker to carry or deploy a portable switch during the emergency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire is extracted from the switch unit and extended to the worker's position, separating the activation mechanism from the switch unit itself. This allows the worker to trigger the emergency stop from a distance by simply pulling the wire, eliminating the need to physically reach or manipulate the switch unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wire is tensioned and detachably mounted on the switch unit, then the switch can be activated from any position in the workspace, but the wire may come loose or fail to transmit force
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is configured with appropriate curvature and routing through guide units that allow it to maintain tension while accommodating worker movement. The curved path through guide units prevents the wire from becoming slack or dislodged, ensuring reliable force transmission from any position in the workspace.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide units are introduced as intermediary elements that the wire passes through. These guide units mediate between the wire's detachment from the switch unit and the wire's connection to the worker's position, ensuring the wire remains properly routed and tensioned throughout the workspace.
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
Facilities can be quickly and safely stopped from any position in the workspace, simplifying emergency shutdowns and reducing the risk of accidental activation, as the wire system allows for intuitive operation and eliminates the need for carrying a portable switch, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a wire which is disposed in the work space so that tension is applied and of which at least one side is detachably mounted on the switch unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an emergency stop apparatus including a switch unit installed in a work space, electrically connected to a facility, and operable by pulling and a wire which is disposed in the work space so that tension is applied and of which at least one side is detachably mounted on the switch unit and an emergency stop method for quickly stopping the facility at a desired position within the work space in a manner of pulling or pushing the wire.