Touch-Panel Safety Switch for Programmable Machine Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety switches for industrial machines and plants are limited in their ability to efficiently control access and customize functions due to physical constraints and complex assembly processes, leading to increased costs and reduced safety against unauthorized access and tampering.
Innovation Solution
A safety switch with a touch panel that includes a switching device anchored to a fixed part, an operating device on a movable part, and a touch monitor with virtual controls managed by a microprocessor, allowing for programmable association of functions with machine or plant circuits, enhancing customization and safety against unsafe access and tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional push-button panels with physical controls are used, then the device can be manually operated, but the number of controls is limited due to space constraints and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical controls (push-buttons, switches) with a touch-sensitive panel that uses electrical/electronic sensing. This substitution allows multiple virtual controls to be displayed on a single surface without requiring physical space for each control element, thereby increasing the number of controls while reducing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive panel serves multiple functions: it displays visual information, provides multiple control interfaces, and can be programmed with different functions. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate physical devices into a single universal interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If more control functions are added to the safety switch, then the versatility improves, but the assembly process becomes more laborious and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing physical controls with electronic touch controls, the system can add numerous control functions without proportionally increasing assembly complexity. The touch panel integrates multiple control functions into a single component that can be programmed after installation
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions are pre-programmed into the touch panel system, allowing the hardware assembly to remain simple while the software/firmware provides the extensive functionality. This separates the complexity of control logic from the physical assembly process
3Adaptability or versatility
If a touch panel is integrated into the switching device, then customization capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch panel replaces traditional physical control interfaces, providing a programmable, customizable interface without adding significant structural complexity. The customization is achieved through software configuration rather than hardware modification
Data Source
AI summary
A safety switch comprises a switching device having a casing housing electric and/or electronic control means adapted to be connected with one or more circuits, an operating device adapted to be anchored to a movable part of the access to interact with the switching means when the access is opened/closed for the opening/closure of the circuits, means for detecting the opening of the access associated with the switching device and with the operating device for sending a stop command of the machine or plant upon the detection or request for the opening of the access, driving means for sending activation/deactivation and/or signalling controls and that comprise a touch monitor provided with one or more virtual controls and at least one microprocessor suitable for associating the virtual controls with a control and/or signalling function.