Touch Screen Two-Hand Safety Control for Harsh Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-hand operation methods for product processing devices are complex and expensive, often susceptible to chemicals, and lack robustness for harsh environments, posing safety risks and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A touch screen-based operating device with two menu fields spaced at least 15 cm apart, requiring simultaneous and timed input to trigger safety-related functions, combined with a sealed and robust design for chemical and water resistance, using a projected capacitive or optical touch system with a glass surface for enhanced durability and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two discrete switches are used for two-hand operation, then safety function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate control functions into a single touch screen interface. The touch screen displays multiple menu fields that can be activated simultaneously, merging the functionality of two discrete switches into one integrated device. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the two-hand operation safety requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch screen serves multiple functions: it displays menu fields for normal operation and simultaneously provides the two-hand operation safety interface. By making the control device universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate discrete switches while achieving the same safety objective.
2Reliability
If two discrete switches are used for two-hand operation, then safety function is achieved, but susceptibility to chemicals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with a touch screen interface that uses capacitive or resistive sensing technology. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to chemical degradation, while maintaining the two-hand operation safety function through software-based detection of simultaneous touches on separated menu fields.
3Reliability
If menu fields are spaced at least 15 cm apart on touch screen, then two-hand operation safety is ensured, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the two-dimensional surface of the touch screen to position menu fields at appropriate distances apart (at least 15 cm). By leveraging the spatial dimensions of the display surface, the system ensures that simultaneous activation requires two separate hand positions, achieving safety without requiring excessive device area beyond what the touch screen naturally provides.
4Reliability
If simultaneous and timed actuation of menu fields is detected, then accidental activation is prevented, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires simultaneous activation of multiple menu fields rather than sequential activation. This partial action approach (requiring only simultaneous touch without extended timing) provides sufficient prevention against accidental activation while minimizing the time penalty, as the user simply needs to place both hands on the required fields simultaneously without holding them for extended periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
The control device (1) has a terminal housing (2) which is provided with a touch screen (3). A control unit (31) displays a menu with different menu fields (4,5) for controlling the function of product processing apparatus on the touch screen. The menu fields are spaced apart from each other in the touch screen. The two-hand safety control for controlling the fuction of processing apparatus is performed by simultaneously contacting the menu fields in the touch screen with fingers.