Travel Obstructing Device with Non-Contact Power and Warning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing travel obstructing devices in article transport facilities do not adequately address safety concerns when multiple workers are simultaneously working, as they do not provide a mechanism to alert workers of approaching ceiling transport vehicles if a precautionary measure is not taken by each worker.
Innovation Solution
A travel obstructing device with a power-receiving portion that utilizes non-contact electricity from the railed track to power a warning device, which alerts other workers of the presence or absence of an obstructing device, ensuring safety by visually or audibly indicating the status of work completion or ongoing work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a travel obstructing device is placed on the railed track to ensure worker safety, then worker safety is improved, but other workers downstream may not be aware of the device's presence and may not take precautionary measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by providing real-time information about the presence and status of travel obstructing devices to workers downstream through display devices. When an obstructing device is placed upstream, the system detects this and provides feedback to downstream workers, enabling them to take appropriate precautionary measures. This resolves the information asymmetry problem where downstream workers were unaware of upstream safety measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information system that mediates between the physical obstructing device and the workers. The display devices and control system act as intermediaries, translating the physical presence of obstructing devices into visible information for workers, thereby enabling awareness without requiring direct line-of-sight or communication between workers.
2Reliability
If each worker places a travel obstructing device for themselves, then individual worker safety is ensured, but the system becomes complex and requires additional operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single travel obstructing device that serves multiple functions: it physically obstructs vehicles upstream while simultaneously providing information to downstream workers through the integrated display system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate safety devices for each worker while maintaining individual safety awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the safety obstruction function with the information notification function into a single integrated system. The obstructing device and information display system are combined, allowing one device to perform both the physical safety function and the communication function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If a worker removes the travel obstructing device after finishing work, then the track is cleared for normal operation, but downstream workers may not be notified and may be exposed to moving vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback about the status of obstructing devices to downstream workers. When a device is removed after work completion, the system detects this change and immediately notifies downstream workers through the display devices, ensuring they are aware that the track is no longer blocked and can take appropriate safety measures.
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
Enhances safety in multi-worker scenarios by providing a mechanism for workers to be aware of approaching ceiling transport vehicles, preventing unintended movement and improving overall facility safety without additional operational burdens.
Implementation Method 1
a power-receiving portion configured to be located across from the non-contact-type electricity supplying portion and to receive electric power from the non-contact-type electricity supplying portion
Data Source
AI summary
A travel obstructing device comprises a supported portion configured to be placed on a railed track, a main body portion which is suspended from, and supported by, the supported portion, a power-receiving portion configured to receive electric power from a non-contact-type electricity supplying portion, and a warning device configured to receive electric power supplied from the power-receiving portion and to issue a warning.