Trolley Connection Detection With Tamper-Proof Safety Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety systems in the food industry for connecting food processing and handling devices, such as trolleys and machines, are easily circumvented and not robust enough to ensure safe and hygienic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses sensors and sensor activation means, which can be displaced independently from a remote position to an activated position during device connection, ensuring correct alignment and preventing manipulation, utilizing levers and pivots to maintain the correct position and locking mechanisms to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensor activation means are used in safety systems, then the system is simple to operate, but the system can be easily circumvented and is not robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making both the sensor and activation means movable during device connection. The sensor is displaced from a first position to a second position, and the activation means is displaced from a third position to a fourth position. This dynamic configuration ensures that both components must be in their respective activated positions simultaneously for the safety system to function, preventing circumvention while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the safety detection function into two independent movable components: the sensor and the activation means. By separating these functions into distinct elements that must both be activated, the system prevents circumvention that would be possible with a single static activation point, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If the sensor and activation means are both displaced independently during connection, then manipulation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection and activation functions into a unified safety mechanism where the sensor and activation means work together through their independent displacements. By combining these functions in a coordinated manner during device connection, the system achieves tamper-proof detection while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by monitoring the positions of both the sensor and activation means. The control system receives signals indicating whether both components are in their activated positions, and only permits operation when both conditions are met. This feedback mechanism ensures manipulation prevention while maintaining manageable system complexity through intelligent control.
3Reliability
If multiple displacement conditions are required for activation, then safety is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the sensor and activation means in their respective first and third positions before connection occurs. During the connection process, both components are automatically displaced to their activated positions as part of the normal connection sequence, rather than requiring separate activation steps. This reduces time loss while maintaining enhanced safety.
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
Ensures robust and reliable detection of device connection, preventing unsafe operations and maintaining hygienic conditions by providing a secure and tamper-proof mechanism for food handling and processing.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor emits for example electromagnetic- and/or sound-waves, which are sensed by a receiver or reflected back to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a method to detect the connection between two food processing—, food-preparation and/or handling-devices (1, 2), wherein one device (1) comprises detection means (31) with a sensor (6) and sensor activation means (18). The invention further relates to a set with a first device (1) and a second food processing—, food preparation and/or handling device (2), which are reversibly connected wherein the first device (1) comprises a safety device (10, 20) with a sensor (6) and an activation means (18).