Universal Proximity Wireless Safety System for Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively prevent injuries and deaths caused by accidental proximity to dangerous power tools and machinery, such as table saws and lawn mowers, especially when users are unaware of the potential danger to people or pets.
Innovation Solution
A wireless universal proximity system that uses a transmitter attached to a potential victim and a receiver connected to the dangerous device's shutdown mechanism, which automatically shuts down the device when the victim approaches within a predetermined distance, utilizing a radio frequency identification device system and various attachment mechanisms like clothing, footwear, or collars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dangerous power device operates continuously, then productivity is improved, but the risk of accidental injury increases when unauthorized persons or pets approach
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of unauthorized persons or pets approaching the dangerous power device before actual contact occurs. The transmitter worn by the potential victim continuously transmits signals, and the receiver on the power device detects these signals in advance, triggering automatic shutdown before injury can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary system is introduced between the potential victim and the dangerous power device. The transmitter and receiver create an intermediary detection layer that monitors proximity and mediates the interaction, automatically shutting down the device when unauthorized proximity is detected.
2Reliability
If a safety system is added to detect and shutdown dangerous devices, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is segmented into separate independent components: a transmitter worn by the potential victim and a receiver integrated into the power device. This segmentation allows the safety function to be added without fundamentally redesigning the power device itself, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the potential victim to actively participate in their own safety by wearing the transmitter, which continuously transmits their location information. The power device's receiver autonomously monitors these signals and automatically shuts down the device when unauthorized proximity is detected, without requiring manual intervention.
3Reliability
If a proximity detection system is implemented, then injury prevention is improved, but loss of time occurs due to automatic shutdown of legitimate users
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the receiver continuously monitors transmitter signals and adjusts device operation accordingly. When a transmitter signal is detected within the danger zone, the device automatically shuts down. The system can distinguish between authorized users (who may have override capability) and unauthorized persons, reducing false shutdowns for legitimate users.
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
Prevents hundreds of thousands of injuries and deaths by ensuring that power tools and machinery automatically shut down when a person or pet carrying a transmitter approaches, thereby safeguarding them from accidental harm.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless transmitter set to transmit a predetermined distance at a specified frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A universal proximity wireless system for a potential victim to disengage a dangerous power device to inhibit accidental injury to a potential victim includes: a) a wireless transmitter to transmit a predetermined distance; b) a transmitter attachment mechanism adapted for attachment to the potential victim; c) a receiver and a dangerous power device shutdown mechanism. The shutdown mechanism is attached to said dangerous power device at an operation mechanism of said power device and said shutdown mechanism is adapted to shut down said operation mechanism when said receiver receives a signal from said transmitter.