Virtual Hazard Accessibility Modeling for Machine Safety Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of adapting safety systems in reconfigurable machines to ensure compliance with safety standards during modifications, as mandated by regulations like the Machinery Directive, is not efficiently addressed by current manual methods, which are time-consuming and lack automation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a virtual model of the machine to simulate accessibility of hazard locations with geometric shapes, determining safety configurations based on accessibility, and configuring safety systems accordingly to safeguard these locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual risk assessment methods are used for reconfigurable machines, then safety compliance can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and lacks automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies (digital twins) of the physical machine and its safety systems. These virtual models can be simulated and analyzed without affecting the actual machine, enabling automated risk assessment through computer-based simulations of hazard scenarios and safety system responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs risk assessments and safety validations in the virtual model before implementing changes to the physical machine. This preliminary action in the virtual environment allows potential safety issues to be identified and resolved before actual machine modification, reducing the need for iterative manual testing.
2Productivity
If manual hazard analysis is performed by inspectors, then safety compliance can be determined, but the process lacks speed and consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual model automatically performs safety assessments by simulating hazard scenarios and evaluating safety system responses according to predefined safety standards. The system self-validates safety configurations without requiring continuous manual inspection, enabling consistent and repeatable safety evaluations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback loops where the virtual simulation results directly inform safety configuration adjustments. The system continuously monitors simulated hazard scenarios and provides immediate feedback on safety system performance, enabling rapid iteration and consistent compliance verification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If safety systems are reconfigured for flexible production, then adaptability improves, but safety compliance becomes more complex to verify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual modeling framework that can represent various machine configurations and safety systems within a single platform. This multi-functional virtual environment can simulate different production scenarios, hazard types, and safety measures, simplifying the verification process across diverse reconfigurable machine setups.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for determining a safety configuration of a safety system for a machine having a hazard location. The method includes providing a virtual model of the machine in a virtual environment. The method includes simulating an accessibility of the hazard location of the machine in the virtual environment based on a plurality of three-dimensional geometric shapes. The plurality of geometric shapes has at least two different sizes. The method includes determining the accessibility of the hazard location based on the simulation of the accessibility of the hazard location. The method includes determining the safety configuration based on the accessibility of the hazard location.