Welding Shield Beacon Control for Omnidirectional Hazard Warning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional welding protection devices do not effectively warn others of ongoing welding work, potentially allowing people to approach the work area unsafely due to lack of visual and auditory alerts.
Innovation Solution
A welding protection device equipped with a light beacon that emits light in all directions and a control circuitry system, which includes sensors and a speaker to provide visual and auditory warnings, ensuring the light is activated when the device is worn and the eye protection shield is in use, and deactivated when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional welding protection devices are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the safety warning capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety warning functions (light beacon, speaker, sensors) into a single welding protection device housing, integrating them with the existing eye protection shield and visor structure. This merging approach enhances safety capability while avoiding the need for separate standalone warning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding protection device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: eye protection through the shield and visor, visual warning through the light beacon, auditory warning through the speaker, and automatic control via sensors. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making one device serve several safety purposes.
2Reliability
If a light beacon is added to provide visual warning, then the safety warning capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light beacon is integrated into the housing of the welding protection device, combining it with the existing eye protection structure. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or additional structural components, thereby adding visual warning capability while minimizing increases in device complexity.
3Extent of automation
If control circuitry with sensors is added to activate the light beacon, then the automation level is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry uses sensors to automatically detect when the welding protection device is worn and when the eye protection shield is in the down position, then automatically activates or deactivates the light beacon accordingly. This self-service automation eliminates the need for manual switches or buttons, reducing operational complexity while improving automation.
4Reliability
If the light beacon emits light in all directions, then the warning coverage is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light beacon is configured to flash or pulse in multiple directions rather than emitting continuous light in all directions simultaneously. This periodic action provides comprehensive warning coverage over time while significantly reducing the energy consumption compared to continuous omnidirectional illumination.
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
The device effectively warns others of ongoing welding operations by providing a visual and auditory alert, enhancing safety by ensuring the work area is clearly marked as hazardous, thus preventing unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
a light beacon (102A, 102B) configured to emit light in substantially all directions
Implementation Method 2
a speaker (108) configured to output an audible warning
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A protection device is disclosed, where the protection device comprises an eye protection shield, a light beacon, and a control circuitry to control the light beacon.