This invention addresses a critical safety challenge in industries like underground mining, where workers face severe risks from rotating machinery such as rock drills. Traditional solutions, such as physical guards and laser systems, are either impractical or unreliable in harsh environments due to issues like dust, debris, and water interference. Existing methods often slow productivity and fail to adequately protect workers, leading to frequent injuries.
Core Features
The system employs a portable and stationary infrared barrier utilizing passive infrared (PIR) sensors. These sensors create a detection zone around dangerous machinery. If a human is detected within the zone, the system automatically shuts down the equipment to prevent accidents. The system uses overlapping sensor zones for redundancy, ensuring reliable detection even in complex environments. It also includes a master controller to manage safety signals and log data, enabling fault detection and operation tracking.
Benefits
- Enhanced Safety: Automatically stops machinery to safeguard human operators in real-time.
- Operational Efficiency: Eliminates the need for cumbersome physical guards or unreliable laser systems.
- Adaptability: Can be customized for various equipment and environments.
- Ease of Use: Portable design allows quick deployment and repositioning.
Impact
This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce workplace injuries and fatalities in hazardous industries. By providing a reliable and automated safety solution, it enhances worker confidence and operational efficiency. The system also aligns with broader goals of improving industrial safety standards, potentially reducing liability costs and setting a benchmark for safety technologies in high-risk environments.