Secure Touch Operation of Machinery At Performance Level d

September 27, 2024September 24, 2024 Keith Mills Publishing Editor

RAFI has developed a new technology platform for the market-ready series production of touch systems for safety-critical applications at performance level d. Based on reliable, durable hardware components, redundant sensor architecture and comprehensive diagnostic software, the safety concept offers far more flexibility than hard-wired safety functions.

More and more functions of machinery is being controlled via touch operation. This also increases the demands on the functional safety of touch-operated control systems. As a specialist in human-machine interaction, RAFI has designed a reliable system architecture based on high-quality, fail-safe components, which is protected by a high level of diagnostic coverage on the software side. In order to monitor all potential sources of error with safety-critical effects, a specific safety controller with its own logic was implemented in addition to the new touch controller.

As the monitoring instance, the safety CPU controls all safety-relevant factors from the touch sensors and display to the plausibility of the command inputs and outputs and the cyclical function test every millisecond. Parameterizable filter functions cancel sensor signals triggered by unintentional contact, liquids or other unwanted touch effects. Permanent display monitoring ensures that the user interface is displayed without errors.

To further safeguard against incorrect entries, the touchscreens can optionally be equipped with force detection based on TWIN-TOUCH technology. In addition to touch operation, functionally safeguarded electromechanical actuators can also be applied directly to the touch surface.

For more information: www.rafi-group.com

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