Continuing the discussion from Allocating resources to Committees/SIGs:
Are there any safety concerns with remotely operating the door? Do we have sensors in place to keep fingers and toes safe?
There is a pressure sensor on the bottom edge of the door that in theory stops it if it hits anything. In general parking or storing things directly under the door when it is open is not a good idea. Nothing stops someone from hitting close when a truck is under the door.
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The RFID at the bottom of the ramp is within sight of the garage door⌠maybe 30-40 feet away at most, hardly âremoteâ.
As @Brandon_Green points out, there is a pressure switch across the bottom edge of the door. I will eventually be adding an IR sensor (like a home garage door) that will prevent closing the door when a person, truck or project is blocking the ramp garage door. The pressure switch will remain in place as a backup safety device.
Imagine the following scenario: door closed, someone with fingers on/in/near the tracks, vehicle drives up and tags the door open, screaming/yelling ensues. Might be wise to put a rotating caution light w/ delay timer of 3-4 seconds before door movement.
There will soon be a âlockoutâ switch installed to prevent such stupidity.
Interesting ⌠so it will be locked out all the time and youâll come inside to unlock it before using the RFID reader at the base of the ramp?
No, it should only be locked out when someone is actively working on the door, or the door is disabled by someone yet again running into it. Think of it as an easy to use Lockout-Tagout.
In that case, I think a rotating yellow rotating light on both the inside and outside with a 3-4 second movement delay is a good idea. Might add a small buzzer on the inside to warn people away from the door before it starts moving up.
This should not be a big deal to implement.
IMHO, not worth implementing. Anyone who puts their fingers in the tracks without disabling the door deserves getting their fingers pinched.
The door can be disabled today by opening the switch by the garage door and unscrewing the wire to the STOP button, or by climbing a ladder and disconnecting power from the motor.
Items needed:
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Overview/Catalog/Relays_-z-Timers/Timer_Relays-z-Counters-z-Tachometers/Multi-Function_Digital_Counter-z-Timer-z-_Tachometer
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Pushbuttons_-z-Switches-z-Indicators/Visual_Signal_Devices/WERMA_Signal_Beacons(98mm_diameter,_base_mount)/82931068
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Pushbuttons_-z-Switches-z-Indicators/Audible_Signal_Devices/Fuji_Alarm_Buzzers(22.5mm_panel_mount_80dB_-_90dB)/DR22B8-HB
A remotely-triggered crush or amputation injury which could result in permanent disability is not something we should spend a minimal amount to help prevent?
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If you feel that is a likely scenario, then by all means build it. Just donât break the RFID system for the other doors while you are at it.
I like to think our members arenât quite so stupid.
Were you able to write that with a straight face?
- Member(s) who back up their vehicle striking a 3/4 ton pick up and knock it off its jack stands
- Member who gets hair caught in lathe
- Member(s) who cause kickback injuries to themselves.
- Member(s) who start fires in the metal shop
- Member(s) who use a bench grinder with an obviously damages wheel
âŚ
I could go on, but we have numerous examples of members doing stupid stuff⌠That is why the safety naziâs get so excited about their âsafetyâ classesâŚ
Remember to pump your brakes after swapping the pads, and donât get too close to the Lathe with long hair, and remember that sticking your finger in a running table saw is considered bad form and, and, andâŚ
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Those examples are all of members doing dumbass things during normal operations. Those are the people who would walk away from the damaged door, not the people who would be actively working to fix it. The people who fix stuff around here, like yourself, are not the average bear.
The rotating light idea would be rather cool though and reminds me of Aliens. Now if we could just get a walking forklift to go with it⌠Just the forklift though, no Aliens please, though it may already be too late. God only knows whatâs going on over in Science these days.
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Oh yeah, thatâs the visual I had too!
Is it an actual pressure switch? Most residential openers just reverse on a torque limit at the motor IIRC.
Yes, there is a pressure switch. There is a wire pair running to the bottom weatherproofing and if you push up on it while the door is closing, itâll stop and reverse (yes, I have personally done this to test).
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Permit requirements for residential vs commercial garage doors are VASTLY different.
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