Abstract
The scope of this project was to produce a complete prototype of an electromechanical safety system that (1) detects human contact with the saw blade, (2) interrupts power to the saw motor, (3) actuates a firing system, and (4) abruptly stops the travel of the blade in order to minimize physical injury. The specific application for the project was a 12.7 mm wide, 0.5 mm thickness Ridgid® saw blade (Part # 03991) mounted on a Ridgid® 14“ vertical band saw (Model #BS 1400). Through engineering analysis and several design iterations, a wedge-brake mechanism was developed and integrated with an electronic control system developed by SawStop™. Upon completion of the nine-month project, the prototype was able to stop the motion of the saw blade in approximately fifteen milliseconds (ms). With this stopping time, it is estimated that the operator would experience a 4.8 mm (3/16 inch) depth of cut. Thus, first aid or a doctor's visit would be required rather than emergency hospitalization. The final project report included recommendations for further development.
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