Consumers have come to expect products and equipment to be secure, efficient, dependable, and cost-effective in recent years. Manufacturers face difficulties in protecting equipment from failure, human error, unauthorized access, and cyber threats while meeting rising expectations.
Finding the right balance between user-friendly operation and cost while ensuring safety and security is a key opportunity for innovative designers. Simple, reliable devices offer intuitive solutions for industrial designers facing these challenges.
The Significance of Visual Indication
Visual indications, like seatbelt warnings in cars, confirm if doors or panels are securely closed. Mechanical and electromechanical locks now have clear safety indicators, aiding design engineers in choosing efficient technology for safety and efficiency. Equipment enclosures in offices, public areas, and ATMs need secure latching for smooth and safe operations.
If not properly secured, each type of enclosure poses its own set of risks:
- Public safety: Inadequately sealed light fixtures or unclosed exterior doors on equipment can cause hazards.
- Environmental safety: Open utility enclosures after service can let in rain or ice, potentially damaging equipment.
- Operator safety: Insecure machine enclosures linked to safety interlocks can cause restarts to be delayed; clear visual indicators aid in quick restart.
- Cyber security: Computer network enclosures, such as servers and network equipment, are targets for trespassing and data theft attempts.
Choosing the Appropriate Safety Indicator Solution
Various latching and locking systems with visible indicators are available for different applications. Choosing one with a built-in visual indicator improves safety, reduces maintenance errors, and increases operational efficiency.
Ensuring Panel Security with Visual Indicators
High-security devices like ATMs and vending machines require advanced visual indicators in locks for regular access. Brightly coloured wings on latches indicate if compartments need servicing.
Tracking Panel Access with Visual Signals
Some lever latches are equipped with a small, color-coded window that shows the latch’s status. When it’s green, it means the latch hasn’t been opened since the last reset. If the latch is opened, the indicator turns red and can’t go back to green until securely closed with a special key. This feature is handy for ambulances, making it easier to restock compartments quickly after a run. This modification enhances safety without requiring a complete system redesign, saving time and cost.
Managing panel access with a digital audit trail
Modern electromechanical latching systems offer advanced solutions to monitor and secure access to equipment. They employ electronic access solutions like RFID card readers or mobile apps, ensuring secure and tracked entry to safeguard valuable systems. Visual indicators like red and green lights guide technicians in ensuring proper locking post-access.
Collaborating with trusted suppliers
Design engineers have various latching options with visible safety indicators. It’s essential to decide if these indicators are needed during the initial design phase to avoid costly changes later. Consulting experienced suppliers early helps align safety and security requirements for better design functionality.
