The SMART stopping- and motion-analyser tool, developed by the Swedish company Jokab Safety, is a diagnostic tool for maintenance, adjustments, trouble-shooting and stopping-time measurements of machines. The values are read—and then transferred via a USB connection—to a portable or stationary computer, which stores the values. These are written to the screen with the SMART Manager program. It is possible to view sequences for I/O signals and graphs of different processes—such as movement, speed, pressure or force—depending on the type of sensor that is connected. Old and new measurements can be stored in the same file, so that the user can see changes in the stopping and starting process. It is also possible to achieve an image of what a machine movement looks like before and after an adjustment. The measuring device enables the calculation of the right safety distance for choosing an appropriate safety device. The analyser tool is suitable for the annual check of safety and other parameters, as well as for maintenance and troubleshooting on machinery. The measured data are displayed as curves and values. Different stopping units and encoders are used for the measurements on the machines; for example, a flag unit creates a stop via interruption of light curtains/grids. When the flag is activated, it interrupts the light curtain and stops the machine, allowing the measurement of the stopping time. The required safety distance between the danger zone and the protection field depends on the machine stopping time. A safety component should be placed so far from the danger zone that it is not possible to enter the zone before the machine has stopped. The stopping time for manually operated machines is particularly important when light beams and light curtains are used as safety components.
