MEMS Accelerometer as a Component for Increasing the Power Cutting Equipment Safety

Accelerometers in inertial measurement units (IMUs) have proven to be versatile sensing elements in a wide range of industries. This article focuses on the utilization of accelerometer unit to increase the safety of cutting power equipment operators. The topic is actual due to accident statistics, which report also fatal consequences. Experimental measurements were carried out using a 3 -axis accelerometer unit applied to a chainsaw, which has a high injury potential. Its response time is significantly shorter than the required reaction time for operator protection. The benefit is therefore the possibility of reducing the incidence of injuries due to kickback, which is the most common cause of these injuries.