An Anti-fall airbag vest

KR103005613B1Active Publication Date: 2026-08-14주식회사 엘엠에스에스
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Patent Information

Application Number
KR1020250034419
Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-18
Publication Date
2026-08-14
Estimated Expiration
2045-03-18

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an airbag vest for fall prevention, comprising: a vest body configured in a form wearable by a worker; an acceleration sensor that detects the movement of the wearer; a fall detection module that determines a fall by analyzing data collected from the acceleration sensor; a helium gas cylinder that releases helium gas according to a fall detection signal from the fall detection module; and an airbag that inflates using the helium gas released from the helium gas cylinder.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fall prevention airbag vest, and more specifically, to a fall prevention airbag vest that can effectively protect the wearer's spine and cervical spine by rapidly detecting whether a fall has occurred using an acceleration sensor and a fall detection module, and immediately deploying an airbag using a helium gas cylinder. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, safety belts, ropes, and safety nets are used as standard safety equipment for workers performing high-rise work. Safety belts and ropes serve to prevent falls by securing the wearer's body to the structure, while safety nets are used to cushion the impact in the event of a fall.

[0004] These conventional fall prevention devices operate in a passive manner, either preventing falls or mitigating the impact after a fall, and lack the ability to immediately protect the wearer once a fall occurs. In particular, safety belts or ropes can restrict the wearer's movement, potentially reducing work efficiency, and have the disadvantage of being difficult to wear in confined work environments. Furthermore, since safety nets can only perform their protective function after they are fully installed, immediate protection is impossible following a fall, and there is a risk of secondary injury.

[0005] Meanwhile, while some protective vests may include airbags, most conventional airbag vests operate by detecting an impact and lack the ability to react immediately to protect the wearer during free fall. Additionally, when using CO2 cylinders to deploy airbags, there is a possibility that operation may not be smooth at low temperatures, and the inflation speed is not fast enough, limiting their ability to provide adequate protection during a fall.

[0006] Furthermore, conventional airbag vests lack the capability for administrators to remotely monitor the wearer's condition in real time, and there is currently no system in place to respond quickly after a fall occurs. In particular, because there is no structure to support the wearer's cervical spine (back of the neck) during a fall, the risk of head and neck injury remains in the event of a fall from a height.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a fall prevention device that includes a communication function enabling an administrator to remotely monitor the wearer's condition in real time and take immediate action, along with an airbag system capable of immediately protecting the wearer's body in the event of a fall and providing a faster response speed. Prior art literature

[0009] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0102434 (Published September 18, 2012) The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems by providing a fall-prevention airbag vest that can effectively protect the wearer's spine and cervical spine by rapidly detecting whether a fall has occurred using an acceleration sensor and a fall detection module, and immediately deploying an airbag using a helium gas cylinder.

[0011] The problem to be solved by this specification is not limited to what is described above and can be extended to various matters that can be derived from the embodiments of the invention described below. means of solving the problem

[0013] An airbag vest (100) for preventing falls according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a vest body (110) configured to be wearable by a worker, an acceleration sensor (120) embedded in the vest body (110) and detecting the movement of the wearer, a fall detection module (130) embedded in the vest body (110) and analyzing data collected from the acceleration sensor (120) to determine a fall, a helium gas cylinder (140) mounted on one side of the vest body (110) and releasing helium gas according to a fall detection signal from the fall detection module (130), and an airbag (150) housed inside the vest body (110) and inflating through the helium gas released from the helium gas cylinder (140).

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the acceleration sensor (120) detects the wearer's real-time position, speed, and gravitational acceleration, and the fall detection module (130) can determine a fall within 0.1 seconds based on the information detected through the acceleration sensor (120).

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the helium gas cylinder (140) is filled with helium gas, and when the fall detection signal is applied from the fall detection module (130), the helium gas is released within 0.08 seconds to fully inflate the airbag (150).

[0016] The airbag (150) according to one embodiment of the present invention is constructed in a seamless OPW (One Piece Woven) manner, so that air leakage can be prevented when inflated.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag (150) includes a neck support (151) that supports and protects the back of the wearer's neck; the neck support (151) inflates together with the airbag (150) when the airbag (150) is inflated, thereby supporting the wearer's cervical spine and mitigating the impact.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable strap (111) capable of length adjustment may be provided on the outer side of the vest body (110).

[0019] An airbag vest (100) for preventing falls according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a wireless communication module (160) connected to a manager terminal via a wireless network, and the fall detection module (130) is connected to the wireless communication module (160) and transmits in real time to the manager terminal information on the wearer's movement tracking, abnormal operation information, and battery status information based on a GPS device mounted in the fall detection module (130), and when the airbag (150) is inflated, the fall detection module (130) can transmit in real time to the manager terminal information on the wearer's current location and a warning alarm according to the airbag inflation situation. Effects of the invention

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by using an acceleration sensor and a fall detection module to detect the wearer's position, speed, and gravitational acceleration in real time and detecting a fall within 0.1 seconds, it is possible to respond immediately when a fall occurs, thereby having the advantage of maximizing the body protection effect of the wearer.

[0022] In addition, according to the present invention, by inflating the airbag within 0.08 seconds using helium gas, it has the advantage of quickly enveloping the body during a fall to mitigate impact and prevent injury.

[0023] In addition, according to the present invention, by applying a seamless OPW One Piece Woven structure to the airbag, it has the advantage of preventing air leakage during inflation and providing more stable protective performance.

[0024] In addition, according to the present invention, by connecting to a manager terminal via a wireless communication module based on wireless network communication, the worker's location information and warning alarm are transmitted in real time in the event of a fall, thereby providing the advantage of enabling rapid rescue and response.

[0025] In addition, according to the present invention, by inflating the neck support when a fall is detected to support the back of the wearer's neck, it has the advantage of enhancing cervical spine protection during a fall and reducing the risk of head and neck injury.

[0026] In addition, according to the present invention, by configuring the vest body with a lightweight design that does not restrict the wearer's movement, it can be worn more conveniently than conventional safety equipment belt ropes and has the advantage of being usable in various work environments. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the overall shape of a fall prevention airbag vest (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the process of determining a fall of a wearer in the fall determination module (130) in sequence. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the sequence in which the airbag (150) deploys according to the release of helium gas from the helium gas cylinder (140). Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] In describing the embodiments of this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of known configurations or functions could obscure the essence of the embodiments of this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Additionally, parts of the drawings unrelated to the description of the embodiments of this specification have been omitted, and similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0030] In the embodiments of this specification, when a component is described as being "connected," "combined," or "joined" with another component, this may include not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection in which another component exists in between. Furthermore, when a component is described as "comprising" or "having" another component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude the other component but may include additional components.

[0031] In the embodiments of this specification, terms such as first, second, etc. are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component and do not limit the order or importance of the components unless specifically stated otherwise. Accordingly, within the scope of the embodiments of this specification, the first component in an embodiment may be referred to as the second component in another embodiment, and likewise, the second component in an embodiment may be referred to as the first component in another embodiment.

[0032] In the embodiments of this specification, distinct components are intended to clearly explain their respective features and do not imply that the components are necessarily separated. That is, multiple components may be integrated to form a single hardware or software unit, or a single component may be distributed to form multiple hardware or software units. Therefore, such integrated or distributed embodiments are included within the scope of the embodiments of this specification, even if not otherwise mentioned.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the overall shape of a fall prevention airbag vest (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a fall prevention airbag vest (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is largely composed of a vest body (110), an acceleration sensor (120), a fall detection module (130), a helium gas cylinder (140), an airbag (150), and a wireless communication module (160).

[0036] The vest body (110) has a structure that can be worn by a wearer to wrap around and protect the body, and has a shape similar to a general work uniform and is structured to stably wrap around the wearer's shoulders, chest, back, and waist, so as not to restrict the worker's movement while wearing it.

[0037] In addition, in one embodiment, the vest body (110) may be made of high-strength bulletproof fiber or synthetic fiber with excellent heat resistance and abrasion resistance, and may be configured to be resistant to external impact and friction depending on the work environment. In addition, the vest body (110) may be made of a material with added waterproof and flame-retardant functions depending on the work environment, and may be configured to maximize durability so that it can be used for a long time in harsh climates or industrial sites. In addition, a mesh lining is applied to the inner surface of the vest body (110) to effectively dissipate sweat and heat, and the breathability is enhanced so that comfort can be maintained even when worn for a long time.

[0038] In addition, the outer side of the vest body (110) includes an adjustment strap (111) for adjusting the shoulder and waist, allowing it to be adjusted to fit the wearer's body size, thereby having a structure that can be universally worn by workers of various body types.

[0039] In addition, in one embodiment, the front part of the vest body (110) is provided with a buckle or Velcro type fastening device for quick attachment and detachment, so that the vest body (110) can be easily removed in an emergency situation.

[0040] In order to protect the body of the wearer in the event of a fall, the vest body (110) may be equipped with an acceleration sensor (120), a fall detection module (130), a helium gas cylinder (140), and an airbag (150) described later.

[0042] The acceleration sensor (120) detects the wearer's movement in real time to determine whether a fall has occurred, and in particular, the acceleration sensor (120) can precisely measure data such as the wearer's position, speed, and gravitational acceleration, and can be linked with the fall determination module (130) described later to generate a signal for airbag deployment.

[0043] More specifically, the acceleration sensor (120) may be a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) based 3-axis acceleration sensor.

[0044] This acceleration sensor (120) can independently measure acceleration in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions to analyze the wearer's direction of movement and movement pattern, detect changes in the wearer's posture in real time based on gravitational acceleration, and determine whether a fall has occurred by analyzing rapid changes in speed that occur during free fall. In addition, in one embodiment, the acceleration sensor (120) has a sampling rate of 1 kHz or more and can provide a fast response speed by measuring data more than 1,000 times per second.

[0045] In addition, in one embodiment, the acceleration sensor (120) operates together with the fall detection module (130) described later and can perform the function of detecting and analyzing the wearer's movements in real time in various environments.

[0046] More specifically, the acceleration sensor (120) can measure in real time whether the wearer is moving, stationary, or rotating. Additionally, the acceleration sensor (120) can be designed to distinguish between a state of normal movement and a state of sudden fall, and an algorithm for distinguishing between normal work movements (walking, running, bending over, etc.) and a free fall state can be applied.

[0047] Additionally, when the acceleration sensor (120) detects a fall of a certain height or higher, it can immediately transmit the detection data to the fall judgment module (130) described later to determine whether to deploy the airbag. Based on this, the fall judgment module (130) described later can determine that it is a fall if the drop speed, direction, and change in acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor (120) exceed a specific threshold value, and this determination process is completed within 0.1 seconds. For example, if the wearer falls more than 2 meters in a free fall state or receives a sudden impact at a certain speed, the fall judgment module (130) recognizes this as a fall and enables the airbag (150) described later to deploy immediately.

[0048] Additionally, the acceleration sensor (120) can be configured to apply an AI-based filtering algorithm to distinguish between the wearer's normal movements and falls, so that even if the wearer goes down stairs or suddenly bends over, it is not misjudged as a fall. In particular, to prevent sensor malfunction, multi-sensor fusion technology may be applied to the acceleration sensor (120) in one embodiment, and accuracy can be further increased by applying a method that determines it as a fall when a specific acceleration value persists for a certain period of time.

[0049] In addition, to increase the accuracy of fall detection, the acceleration sensor (120) is positioned inside the vest body (110) and at the center of the wearer's back to effectively detect the movement of the body's center, and in one embodiment, it is additionally positioned at the shoulder area to more precisely analyze the wearer's rotational fall or abnormal movement.

[0050] Additionally, the acceleration sensor (120) may be designed to be resistant to shock and vibration and is configured to operate stably without malfunction even under strong shocks or vibrations that occur during operation. In addition, in one embodiment, the acceleration sensor (120) is embedded in a protective housing with waterproof and dustproof functions so that it can operate normally even in harsh environments and is configured to maintain performance even at extreme temperatures (e.g., -40°C or lower).

[0051] This acceleration sensor (120) is connected to a fall detection module (130) described later, and when the acceleration sensor (120) detects a fall, it immediately transmits data to the fall detection module (130). The fall detection module (130) analyzes the data and makes a final determination of whether a fall has occurred within 0.1 seconds. When a fall is confirmed, it immediately activates a helium gas cylinder (140) and transmits a signal to inflate the airbag (150) within 0.08 seconds. The entire process is completed within 0.18 seconds, thereby enabling rapid protection of the wearer's body.

[0053] The fall detection module (130) plays the role of quickly determining whether the wearer has fallen by analyzing data measured from the acceleration sensor (120) described earlier in real time. To this end, the fall detection module (130) may be configured to include a microprocessor, a data analysis algorithm, an internal memory, and a communication interface, and plays the role of analyzing whether a fall has occurred within 0.1 seconds and executing a command to deploy the airbag (150).

[0054] This fall detection module (130) can perform rapid and accurate fall detection functions by combining hardware components and software algorithms.

[0055] First, as a hardware component, the fall detection module (130) may include a microprocessor (MCU, Microcontroller Unit), memory (RAM and non-volatile memory), and an interface with a wireless communication module.

[0056] The microprocessor may be an industrial high-speed microprocessor that operates at low power, and it serves to detect falls by processing data input from the acceleration sensor (120) in real time. In addition, the microprocessor can provide high-speed computation capabilities in units of 1ms (0.001 seconds) for fast signal processing.

[0057] The memory may include RAM to temporarily store data during the operation process of the fall judgment module (130), and built-in flash memory to store fall patterns and learned data.

[0058] The interface with the wireless communication module can be connected to the wireless communication module (160) described below so that a signal can be transmitted immediately to the administrator terminal after a fall is detected, and various communication methods such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, and LTE-M can be applied.

[0059] As a software component, the fall determination module (130) can be configured to accurately determine whether a fall has occurred by combining deep learning-based data analysis and traditional fall detection algorithms, and can determine the possibility of a fall when a specific change in acceleration (e.g., a rapid decrease in acceleration of 9.8 m / s² or more) is detected.

[0060] Additionally, the fall detection module (130) includes AI-based pattern analysis technology and can perform the function of distinguishing between normal movement and falls by continuously learning the wearer's movement data based on this. Additionally, the fall detection module (130) may include a double verification system and can further improve accuracy by comprehensively analyzing accelerometer and gyroscope data to prevent misjudgment of falls.

[0061] In addition, in one embodiment, the fall detection module (130) can be protected by a protective housing that is resistant to shocks and vibrations occurring in industrial sites, and thus has a configuration that can be protected from external shocks. In addition, the fall detection module (130) is designed to be waterproof and dustproof (IP67 or higher) so that it can operate normally even in dusty or humid environments, and can also minimize battery consumption through a low-power design while enabling high-speed computation.

[0062] Additionally, when a fall is detected, the fall detection module (130) can immediately transmit data to an administrator terminal (e.g., smartphone, tablet, central control system) in conjunction with the wireless communication module (160) described later, and by transmitting the wearer's current location, work status, and movement to the administrator terminal in real time, it can transmit the wearer's movement tracking information, abnormal operation information, and battery status information based on the GPS device installed in the fall detection module (130) to the administrator terminal in real time.

[0063] In addition, the fall detection module (130) can process data input via the acceleration sensor (120) at ultra-high speed to determine whether a fall has occurred and deploy the airbag (150) within 0.1 seconds. A more detailed examination of this is as follows.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the process of determining a fall of a wearer in the fall determination module (130) in sequence.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, first, acceleration data of the X, Y, and Z axes is collected in real time from the acceleration sensor (120) (S201). At this time, the acceleration sensor (120) performs at least 1,000 samplings per second to detect pre-fall symptoms in advance. The acceleration data collected in this way is transmitted in real time to the fall judgment module (130).

[0067] Next, the fall detection module (130) analyzes the difference between the wearer's normal work movements (walking, running, sitting) and fall movements (free fall, sudden impact) (S202). For example, the fall detection module (130) classifies the condition as having a high probability of falling if it exceeds a specific threshold (e.g., when the wearer free falls at a speed of 3 m / s or more). Additionally, the fall detection module (130) performs additional AI pattern analysis to distinguish between a simple impact and an actual fall.

[0068] Next, when the fall detection module (130) finally confirms the fall, it immediately transmits an operation command to the helium gas cylinder (140) so that the airbag (150) deploys within 0.08 seconds (S203). At the same time, the fall detection module (130) transmits a fall occurrence signal and the wearer's location information to the administrator terminal via the wireless communication module (160), thereby notifying that a fall accident has occurred to the wearer.

[0070] Returning to FIG. 1, the helium gas cylinder (140) serves to rapidly inflate the airbag (150) when a fall is detected, and by using helium gas instead of the conventional CO2 gas cylinder, faster and more stable airbag deployment performance can be provided. In this case, helium gas is an inert gas and is chemically safe, and allows for faster airbag deployment through its low density and high release rate.

[0071] More specifically, the helium gas cylinder (140) may be configured to include a high-pressure gas storage container for storing helium gas and a high-speed release valve.

[0072] High-pressure storage vessels are designed to be compact yet withstand high pressure, and are filled with and stored with a high concentration of helium gas. Such high-pressure storage vessels can be manufactured from alloy aluminum, titanium alloy, or carbon composite materials with excellent pressure resistance. Additionally, the helium gas is stored at approximately 200 to 300 bar (pressure units) and can be configured to be released immediately when needed. Such high-pressure storage vessels can be configured to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C to ensure normal operation even in extreme environments.

[0073] A high-pressure release valve capable of instantaneously releasing gas in a high-pressure state may be applied to the container storing helium gas. When the high-pressure release valve receives an airbag deployment signal from the fall detection module (130), the electronic solenoid valve immediately opens to release the gas. Additionally, the high-pressure release valve is configured to discharge gas uniformly and rapidly, thereby allowing the airbag (150) to fully inflate within 0.08 seconds. Furthermore, the high-pressure release valve may be configured to be replaceable after a single use and may be configured as a modular type to allow for easy maintenance after the airbag (150) is deployed.

[0074] Additionally, the helium gas cylinder (140) may be equipped with a safety valve to prevent excessive pressure increase in the gas cylinder, thereby automatically releasing pressure when the internal pressure exceeds a certain level. Additionally, the helium gas cylinder (140) may be equipped with a double-sealed design for the safety of the operator.

[0075] In addition, the helium gas used in the helium gas cylinder (140) can be released about three times faster than CO2, allowing the airbag (150) to inflate more quickly. Furthermore, when a fall is detected, the helium gas is released quickly within 0.08 seconds, minimizing the time required to protect the wearer's body. In particular, while CO2 gas has the disadvantage that its release speed may decrease at low temperatures, the helium gas applied in the present invention is resistant to temperature changes and can maintain the same performance even in extreme environments, so it can operate stably even in harsh environments such as midwinter (below -20°C) or midsummer (above 50°C). Moreover, the helium gas applied in the present invention has a lower density than CO2, so the weight of the cylinder can be reduced when storing the same amount of gas, which has the advantage of minimizing the burden on the worker wearing the fall prevention airbag vest (100).

[0076] Additionally, in one embodiment, the helium gas cylinder (140) may be configured in a modular manner so that it can be easily replaced even after the airbag (150) is deployed. To this end, the helium gas cylinder (140) may be mounted in a fixed slot inside the vest body (110), and after the airbag (150) is deployed, the wearer can simply detach and replace the helium gas cylinder (140). Additionally, in one embodiment, the helium gas cylinder (140) may be selectively applied as either a reusable rechargeable cylinder or a disposable replaceable cylinder. Furthermore, the helium gas cylinder (140) may further include a pressure gauge that indicates the remaining amount of gas inside, thereby allowing the wearer to easily check when to replace the cylinder.

[0077] Additionally, in one embodiment, the helium gas cylinder (140) may be a cylinder of various capacities (small, medium, large) capable of controlling the gas discharge speed so as to be applicable to airbags of various sizes. Through this, the helium gas cylinder (140) has the advantage of being applicable to various models ranging from small airbags (protecting only the worker's back) to large airbags (protecting the back, sides, and back of the neck).

[0078] The operation process of this helium gas cylinder (140) is as follows.

[0080] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the sequence in which the airbag (150) deploys according to the release of helium gas from the helium gas cylinder (140).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 3, when the acceleration sensor (120) detects a fall (S301), the fall detection module (130) transmits an airbag deployment signal to the helium gas cylinder (140) (S302), and as the electronic solenoid valve opens, the helium gas inside the helium gas cylinder (140) is released at ultra-high speed and uniformly injected into the airbag (S303), and within 0.08 seconds, the airbag (150) fully inflates and wraps around the body in a structure that protects the wearer's spine and back of the neck (S304).

[0083] Returning to FIG. 1, the airbag (150) serves to protect the wearer's body by immediately inflating using gas released from a helium gas cylinder (140) when a fall is detected by the wearer wearing the fall-prevention airbag vest (100). This airbag (150) is made of high-strength fibers to maximize the body protection effect and can cushion the wearer's back, spine, sides, and cervical spine (back of the neck) to mitigate impact. Additionally, the airbag (150) may be configured with an optimized release speed and air inflation path so that it can be fully inflated internally within 0.08 seconds.

[0084] These airbags (150) may be composed of durable high-strength fibers and high-density synthetic materials. More specifically, the airbag (150) may be made of high-durability nylon and aramid fibers (such as Kevlar) used in automotive airbags, so that it can perform a perfect protective function without tearing even when high-pressure helium gas is injected instantaneously. In addition, the fabric of the airbag (150) is treated with a double coating, so that it has waterproof and heat-resistant functions and can operate without deformation even in extreme environments. Furthermore, the airbag (150) may be made using the OPW (One Piece Woven) method to maintain constant elasticity even under high pressure.

[0085] The airbag (150) can be manufactured using a one-piece woven (OPW) method, which provides higher durability and stability than the conventional method of joining pieces together. The OPW method minimizes air leakage when the airbag (150) inflates and has a composition that allows it to inflate more uniformly, making it lighter and stronger than the conventional sewing method, and having the advantage of having less deformation even after long-term use.

[0086] This airbag (150) operates by immediately inflating to protect the wearer's body when it receives an airbag deployment signal from the fall detection module (130).

[0087] More specifically, when looking at the airbag deployment process, when the fall detection module (130) transmits an airbag deployment command, the solenoid valve of the helium gas cylinder (140) opens, releasing helium gas at high speed, and the helium gas is uniformly injected into the airbag (150), causing it to fully inflate within 0.08 seconds.

[0088] Through this, the airbag (150) wraps around the wearer's spine, back, sides, and back of the neck to cushion the impact, and the airbag (150) inflates in an optimized shape to perform a protective function without restricting the wearer's movement. In particular, during this process, the airbag (150) is equipped with a neck support (151) that supports and protects the wearer's back of the neck. This support inflates together with the airbag (150) when it inflates, thereby supporting the wearer's cervical spine to cushion the impact, and can also more effectively protect the head and neck in the event of a fall. Additionally, a multi-chamber structure with an optimized inflation path can be applied inside the airbag (150), so that the gas can be inflated uniformly without accumulating on only one side.

[0089] Additionally, in one embodiment, the airbag (150) may be configured to gradually release gas through an automatic depressurization system after a certain period of time has passed since inflation, so that the wearer can remove the vest without discomfort.

[0090] More specifically, the airbag (150) includes a pressure relief valve that can slowly release gas, and is configured so that the wearer can easily release helium gas when needed. Additionally, the airbag (150) is configured so that helium gas is automatically released after a certain period of time, so that the airbag (150) does not restrict the wearer's movement even in emergency situations.

[0091] Additionally, the airbag (150) may be configured to be detachable so that it can be reused after a fall. This allows the helium gas cylinder (140) and the airbag (150) to be reused by replacing or recharging them in a modular manner, thus providing the advantage of easy maintenance.

[0092] In addition, in one embodiment, the airbag (150) is connected to a wireless communication module (160) and configured to transmit the wearer's location and whether a fall has occurred to an administrator terminal when the airbag (150) is deployed, thereby enabling the present invention to have the advantage of enabling a rapid rescue request and accident response after a fall.

[0094] The wireless communication module (160) plays a role in enabling a rapid response by immediately transmitting a notification to the administrator terminal when a fall occurs. In addition, the wireless communication module (160) provides a real-time monitoring function to remotely check the safety status of the worker and to quickly request rescue in the event of an accident. This wireless communication module (160) is connected to the fall detection module (130) and supports various communication methods such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE-M, LoRa, and 5G, thereby providing connectivity optimized for industrial environments.

[0095] More specifically, the wireless communication module (160) performs functions such as fall detection, real-time connection with an administrator terminal, transmission of the worker's location, and request for rescue in the event of an accident. To this end, the wireless communication module (160) may include a high-performance SoC (System on Chip) communication processor, a multi-network support chipset, GPS and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and a high-sensitivity antenna.

[0096] A high-performance SoC (System on Chip) communication processor is a dedicated communication processor capable of low-power, high-speed computation to smoothly process real-time data transmission, and may include communication protocol conversion and data encryption functions.

[0097] Additionally, the wireless communication module (160) includes a multi-network support chipset and is configured to support various network protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (BLE), LTE-M, LoRaWAN, and 5G, allowing an administrator to select the optimal connection method according to the environment. For example, in an industrial environment, LoRa or LTE-M capable of low-power long-distance communication can be applied, and if real-time monitoring is required, 5G or Wi-Fi can be selected and used.

[0098] In addition, the wireless communication module (160) includes a GPS and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) module, and can accurately measure the location of the worker and transmit it to the manager in real time in the event of an accident. In particular, it supports multiple satellite systems such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou to provide accurate location information.

[0099] Additionally, the wireless communication module (160) may include a high-sensitivity RF antenna for stable communication, and may include a mesh network-based expansion function to enable data transmission even in environments where communication signals are weak, and to enable use in underground workshops, enclosed factories, etc.

[0100] In addition, in one embodiment, the wireless communication module (160) can maximize the accident response speed by connecting with the administrator terminal after detecting a fall, and can immediately send a warning message to the administrator terminal when the fall detection is completed within 0.1 seconds.

[0101] For example, the warning message may include information on the wearer's location (including GPS coordinates), the time and speed of the fall, whether the airbag deployed, and the wearer's status (including whether movement was detected). Consequently, managers can monitor the worker's status in real time via a smartphone app or a central control system.

[0102] Additionally, the wireless communication module (160) can collect activity data of the worker to detect abnormal movement patterns (e.g., prolonged standing, entry into a dangerous area, etc.) and send a warning message.

[0103] In addition, in one embodiment, the wireless communication module (160) can automatically transmit an SOS signal to an administrator and an emergency rescue team if the wearer does not move or respond for a certain period of time after detecting a fall, and may also provide an interface that allows the wearer to directly press a rescue request button in an emergency situation. Through this, when a rescue request is received, the administrator terminal tracks the wearer's location in real time, enabling rapid rescue.

[0104] In addition, in one embodiment, the wireless communication module (160) can apply an AES-256 encryption algorithm to enhance the security of communication data, and can also apply a dual data backup system to safely store accident records and support follow-up measures even in the event of a network failure.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described in relation to some embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as understood by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. Furthermore, such modifications and changes should be considered to fall within the scope of the claims appended to this specification. Explanation of the symbols

[0108] 100: Fall prevention airbag vest 110: Vest body 111: Adjustable strap 120: Accelerometer 130: Fall Detection Module 140: Helium gas cylinder 150: Airbag 151: Neck support 160: Wireless communication module

Claims

Claim 1 A vest body (110) configured to be wearable by a worker; an acceleration sensor (120) embedded in the vest body (110) and detecting the wearer's movement; a fall detection module (130) embedded in the vest body (110) and analyzing data collected from the acceleration sensor (120) to determine a fall; and a helium gas cylinder (140) mounted on one side of the vest body (110) and releasing helium gas according to a fall detection signal from the fall detection module (130). The apparatus comprises: an airbag (150) that is housed inside the vest body (110) and expands through helium gas released from the helium gas cylinder (140); wherein the helium gas cylinder (140) is filled with helium gas, and when the fall detection signal is applied from the fall detection module (130), helium gas is released within 0.08 seconds to fully inflate the airbag (150); wherein the helium gas cylinder (140) is mounted in a form coupled to a fixed slot inside the vest body (110) and is configured to be replaceable after the airbag (150) is deployed; wherein the helium gas cylinder (140) is selectively applied as either a reusable rechargeable cylinder or a disposable replaceable cylinder; wherein the helium gas cylinder (140) is configured to include a pressure gauge indicating the remaining amount of gas inside so that the wearer can verify the replacement test of the helium gas cylinder (140); and wherein the helium gas cylinder (140) is formed to have a plurality of different internal volumes. Fall prevention airbag vest equipped with standard cylinders. Claim 2 A fall prevention airbag vest according to claim 1, wherein the acceleration sensor (120) detects the wearer's real-time position, velocity, and gravitational acceleration, and the fall determination module (130) determines a fall within 0.1 seconds based on the information detected through the acceleration sensor (120). Claim 3 delete Claim 4 In claim 1, the airbag (150) is constructed in a seamless OPW (One Piece Woven) manner, thereby preventing air leakage when inflated, in a fall prevention airbag vest. Claim 5 A fall prevention airbag vest according to claim 1, wherein the airbag (150) includes a neck support (151) that supports and protects the back of the wearer's neck, and the neck support (151) inflates together with the airbag (150) when the airbag (150) inflates to support the wearer's cervical spine and mitigate impact. Claim 6 A fall prevention airbag vest according to claim 1, wherein an adjustable strap (111) capable of length adjustment is provided on the outer side of the vest body (110). Claim 7 A fall prevention airbag vest according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication module (160) connected to a manager terminal via a wireless network; wherein the fall detection module (130) is connected to the wireless communication module (160) and transmits in real time to the manager terminal tracking information of the wearer's movements based on a GPS device mounted in the fall detection module (130), abnormal operation information, and battery status information, and when the airbag (150) inflates, the fall detection module (130) transmits in real time to the manager terminal the wearer's current location information and a warning alarm according to the airbag inflation situation.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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