An inflation device and an avalanche airbag system

Abstract

The invention discloses an inflation device (1) for inflating an avalanche airbag (60) which has a first opening (12) for intake of atmospheric air, and a second opening (24) connected or connectable to an airbag (60). The device further comprises an electronic control (10, 18, 25) unit and a first power source (14). The power source (14) is adapted to at least power the electronic control unit (10, 18, 25). The electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) is further adapted to activate the inflation device (1) to inflate the airbag (60) and / or to detect a status of the inflation device (1). The electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) further comprises an interface (5), connected or connectable to an external module (100), and adapted to transmit a signal.

Description

[0001] An Inflation Device and an Avalanche Airbag System

[0002] The present invention relates to an inflation device and an avalanche airbag system according to the preamble of the independent claims .

[0003] Avalanche safety systems including inflatable bags are known in the art and may comprise electronic components .

[0004] For example , EP 3 202 462 Al discloses a device for inflatable an inflatable bag comprising a motor for driving a movable inflation member and a power source comprising a capacitor .

[0005] EP 4 048 413 Al discloses an inflatable bag with an inflation device and an actuable valve .

[0006] US 2013 / 145529 Al discloses an avalanche safety system, wherein an inflation system may automatically deflate .

[0007] A further avalanche safety system is disclosed in EP 2 548 619 A2 .

[0008] WO 2009 / 138244 Al discloses a triggering mechanism for devices used for rescuing or locating persons in avalanches .

[0009] US 2013 / 0149924 Al discloses avalanche safety systems with diagnostic systems .

[0010] US 2015 / 0228174 Al discloses a survival backpack with an emergency noti fication system .

[0011] EP 3 210 651 Al discloses avalanche rescue systems with emergency trigger systems . Known inflation devices have certain disadvantages in that they may not be versatile enough for di f ferent environments . In addition, more speciali zed devices may be expensive .

[0012] Thus , the obj ect of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art , in particular to provide an inflation device and an avalanche safety system which is more versatile for di f ferent use cases .

[0013] This and other obj ects are achieved by the inflation device and the avalanche system according to the characteri zing portion of the independent claims of the invention .

[0014] The inflation device according to the invention is adapted for inflated an avalanche airbag . The inflation device has a first opening for intake of atmospheric air and a second opening connected or connectable to an airbag . The inflation device further comprises an electronic control unit and a first power source . The power source is adapted to at least power the electronic control unit . The electronic control unit is adapted to activate inflation device inflate the airbag . Additionally or alternatively, the electronic control unit may detect a status of the inflation device . For example , the inflation device may be activated mechanically and the electronic control unit may detect the activation . The electronic control unit may further comprise an interface connected or connectable to an external module and adapted to send a signal .

[0015] Particularly preferably, the interface is powered by the same energy source as the control unit and / or transmits a signal from the control unit , e . g . without the need for additional sensors . The control unit may transmit a signal to the interface according to which the airbag was triggered.

[0016] Preferably, the interface is connected or connectable to an external module which receives said signal. The external module may perform certain actions, as will be explained below, in response to receiving said signal.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the external module is formed as a module which is connectable to an inflation device by a plug / socket and / or click mechanism and which is adapted to provide a communication connection to at least one of a mobile phone (e.g. via Bluetooth®) , a mobile network (such as GSM or LTE) , or a satellite system (e.g. GPS) , other inflation devices, and / or external modules.

[0018] Thereby, a replaceable module is provided which may be connected to a user' s inflation device by plug and play, and which provides a function desired by a user. If a different functionality is desired, a different module may be connected. Similarly, the module by be easily replaced in case of a defect.

[0019] In an even more preferred embodiment, the module is connectable to a mobile phone, e.g. by Bluetooth® and, simultaneously, to at least one other of a satellite system, mobile network, other inflation devices, and / or external modules.

[0020] The first power source may be a battery, for example commercially available AA batteries.

[0021] In general, the signal may comprise or consist of any information which is electronically transmitted. A signal may also be understood as an electronic instruction, e.g. from the electronic control unit to the external control unit or vice versa.

[0022] A signal may be, for example, information related to an activation of the inflation device which may be transmitted from the electronic control unit to the external module.

[0023] For example, the external module may be global positioning system (GPS) module which is adapted for determining a current location and sending it to an emergency service via a mobile network. The GPS module may, for example, be adapted to do so after receiving a signal from the control unit that the airbag was inflated .

[0024] The external module may also be a Bluetooth® module which allows communication with commercially available cell phones. For example, the Bluetooth module may receive signals, such as an activation status, a battery status, and / or other warnings / inf or- mation and transmit them to, e.g., the cell phone. The cell phone may comprise a computer program product, e.g. an app, which provides further functionalities such as transmitting a GPS location to an emergency contact.

[0025] The external module may be adapted to communicate with smart skis, e.g. to automatically release the bindings when the airbag is inflated.

[0026] The external module may also comprise a sensor, in particular a sensor adapted to detect an emergency situation such as an avalanche, and send a signal to the electronic control unit to activate inflation. The sensor may be, for example, a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, and / or a gyroscope. The external module may be connectable with another, similar or identical external module through a wireless connection and transmit a signal indicating that an inflation occurred . As a result , the inflation of another inflation device may be triggered, or the user may receive a warning message .

[0027] The inflation device according to the invention provides modular functionalities and therefore allows a user to customi ze the inflation device to a certain use case . It is also opens the possibility for users or other third parties to provide individual additions to inflation devices which may be particularly suitable for certain situations or markets .

[0028] Therefore , the interface is adapted to be connected to at least two , preferably a plurality of , external modules providing di fferent functions . The interface thus is adapted to transmit a standardi zed signal which can be received by di f ferent external modules .

[0029] The status which may be detected by the electronic control unit may be an occurrence of an inflation . The inflation may be activated electronically or mechanically . For example , the electronic control unit may transmit a signal according to which inflation was activated when the electronic control unit itsel f is controlled to activate the inflation . Additionally or alternatively, a sensor, for example a pressure sensor, may be arranged in the inflatable bag or in the inflation device and may detect the occurrence of an inflation, which is then transmitted by the electronic control unit .

[0030] The interface may include a wireless module . The wireless module may provide a standardized connection interface for corresponding modules. As a result, the external module may not need to be stored adjacent to the inflation device. This may be advantageous, for example, when the external module is adapted to receive user input or provide information to a user. It may also be advantageous to store the external module on an outside of a storage compartment when the external module requires communication, e.g., to a cell phone tower.

[0031] The wireless module may be a built-in Bluetooth® module. A Bluetooth® interface may be particularly advantageous in that commercially available mobile phones, and apps running thereon, may form the external module.

[0032] The interface may also, additionally or alternatively, include a plug and / or a socket.

[0033] The external module may, for example, be connected to the inflation device via a USB-C connection, optionally via a cable, to provide a particularly secure and reliable connection.

[0034] It is conceivable, of course, that the inflation device comprises both a plug / socket and a separate wireless module. As a result, it may be possible to connect two external modules simultaneously. For example, a mobile phone may be connected via Bluetooth® and at the same time a smart ski may communicate with a cable / socket-bound module. The two external modules may also provide redundant functions for additional safety.

[0035] However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the inflation device may have a socket, e.g. on a surface opposite a gas outlet for inflation of the airbag, arranged on a surface adapted to provide a snap-on connection for an external module. Thus, the external module may be fixedly connected to the inflation device without wiggle room and provide a particularly safe connection . The external module , which may be part of an avalanche rescue system, may have a corresponding surface which is arrangeable substantially flush with the inflation device when snapped on and when a corresponding plug is arranged in the socket .

[0036] The inflation device may comprise an impeller and a motor . The motor may be in operable connection to the impeller . The electronic control unit may be adapted to activate the motor to inflate the airbag . Optionally, the first power source may be adapted to power the motor .

[0037] The motor is preferably a brushless motor that can reach rotation speeds in the range of 20 ' 000 to 60 ' 000 rpm, preferably 30 ' 000 to 50 ' 000 rpm, even more preferably 35 ' 000 to 45 ' 000 . The voltage of the motor may be in the range of 4 to 10 V at a maximum current of 140 A, resulting in a maximum power of approximately 1300 W . The motor may attain a RPM / V value of 9750 KV .

[0038] The impeller may have diameter of 65 mm and has 12 blades . The radial fan may have a diameter of 30 to 105 mm, particularly preferably 50 to 80 mm, even more preferably 60 to 70 mm . The diameters of the first opening and second opening may be in the range of 20 to 60 mm, preferably 35 mm .

[0039] The inflation device may comprise a second power source for powering the motor . The second power source may, preferably, comprise or consist of at least one capacitor .

[0040] The second power source may also be capacitor module , comprising several capacitors , having a total capacitance in the range of 80 to 150 , preferably 110 F to 150 F, more preferably 120 F . The capacitor module may be made up of individual capacitors in a serial mode , in particular of three capacitors with a capacity of 360 F each .

[0041] The voltage of the capacitor module may be 6 to 12 V, preferably 8 to 10 V, particularly preferably 9 V . In particular, the capacitor module may be made up of three individual capacitors 8 with a voltage of 3 V each in serial mode .

[0042] The maximum continuous current of the capacitor may be in the range of 80 to 140 A; the maximum peak current of the capacitor may be 300 A.

[0043] The electronic control unit may be adapted to detect a status of the second power source . Preferably, the electronic control unit is adapted to send the status of the second power source , via the interface , to the external module .

[0044] The electronic control unit may be adapted to detect a status of the first power source . Preferably, the electronic control unit is adapted to send the status of the first power source , via the interface , to the external module .

[0045] The electronic control unit may be adapted to transmit a signal .

[0046] The invention is further directed to an external module which is suitable for connection with an inflation device .

[0047] The invention is further directed to an avalanche safety system . The avalanche safety system comprises an inflation device as described herein and an airbag connected to the inflation device . The avalanche safety system may be arranged in a backpack .

[0048] The avalanche safety system may further comprise an external module connected or connectable the inflation device via the interface .

[0049] The external module of the avalanche safety system may be a GPS module . The electronic control unit may be adapted detect that an inflation of the airbag has occurred . When an inflation has occurred, the electronic control unit may receive a GPS location from the GPS module and transmit the GPS location, for example to via a mobile network . Additionally or alternatively, the electronic control unit may transmit a trigger signal to the GPS module .

[0050] Preferably, the trigger signal causes the GPS module to determine a GPS location and either send it to a mobile network or to transmit the GPS location to the electronic control unit .

[0051] The external module may be a ski binding, or a module adapted to communicate with a ski binding . The ski binding may have a controller . The electronic control unit of the inflation device may be adapted to detect that an inflation of the airbag occurred . When an inflation has occurred, the electronic control unit may transmit a trigger signal to the binding controller and / or the module communicating with the ski binding .

[0052] As a result , the ski binding controller may release the ski binding automatically when the avalanche safety system is activated . It will be understood that the electronic control unit and the external module may also be adapted to perform more than one function described herein . For example , an external module may be adapted to both release a ski binding and also detect a GPS location . The electronic control unit may transmit and receive signals from the external module related to one , two , or several of these aspects .

[0053] The invention is further directed to a computer-implemented method of operating an inflation device . The inflation device may be an inflation device as described herein, and / or part of an avalanche safety system as described herein . The method comprises the steps of detecting an activation of the inflation device , and transmitting a signal to an external module and / or an external device when the inflation device is activated . The external device may be triggered to perform an emergency function .

[0054] For example , the external device may be a mobile phone receiving a signal from the electronic control unit , and in response sending a message with a GPS location to an emergency contact or an emergency service .

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, other signals such as information about a power source charge status may be transmitted to the external device .

[0056] The invention is further directed to a computer program product which comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the above method . The invention is further directed to a data processing apparatus which comprises means for carrying out the steps of the above method .

[0057] In the following, the invention is described in detail with reference to the following figures, showing:

[0058] Fig. la-lb: perspective view of an inflation device with a module .

[0059] Fig. 2a-2b: perspective view of an inflation device with a connected module.

[0060] Fig. 3: a first embodiment of an inflation device.

[0061] Fig. 4: a second embodiment of an inflation device.

[0062] Fig. 5: a third embodiment of an inflation device.

[0063] Fig. 6a-6b: a backpack with an avalanche safety system.

[0064] Fig. la shows an inflation device 1 having an on-off button 2 and a charge port 4. A display 3 may indicate information to a user, such as a charge status and / or on / off status of the inflation device 1. The inflation device 1 is an impeller-driven device having a electric motor (not shown) powered by a capacitor module (not shown. The inflation device 1 is configured as described in EP 4 048 413, which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the inflation device 1 shown here has a connector socket (not shown, see Fig. lb) for an external module 100. The external module 100 shown here is a GPS module adapted for determining, via GPS, a location of the inflation device 1 and further send the location, via a cellular network, to an emergency service when an inflation is activated. The GPS module 100 has a plug 101 which fits into the socket (see Fig. lb) . A base surface 102 of the external module 100 is flat and fits flush onto the base surface (see Fig. lb) of the inflation device 1. A first and second snap-fit connector 103' , 103' ' are arranged on the external module 100 to provide a secure connection to the inflation device 1.

[0065] Fig. lb shows the inflation device 1 with external module 100 from a different perspective, showing a bottom of the inflation device 1. For clarity, identical features are not described repeatedly. Here, the base surface 6 of the inflation device 1 is visible with the socket 28 for receiving the plug 101 of external module 100.

[0066] Fig. 2a shows the inflation device 1 with external module 100 connected thereto. The snap-in connectors 103' , 103' ’ are connected to the inflation device 1.

[0067] Fig. 3 shows a inflation device 1. The inflation device 1 has a manual trigger (not shown) , connected via a trigger line 7 to activate the inflation device 1 such as to inflate an inflatable bag (not shown) . The device 1 has a second opening 24 which is connectable to an inflatable bag. The device 1 in the shown embodiment comprises supercapacitors 8 that power a motor (not visible) . Here, three supercapacitors 8 are arranged as a capacitor module and connected in series. Alternatively, any other number of capacitors 8, in particular six, could be used. The capacitors 8 are arranged and fixedly attached on a printed circuit board 9 in the capacitor module. Upon pulling of the manual trigger, a control 10 causes the motor to drive a radial fan at a rotational speed of approximately 40'000 rpm inside a housing 11 which draws air in through a first opening 12 and pushes it back out through the second opening 24 via an air path . The inflation device 1 comprises a USB-C port 5 for connecting an external module (not shown) which may be cable bound or in the form of connectable USB-drive . A similar inflation device 1 is disclosed in EP 4 048 413 Al , which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0068] The second opening 24 is adapted to be connected to an inflatable bag (not shown) and thus , when in operation, the inflation device 1 inflates an inflatable bag .

[0069] The device 1 further comprises an actuable valve 13 , here in the form of a solenoid valve . The valve 13 is arranged at the air path of the inflation device upstream of a one-way valve 11 . A logical circuitry board 9 is adapted such as to control the actuable valve 13 . Power control 10 controls the power supplied from the supercapacitors 7 to the motor (not shown) . Board 9 and control 10 may be implemented on the same circuitry or may be separate components which are preferably in operative connection . The control 9 is adapted to detect when the inflation device 1 starts inflating an inflatable bag and open the solenoid valve 13 after a pre-determined time . The inflation device 1 further comprises batteries 14 as a power supply . For example , batteries 14 can be used to recharge the supercapacitors 7 after an operation cycle of the inflation device 1 . They are also used to power the electronics 9 , 10 and the solenoid valve 13 . Preferably, the batteries are two standard AA / LR6 batteries providing a voltage of 1 . 5 V .

[0070] Fig . 4 shows an inflation device 1 comprising a first opening 12 and a second opening 8 . The first opening 12 allows intake of atmospheric air sucked in by an impeller 15 . The atmospheric air is guided through winding 16 , which forms a channel , to the second opening 8 . The first opening 12 , the second opening 24 and the impeller 15 are arranged as a radial fan including the winding 16 . The impeller 15 is driven by a motor 17 . The inflation device 1 further comprises a control unit 18 , which controls the motor 17 . Further, the inflation device 1 comprises a capacitor module 19 . The capacitor module 19 comprises six capacitors 8 and a main board 20 . The capacitors 8 are connected in series on the main board 20 . The controller 18 is connected via an electrical connection to a handle 21 and has an integrated power source . The inflation device includes a wireless module 27 connected to control unit 18 . The wireless module 27 acts as an interface 5 and may be connected to a mobile phone 26 . The inflation device 1 is activatable by actuating the handle 21 . Upon actuating the handle 21 , the motor 17 is energi zed by the capacitor module 19 . The motor 17 drives the impeller 15 . A similar inflation device is disclosed in EP 3 202 462 Al , which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0071] Fig . 5 shows an alternative inflation device 1 having a first opening 12 for atmospheric air, and two compressed gas cartridges 22 with an opening mechanism 23 for the gas cartridges 22 . When opened, the compressed gas is expelled into a channel and causes ambient air to be drawn in via first opening 12 and expelled via second opening 24 so as to inflate an airbag (not shown) connected to second opening 24 . A similar inflation device 1 as shown here is disclosed and described in EP 2 548 619 A2 , which is incorporated herein by reference . Here , the inflation device 1 additionally comprises a control unit 25 with an integrated power source and sensor adapted to detect when the inflation device is activated, e . g . via a pressure detection and / detection of a movement of the opening mechanism 23 . A interface 5 , here in the form of a socket for a cable , is adapted to send a control signal to an external module (not shown . It will be understood that the interface 5 may also be wireless .

[0072] Fig . 6a illustrates an inflated inflatable bag 60 when attached to a backpack 61 having conventional shoulder straps 62 , as well as a chest strap 64 , a hip belt 66 and a leg strap 68 that secures the backpack 61 better on its wearer . The inflatable bag in its inflated state extends outside of the backpack 61 in a predetermined position such that that it protects the user ' s head . It will be understood that the inflatable bag 60 shown here may be attached to any inflation device 1 disclosed herein .

[0073] Fig . 6b illustrates a pocket 70 of a backpack 61 that is intended to house the folded inflatable bag . The pocket 70 is closed by a zip- fastener in the shown embodiment . The zip- fastened pocket 70 can be opened by an inflating inflatable bag 60 . Actuation of the manual trigger 1 causes inflation of the inflatable bag 60 and thus the release the inflatable bag 60 from the pock et 70 . The pocket comprises , by way of non-limiting illustration, two D-rings 72 the relative distance between which is kept fixed by a reinforcing bar 74 . Moreover, a first piece 76 of Velcro® is arranged in the pocket 70 and intended to attach with a second piece of Velcro (not shown) secured to the airbag 60 .

Claims

Claims1. An inflation device (1) for inflating an avalanche airbag(60) , having a first opening (12) for intake of atmospheric air, and a second opening (24) connected or connectable to an airbag (60) , further comprising an electronic control (10, 18, 25) unit and a first power source (14) , the power source (14) being adapted to at least power the electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) , the electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) being adapted to activate the inflation device (1) to inflate the airbag (60) and / or to detect a status of the inflation device (1) , characterized in that the electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) further comprises an interface (5) , connected or connectable to an external module (100) and adapted to transmit a signal.

2. The inflation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the status includes the occurrence of an inflation of the airbag ( 60 ) .

3. The inflation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the interface (5) includes a wireless module (27) , preferably a wireless module connectable to a mobile phone (26) .

4. The inflation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interface (5) includes a plug (101) and / or a socket (28) .

5. The inflation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an impeller (15) and a motor (17) in operable connection to the impeller (15) ,wherein the electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) is adapted to activate the motor (17) to inflate the airbag (60) .

6. The inflation device (1) according to claim 5, comprising a second power source (8, 19) for powering the motor (17) .

7. The inflation device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) is adapted to detect a status of the second power source (8, 19) .

8. The inflation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) is adapted to detect the status of the first power source ( 14 ) .

9. The inflation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) is adapted to transmit a signal.

10. An external module (100) for connection with an inflation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A avalanche airbag system, comprising an inflation device(1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and an airbag (60) connected to the inflation device (1) .

12. The avalanche airbag system according to claim 11, further comprising an external module (100) connected or connectable to the inflation device (1) via the interface (5) .

13. The avalanche airbag system according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the external module (100) is GPS module, and further wherein the electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) is adapted to detect that an inflation of the airbag (60) occurred, and when an inflation has occurred, to:a.) receive a GPS location from the GPS module, and transmit the GPS location; and / or b.) transmit a trigger signal to the GPS module.

14. The avalanche airbag system according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the external module (100) is a ski binding having a binding controller, and wherein the electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) is adapted to detect that an inflation of the airbag occurred, and when an inflation has occurred, transmit a trigger signal to the binding controller .

15. A computer-implemented method of operating an inflation device (1) , preferably an inflation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, comprising the steps of- detecting an activation of the inflation device (1) ,- transmit a signal to an external module (100) and / or an external device (26) , when the inflation device (1) is activated, to trigger an emergency function.

16. A computer program product, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method of claim 15.

17. A data processing apparatus, comprising means for carrying out the steps of the method of claim 15.