Water falling alarm positioning device and method
Through the collaborative design of dual-mode immersion detection and low-power control, the problems of high false alarm rate and insufficient battery life of existing water fall alarm devices in complex environments have been solved, realizing a water fall alarm and positioning function with high accuracy and long battery life.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511760299.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing water-fall alarm and positioning devices suffer from high false alarm rates and insufficient endurance in complex environments, making it difficult to maintain reliable positioning and communication under different sea conditions.
It adopts a dual-mode immersion detection mechanism, combining contact and capacitive sensing modules for water immersion identification, and works in coordination with the low-power control unit, including positioning and communication modules, to ensure accuracy and long battery life.
It improves the accuracy of water fall detection, reduces the risk of false alarms caused by environmental interference, enhances the applicability and reliability of the device in complex aquatic environments, and provides timely and reliable water fall alarm and positioning support.
Smart Images

Figure CN121482955A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of water safety and rescue technology, and in particular to a water fall alarm and positioning device and method. Background Technology
[0002] Waterfall alarm and positioning devices are crucial equipment in the field of water safety and rescue. They are primarily used to automatically trigger alarms and transmit location information when a person accidentally falls into the water, providing critical support for timely rescue. Currently, this type of device has been applied in maritime operations, shipping, and fisheries. Common technical solutions often rely on a single type of sensor to determine the immersion status, combined with a positioning module and a wireless communication module to achieve the alarm function. However, in practical use, due to the complexity and variability of the aquatic environment, existing devices still face certain challenges in terms of detection reliability, environmental adaptability, and long-term power consumption control. For example, some devices are prone to false triggering in non-waterfall conditions such as rain or waves, affecting the reliability of the alarm system. Simultaneously, maintaining continuous standby and emergency alarm capabilities requires a balance between power management and battery life, but existing designs often struggle to simultaneously meet the dual requirements of long-term low-power operation and stable operation under emergency conditions. Furthermore, the varying coverage quality of communication signals under different sea conditions also places higher demands on the effective transmission of alarm information. Therefore, how to improve the accuracy of water-falling detection, optimize the overall energy efficiency of the device, and enhance its applicability in different environments remains a technical problem that needs to be further solved in this field. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to propose a water immersion alarm and positioning device and method, which solves the problems of high false alarm rate and insufficient battery life of existing devices in complex environments by using dual-mode water immersion detection and low power consumption collaborative control.
[0004] To achieve the aforementioned technical objectives, in a first aspect, this application provides a water-falling alarm and positioning device, comprising: a frame assembly, a water immersion detection assembly, and a control assembly. The frame assembly includes a top cover, a bottom shell, and a first back clip, the first back clip being disposed on the bottom shell, and the top cover being sealed to the bottom shell. The water immersion detection assembly includes a first water immersion module and a second water immersion module. The first water immersion module is a contact-type water immersion module disposed on the top cover, and the second water immersion module is a capacitive sensing module disposed inside the bottom shell. The control assembly is electrically connected to the water immersion detection assembly, and the control assembly includes a control unit, a positioning module, a communication module, a power supply module, and an indicator light module. The control unit is electrically connected to the positioning module, the communication module, the power supply module, and the indicator light module, respectively.
[0005] In some embodiments, the top cover is provided with a water immersion hole, the first water immersion module has a water immersion probe, the water immersion probe is placed on the outside through the water immersion hole, the frame assembly also includes a first connecting plate, the first connecting plate is disposed at the connection between the bottom shell and the top cover, the first connecting plate is provided with a light guide post, and the water immersion probe is fixed on the first connecting plate, the other end of the water immersion probe passes through the first connecting plate and extends inward to be electrically connected to the control unit.
[0006] In some embodiments, the bottom shell has a receiving cavity, and the frame assembly further includes a second connecting plate disposed inside the bottom shell. The second connecting plate divides a portion of the receiving cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber contains a control unit, an indicator light module, and a second immersion module. The second chamber contains a communication module and a positioning module. The power module is placed in the remaining receiving cavity.
[0007] In some embodiments, the second immersion module includes a capacitive liquid level detector disposed within the second connection plate, and the capacitive liquid level detector is used to detect liquid level information.
[0008] In some embodiments, the water-falling alarm positioning device further includes a whistle assembly, which includes a second back clip and a whistle body. The second back clip is disposed on the whistle body and is used to fix the whistle assembly.
[0009] In some embodiments, the control component further includes a sensing alarm module disposed within the bottom housing; the whistle component further includes a sensing magnet embedded in the whistle body, the sensing magnet being used to generate magnetic coupling with the sensing alarm module so that the sensing alarm module emits an alarm signal.
[0010] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a water-fall alarm and location method, applicable to the device described in the first aspect, the method comprising: The control unit is initialized to a low-power standby state; When the first immersion module detects a immersion signal, it wakes up the control unit, which is in a low-power standby state. The awakened control unit activates the second immersion module to perform a second confirmation of the immersion status; If the second immersion module confirms the immersion status, the control unit activates the positioning module and the communication module; The positioning module acquires the current location information, and the control unit sends alarm data containing the current location information through the communication module; Additionally, the control unit controls the indicator light module to emit a visual distress signal.
[0011] In some embodiments, the second immersion module includes a capacitive liquid level detector, which is used to detect liquid level information; The awakened control unit activates the second immersion module to perform a secondary confirmation of the immersion status, including: The control unit reads the output level of the capacitive liquid level detector; Determine whether the output level is a preset valid high level; If the output level is a valid high level, the immersion status is considered successfully confirmed.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first immersion module has an immersion probe, which, when the first immersion module detects an immersion signal, wakes up the control unit, which is in a low-power standby state, including: When the water-immersed probe becomes conductive upon contact with water, it generates a signal with a change in electrical level. Level change signals are input to the control unit via hardware interrupts; The control unit responds to a hardware interrupt, exits the low-power standby state, and is woken up.
[0013] In some embodiments, the system also includes a whistle assembly, which includes a whistle body and a sensing magnet. The sensing magnet is embedded in the whistle body. The control assembly also includes a sensing alarm module, which is disposed inside the bottom shell. The method also includes: Place the sensing magnet close to the sensing area of the frame component corresponding to the sensing alarm module and keep it there for a preset time. The sensing alarm module detects changes in the magnetic field and generates a trigger signal; The control unit receives the trigger signal and controls the communication module to send a manual alarm message, while simultaneously controlling the indicator light module to emit a visual distress signal.
[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art: This invention provides a water-fall alarm and positioning device and method. The device includes a frame assembly, a water immersion detection assembly, and a control assembly. The frame assembly consists of a top cover, a bottom shell, and a first back clip disposed on the bottom shell, with the top cover and bottom shell sealed together. The water immersion detection assembly includes a first contact-type water immersion module disposed on the top cover and a second capacitive-type water immersion module disposed within the bottom shell. The control assembly is electrically connected to the water immersion detection assembly and includes a control unit, a positioning module, a communication module, a power supply module, and an indicator light module. The control unit is electrically connected to each of the aforementioned modules. This solution effectively improves the accuracy of water-fall detection and reduces the risk of false alarms caused by environmental interference through a collaborative detection mechanism of contact and capacitive sensing modules. Simultaneously, the integrated control assembly and sealed frame design enhance the reliability and environmental adaptability of the device, providing more timely and reliable water-fall alarm and positioning protection for personnel working on water. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water-falling alarm and positioning device described in the specific implementation method; Figure 2 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the water-falling alarm and positioning device described in the specific implementation method; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the water-falling alarm and positioning device described in the specific implementation method; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the third structure of the water-falling alarm and positioning device described in the specific implementation method; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth structure of the water-falling alarm and positioning device described in the specific implementation method; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the alarm process of the water-falling alarm and location method described in the specific implementation method.
[0017] The reference numerals for the above figures are as follows: 1. Framework components; 11. Top cover; 111. Immersion hole; 12. Bottom shell; 13. First back clip; 14. First connecting plate; 15. Second connecting plate; 16. Sensing area; 2. Water immersion detection component; 21. First immersion module; 211. Water-immersed probe; 22. Second immersion module; 3. Control components; 31. Positioning module; 32. Communication module; 33. Power supply module; 34. Indicator light module; 35. Sensor alarm module; 36. Control unit; 4. Whistle assembly; 41. Second back clip; 42. The whistle itself; 43. Induction magnet. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be particularly noted that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, the following embodiments are only some, not all, embodiments of the present invention, and all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0019] Please see Figures 1 to 5 In a first aspect, this embodiment provides a water-fall alarm and positioning device, including: a frame assembly 1, a water immersion detection assembly 2, and a control assembly 3. The frame assembly 1 includes an upper cover 11, a bottom shell 12, and a first back clip 13, the first back clip 13 being disposed on the bottom shell 12, and the upper cover 11 being sealed to the bottom shell 12. The water immersion detection assembly 2 includes a first water immersion module 21 and a second water immersion module 22. The first water immersion module 21 is a contact water immersion module and is disposed on the upper cover 11. The second water immersion module 22 is a capacitive sensing module and is disposed inside the bottom shell 12. The control assembly 3 is electrically connected to the water immersion detection assembly 2. The control assembly 3 includes a control unit 36, a positioning module 31, a communication module 32, a power module 33, and an indicator light module 34. The control unit 36 is electrically connected to the positioning module 31, the communication module 32, the power module 33, and the indicator light module 34, respectively.
[0020] In this embodiment, the frame assembly 1 constitutes the main support structure of the device. The upper cover 11 is made of a highly transparent material to allow light from the indicator light module 34 to pass through. The bottom shell 12 forms a space to accommodate each component, and the two are sealed together to ensure overall waterproof performance. The first back clip 13 is fixed to the outside of the bottom shell 12 to reliably fix the device to a carrier such as a life jacket. The immersion detection assembly 2 adopts a dual-mode detection mechanism. The first immersion module 21 is set on the surface of the upper cover 11 as a contact detection unit, generating an electrical signal change by directly contacting the water. The second immersion module 22 is built into the bottom shell 12 as a capacitive sensing unit, sensing the water level by detecting changes in dielectric constant. The control assembly 3 is the core of the device. The control unit 36 uses a low-power microcontroller to coordinate the working state of each module. The positioning module 31 is used to obtain precise location coordinates. The communication module 32 supports multiple wireless communication standards to ensure reliable transmission of alarm information in different marine environments. The power supply module 33 provides a stable power supply to each component. The indicator light module 34 provides a visual warning signal in the alarm state. Preferably, each module adopts a cavity layout design, which ensures signal isolation while maintaining a compact structure through reasonable space allocation.
[0021] This device achieves reliable water-fall detection through a two-stage immersion detection mechanism: when the first immersion module 21 detects a water-fall signal, it wakes up the control unit 36, which is in a low-power standby state, and then activates the second immersion module 22 for secondary confirmation. This step-by-step verification method effectively avoids false triggering caused by brief contact such as rain splashes. Simultaneously, through a reasonable power management strategy, the device maintains extremely low power consumption in non-alarm states, significantly extending standby time. After confirming the water-fall status, the control unit 36 simultaneously activates the positioning module 31 and the communication module 32, sending alarm data containing precise location information to the monitoring center, while simultaneously controlling the indicator light module 34 to emit a conspicuous visual distress signal. This solution, through the coordinated operation of various components, optimizes energy consumption while ensuring alarm accuracy, improving the applicability and reliability of the device in complex aquatic environments.
[0022] In some embodiments, the top cover 11 is provided with a water immersion hole 111, the first water immersion module 21 has a water immersion probe 211, the water immersion probe 211 is placed on the outside through the water immersion hole 111, the frame assembly 1 also includes a first connecting plate 14, the first connecting plate 14 is disposed at the connection between the bottom shell 12 and the top cover 11, the first connecting plate 14 is provided with a light guide post, and the water immersion probe 211 is fixed on the first connecting plate 14, the other end of the water immersion probe 211 passes through the first connecting plate 14 and extends inward to be electrically connected to the control unit 36.
[0023] In this embodiment, the immersion hole 111 is disposed on the surface of the upper cover 11, providing a channel for external water to enter. The immersion probe 211, as the core detection element of the first immersion module 21, is exposed to the external environment through the immersion hole 111, directly contacting the water to generate electrical signal changes. The first connecting plate 14 is located at the connection between the bottom shell 12 and the upper cover 11, serving both as structural support and as a mounting base for functional components. A light guide post is integrated on the first connecting plate 14 to guide the light from the indicator light module 34 outwards, forming a visible warning signal. After the immersion probe 211 is fixed to the first connecting plate 14, its end extends inwards and establishes an electrical connection with the control unit 36, transmitting the detection signal to the control core. Preferably, the immersion probe 211 is made of corrosion-resistant metal material to ensure long-term stable operation in a seawater environment.
[0024] This embodiment achieves coordinated detection and optical indication through the integrated layout of the immersion probe 211 and the light guide column. When water comes into contact with the probe through the immersion hole 111, the resulting change in electrical signal is promptly transmitted to the control unit 36. At the same time, the light guide column clearly displays the status of the internal indicator lights to the outside, ensuring both the sensitivity of immersion detection and providing intuitive status feedback. This enables the device to respond quickly and provide accurate warnings in complex aquatic environments, improving overall reliability and user experience.
[0025] In some embodiments, the bottom shell 12 has a receiving cavity, and the frame assembly 1 further includes a second connecting plate 15. The second connecting plate 15 is disposed inside the bottom shell 12 and divides part of the receiving cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is provided with a control unit 36, an indicator light module 34 and a second immersion module 22, and the second chamber is provided with a communication module 32 and a positioning module 31. The power module 33 is placed in the remaining receiving cavity.
[0026] In this embodiment, the accommodating cavity of the bottom shell 12 provides installation space for internal components. The second connecting plate 15, as an internal structural support, divides the accommodating cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber, realizing the partitioned arrangement of functional modules. The first chamber centrally houses the control unit 36, the indicator module 34, and the second immersion module 22, facilitating the coordinated management of detection signals and indication control; the second chamber is dedicated to the communication module 32 and the positioning module 31, which is beneficial for the stable transmission of radio frequency signals. The power module 33 is independently placed in the remaining accommodating cavity, and reasonable space allocation ensures that each functional area does not interfere with each other. Preferably, necessary electromagnetic shielding measures are provided between each chamber to reduce signal crosstalk.
[0027] Through the compartmentalized design of the second connecting plate 15, this embodiment achieves functional zoning and signal isolation within the device. The close proximity of the control unit 36 and the water immersion detection module ensures timely signal response, while the independent chamber of the communication positioning module 31 effectively avoids interference from high-frequency signals to other sensitive components. This embodiment optimizes internal space utilization and improves the operational stability of each functional module, enabling the device to maintain reliable alarm performance even in complex electromagnetic environments.
[0028] In some embodiments, the second immersion module 22 includes a capacitive liquid level detector disposed within the second connecting plate 15, and the capacitive liquid level detector is used to detect liquid level information.
[0029] In this embodiment, the capacitive liquid level detector, as the core component of the second immersion module 22, senses the liquid level by detecting changes in capacitance. This detector is integrated inside the second connecting plate 15. Utilizing the difference in dielectric constant between water and air, when the liquid surface covers the detection area, it causes a change in capacitance, thereby outputting a corresponding level signal. Preferably, this detector is implemented using a dedicated integrated circuit, which has high sensitivity and anti-interference characteristics.
[0030] By incorporating a capacitive level detector, this embodiment achieves non-contact level detection. When the device is immersed in water, the detector accurately identifies the liquid level state through capacitance changes, providing a reliable detection signal to the second immersion module 22. This detection method avoids the wear problems caused by mechanical contact, while improving detection accuracy in complex aquatic environments and enhancing the overall reliability of the device.
[0031] In some embodiments, the water-falling alarm positioning device further includes a whistle assembly 4, which includes a second back clip 41 and a whistle body 42. The second back clip 41 is disposed on the whistle body 42 and is used to fix the whistle assembly 4.
[0032] In this embodiment, the whistle assembly 4 serves as an auxiliary functional module of the device, comprising two main parts: a whistle body 42 and a second back clip 41. The whistle body 42 is used to emit a distress signal by blowing the whistle in an emergency, providing another alarm method. The second back clip 41 is fixed to the whistle body 42, and its structure is similar to that of the first back clip 13, used to reliably fix the whistle assembly 4 to a life jacket or other carrier. Preferably, the whistle body 42 is made of a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material to ensure long-term reliability in marine environments.
[0033] By adding the whistle component 4, this embodiment provides a supplementary sound alarm function for the device. When the main body of the device fails to function properly, the user can send a distress signal by blowing the whistle body 42. At the same time, the second back clip 41 ensures that the whistle component 4 is fixed separately from the main body of the device but still remains connected. This not only increases the diversity of alarm methods but also improves the flexibility of use through the separate fixing method, making the device more adaptable in complex rescue scenarios.
[0034] In some embodiments, the control component 3 further includes a sensing alarm module 35 disposed within the bottom housing 12; the whistle component 4 further includes a sensing magnet 43 embedded in the whistle body 42, the sensing magnet 43 being used to generate magnetic coupling with the sensing alarm module 35 so that the sensing alarm module 35 emits an alarm signal.
[0035] In this embodiment, the sensing alarm module 35, as an extended functional unit of the control component 3, is built into the bottom shell 12 and is used to receive external trigger signals and generate alarm commands. The sensing magnet 43 is embedded inside the whistle body 42 and forms a non-contact coupling with the sensing alarm module 35 through magnetic force. When the sensing magnet 43 approaches the sensing alarm module 35, the change in the magnetic field is detected and converted into an electrical signal, thereby triggering the alarm process. Preferably, the sensing alarm module 35 uses a low-power magnetic sensitive element to ensure a low energy consumption level in standby mode.
[0036] This embodiment achieves non-contact triggering of the manual alarm function through a magnetic coupling mechanism. When the user brings the whistle component 4 close to the main body of the device, the magnetic force between the sensing magnet 43 and the sensing alarm module 35 generates an effective signal, which can start the alarm program without physical contact. This avoids the sealing problems that may exist with traditional buttons, while retaining the convenience of manual operation. It provides a reliable manual triggering method in addition to the automatic alarm function, enhancing the overall flexibility of use.
[0037] In a second aspect, this embodiment also provides a water-fall alarm positioning method, applicable to the device described in the first aspect, the method comprising: The control unit is initialized to a low-power standby state; When the first immersion module detects a immersion signal, it wakes up the control unit, which is in a low-power standby state. The awakened control unit activates the second immersion module to perform a second confirmation of the immersion status; If the second immersion module confirms the immersion status, the control unit activates the positioning module and the communication module; The positioning module acquires the current location information, and the control unit sends alarm data containing the current location information through the communication module; Additionally, the control unit controls the indicator light module to emit a visual distress signal.
[0038] In this embodiment, the control unit is initialized to a low-power standby state. The system is switched to a low-power mode through the power management function of the microcontroller. At this time, only the necessary monitoring functions are maintained, and other modules are in a sleep state to reduce energy consumption.
[0039] When the first immersion module detects a immersion signal, this signal triggers the control unit to exit standby mode via a hardware interrupt, enabling a rapid response. The awakened control unit then activates the second immersion module for secondary confirmation of the immersion status. This module uses capacitive detection to verify actual immersion, avoiding false triggers caused by brief contact such as rain splashes. If the second immersion module confirms immersion, the control unit sequentially activates the positioning and communication modules. The positioning module obtains the current location coordinates via a satellite navigation system, while the communication module sends alarm data containing location information to the monitoring center. Simultaneously, the control unit drives the indicator light module to emit a flashing signal at a specific frequency, providing a visual distress signal.
[0040] This method achieves accurate real-time response to water immersion alarms through a step-by-step detection and modular wake-up mechanism. The rapid triggering of the first immersion module ensures timely alarm response, while the secondary verification of the second immersion module effectively reduces the risk of false alarms caused by environmental interference. The collaborative work of the positioning and communication modules guarantees accurate acquisition and reliable transmission of location information, while the visual warning from the indicator light module provides auxiliary positioning methods for on-site rescue. This hierarchical processing approach optimizes system power consumption while ensuring alarm accuracy, enabling the device to respond quickly in emergencies and maintain long-term operational status.
[0041] In some embodiments, the second immersion module includes a capacitive liquid level detector, which is used to detect liquid level information; The awakened control unit activates the second immersion module to perform a secondary confirmation of the immersion status, including: The control unit reads the output level of the capacitive liquid level detector; Determine whether the output level is a preset valid high level; If the output level is a valid high level, the immersion status is considered successfully confirmed.
[0042] In this embodiment, the capacitive level detector serves as the core detection element of the second immersion module, sensing the liquid level status by detecting changes in capacitance. This detector utilizes the difference in dielectric constant between water and air; when the liquid surface covers the detection area, it causes a change in capacitance, thereby outputting a corresponding level signal. The control unit reads the output level of the capacitive level detector, which reflects the current medium state of the detection area. It determines whether the output level is a preset valid high level. The preset valid high level is set according to the characteristics of the capacitive level detector and is used to distinguish between immersion and non-immersion states. If the output level is a valid high level, the immersion state is successfully confirmed, and the control unit can continue to execute the subsequent alarm process. Preferably, the capacitive level detector is implemented using a dedicated integrated circuit, which has high sensitivity and anti-interference characteristics.
[0043] This embodiment achieves accurate determination of immersion status through level detection using a capacitive liquid level detector. When the device is immersed in water, the change in capacitance causes the output level to reach a preset threshold, which the control unit uses to confirm the true immersion status. This detection method avoids the wear problems caused by mechanical contact, and at the same time, the level threshold judgment improves the reliability of the detection, ensuring that it can accurately distinguish between actual immersion and other interference situations in complex aquatic environments.
[0044] In some embodiments, the first immersion module has an immersion probe, which, when the first immersion module detects an immersion signal, wakes up the control unit, which is in a low-power standby state, including: When the water-immersed probe becomes conductive upon contact with water, it generates a signal with a change in electrical level. Level change signals are input to the control unit via hardware interrupts; The control unit responds to a hardware interrupt, exits the low-power standby state, and is woken up.
[0045] In this embodiment, the immersion probe, as a key detection element of the first immersion module, achieves a change in conductivity by directly contacting the water. When the immersion probe becomes conductive upon contact with water, its electrical characteristics change, generating a noticeable level change signal. This level change signal is directly input to the control unit via a hardware interrupt circuit. The hardware interrupt mechanism ensures real-time signal response and avoids delays caused by software polling. In response to the hardware interrupt signal, the control unit immediately executes the interrupt service routine, forcibly exiting the low-power standby state and entering the normal operating mode. Preferably, the hardware interrupt uses an edge-triggered method, which can effectively capture instantaneous level transitions.
[0046] This embodiment achieves a fast and reliable wake-up function through a hardware interrupt mechanism. The change in the water conduction level of the immersion probe directly triggers a hardware interrupt, enabling the control unit to immediately exit the low-power state and provide a timely response for subsequent secondary detection and alarm processing. This ensures both the low-power characteristics of the device in standby mode and the rapid wake-up capability in the event of sudden water immersion, effectively balancing the conflicting requirements of power consumption and response speed.
[0047] In some embodiments, the system also includes a whistle assembly, which includes a whistle body and a sensing magnet. The sensing magnet is embedded in the whistle body. The control assembly also includes a sensing alarm module, which is disposed inside the bottom shell. The method also includes: Place the sensing magnet close to the sensing area of the frame component corresponding to the sensing alarm module and keep it there for a preset time. The sensing alarm module detects changes in the magnetic field and generates a trigger signal; The control unit receives the trigger signal and controls the communication module to send a manual alarm message, while simultaneously controlling the indicator light module to emit a visual distress signal.
[0048] In this embodiment, the whistle assembly, as an auxiliary functional module of the device, includes a whistle body and a sensing magnet embedded therein. The control assembly also includes a sensing alarm module located in the bottom shell, which can detect changes in the magnetic field and generate a corresponding trigger signal. When the user places the sensing magnet close to the sensing area of the sensing alarm module on the frame assembly, it needs to be held for a preset time to ensure the accuracy of the operation and avoid false triggering. Preferably, the preset time is 3 seconds. After detecting a change in the magnetic field, the sensing alarm module converts the magnetic field signal into an electrical signal, generating a valid trigger signal. After receiving the trigger signal, the control unit immediately controls the communication module to send a manual alarm message, and simultaneously drives the indicator light module to emit a specific visual distress signal. Preferably, the preset time can be adjusted according to actual needs to ensure the reliability of the operation.
[0049] This embodiment achieves non-contact triggering of the manual alarm function through a magnetic induction mechanism. When the user brings the induction magnet of the whistle component close to the sensing area of the device, the change in magnetic field is detected by the induction alarm module and converted into a trigger signal. The control unit then initiates the manual alarm process accordingly. This avoids the sealing problems that may exist with traditional physical buttons and prevents accidental triggering through preset duration requirements. It provides users with a reliable manual alarm method in emergency situations, enhancing the flexibility and reliability of the device.
[0050] Furthermore, the following examples can be derived from the above technical solutions: Please see Figure 1 This solution belongs to the technical field of water rescue alarm equipment, and relates to a water-falling alarm and positioning device that is simply combined with a traditional life jacket, with a protection level of IP67 or higher (completely waterproof). The device includes a main body and an anti-falling safety whistle. The main body integrates a contact-type immersion sensing module, a capacitive water level sensing module, a BeiDou independent positioning module, a low-power MCU microcontroller, and multiple communication modules (4G / 5G, BeiDou-3 short message, AIS, and low-orbit IoT communication). Based on artificial intelligence algorithms, the device uses a dual-mode immersion detection mechanism—first triggered by a contact sensor, then confirmed by a capacitive sensor—effectively reducing the false alarm rate in complex environments such as heavy rain. The device uses a Hall effect magnetic control switch for manual SOS alarm, avoiding the sealing problems associated with physical buttons; it has a built-in high-energy lithium-ion battery, supporting standby time of ≥3 years and continuous alarm operation of ≥72 hours. The device has a compact structure and adopts an elliptical cylindrical design, which makes it easy to wear on a life jacket. It meets the requirements of JT / T1223-2018 standard and is suitable for rapid alarm and accurate positioning of personnel falling into the water during offshore operations, thereby improving rescue efficiency.
[0051] Specifically, the water-falling alarm and positioning device consists of a main body and an anti-falling safety whistle (i.e., whistle component 4). The main body's wiring hole and the safety whistle's wiring hole are connected by a safety rope and securely mounted to the life jacket using a back clip. Both the main body's wiring hole and the safety whistle's wiring hole are used to prevent fall-off. The main body's back clip (i.e., the first back clip 13) and the safety whistle's back clip (i.e., the second back clip 41) are respectively fastened to the life jacket's straps or pocket opening. The anti-falling safety whistle (i.e., whistle component 4) can be used to emit an alarm distress whistle, the safety rope connection prevents accidental fall-off of the main body, and manually trigger or cancel the alarm event.
[0052] The main body of the device includes the main body shell (i.e., frame assembly 1), the dual-mode immersion detection system (i.e., immersion detection assembly 2), and the control core (i.e., control assembly 3).
[0053] The main body of the device consists of an upper cover 11, a bottom shell 12, and a sealing ring. The upper cover 11 is made of high-transmittance polycarbonate (PC) material, used for flashing alarm lights. The bottom shell 12 houses a battery compartment (i.e., a receiving cavity) and a water-falling alarm control main board (i.e., a second connecting plate 15). The bottom shell 12 has a pre-drilled guide slot for the water-falling alarm control main board, which can be securely inserted along the guide slot. A contact-type immersion sensor (i.e., a first immersion module 21) and a flashing light are mounted on an auxiliary light plate (i.e., a first connecting plate 14). Two screws are used to secure the transparent top cover. The auxiliary light board (i.e., the first connecting board 14) is electrically connected to the water alarm control main board via a 4P connecting cable. The battery (i.e., the power module 33) is connected to the water alarm control main board (i.e., the second connecting board 15) via a 2P interface. After the battery (i.e., the power module 33) is installed at the bottom of the bottom shell 12, the water alarm control main board (i.e., the second connecting board 15) is assembled in a drawer-like manner along the guide slot of the control main board. The screws lock the top cover 11 and the bottom shell 12, and the sealing ring is pressed by the top cover 11 and the bottom shell 12 to achieve a sealing and waterproof effect, forming an IP67 waterproof structure.
[0054] The dual-mode immersion detection system integrates a contact-type immersion sensing detection module (i.e., the first immersion module 21) and a capacitive immersion sensing detection module (i.e., the second immersion module 22), a low-power MCU microcontroller (i.e., the control unit 36), 4G / 5G, AIS, Beidou-3 short message and low-orbit IoT communication chips, and a matching RF antenna module. When the low-power MCU microcontroller detects a change in the resistance / level between the contact points, it immediately detects the voltage output status of the capacitive immersion sensing module (i.e., the second immersion module 22). The capacitive immersion sensing module (i.e., the second immersion module 22) uses a dedicated capacitive water level detection IC, which can detect changes in water level through the outer wall of the water tank. Preferably, the PT2011 chip is used. This chip features wide operating voltage, low power consumption, and high anti-interference capability. The operating voltage range is 2.4~5.5V, the standby current is about 9uA@VDD=5V / CMOD=10nF, it has a single-channel detection input and a single-channel output, is suitable for water level detection applications, has a 4-level sensitivity configuration, and has built-in hardware modules such as voltage regulator, power-on reset and low-voltage reset. The detection output is processed by internal algorithms and debouncing, resulting in stable and reliable performance, with HBM ESD better than 4KV.
[0055] When the contact-type immersion sensing module (i.e., the first immersion module 21) detects a change in the resistance / level between the contacts, it activates the capacitive liquid level detection (i.e., the second immersion module 22). When the liquid level covers the liquid level detection area of the main body of the device, and the capacitance value of the TCH pin of the PT2011 chip is detected to be greater than the CREF reference capacitance value, the output is valid (high level), and the customized water-fall alarm device activates the communication link to send water-fall alarm information. By using the external contact-type immersion sensing module (i.e., the first immersion module 21) to pre-judge the possibility of immersion, and then further waking up the capacitive immersion sensing module (i.e., the second immersion module 22) to confirm the immersion, it avoids the possibility of triggering an alarm due to a water-fall event under extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, effectively reducing the false alarm rate. In addition, the external contact-type immersion sensing module triggers the low-power MCU microcontroller in sleep mode through interrupt, reducing the power consumption of the capacitive immersion sensing module in daily sensing and the MCU microcontroller in standby mode, and improving the overall standby time of the device.
[0056] To enhance the reliability of the protection level, the equipment adopts a non-contact Hall effect alarm switch, and the sensing magnet 43 is designed on the safety whistle (i.e., whistle component 4). In the event of an emergency other than the one automatically triggered by falling into the water, the sensing magnet 43 of the safety whistle (i.e., whistle component 4) can be brought close to the emergency SOS Hall effect sensor unit (i.e., sensing area) on the main body of the device for 3 seconds to activate the emergency SOS function of the water alarm control main board, generate an emergency SOS alarm message, report it to the platform according to the predetermined reporting cycle, and the alarm light will flash. When the emergency event is over and the alarm needs to be manually canceled, the sensing magnet of the safety whistle can be brought close to the emergency SOS Hall effect sensor unit for 3 seconds again until the alarm light stops flashing and the alarm is canceled. This method effectively avoids accidental triggering of alarm buttons and the complexity of protection level structure design. The Hall effect alarm switch can use an ultra-high sensitivity linear Hall element HX6639 magnetic position sensor, and can further reduce power consumption by using a reed switch design. At the same time, the safety rescue whistle (i.e., whistle component 4) can provide whistle rescue service in special situations, and is a multi-functional device integrating a back clip and magnet. It is normally fixed on the protective shoulder strap to prevent the alarm positioning device from falling into the water and detaching. Among them, the Beidou positioning uses the AT6668B Beidou navigation and positioning chip, the 4G communication unit uses the ultra-small Air700E or multi-band SIM7670C, the Hall element uses an ultra-high sensitivity linear Hall element HX6639 magnetic position sensor, and the MCU microcontroller uses the STM32L0 series ultra-low power microcontroller.
[0057] Please see Figure 6 Preferably, the alarm process is as follows: The device performs a power-on self-test, reports its status, and then enters a low-power standby mode. If the contact-type immersion sensor module detects an abnormality, it will wake up the MCU; The MCU activates the capacitive water level sensing module for secondary confirmation; If falling into the water is confirmed, the communication module is activated, and alarm data including location, time, and ID is sent to the monitoring platform. At the same time, the strobe light starts working, and the reporting frequency is dynamically adjusted according to the battery level. Users can manually trigger or cancel the SOS alarm by placing a magnet close to the Hall effect sensor area (for 3 seconds).
[0058] Specifically, the rules for dynamically adjusting the reporting frequency based on battery level are shown in the table below:
[0059] This mechanism can effectively extend the duration of communication during the golden rescue period.
[0060] In actual manufacturing, the following configuration is preferred: Main control MCU (i.e., control unit 36): STM32L0x3 series, sleep current <1μA; Beidou module (i.e., positioning module 31): AT6668B, supporting BDS B1 / B2 / B3 frequency bands; Communication module 32: Air700E (Cat.1) or SIM7670C (supports GNSS); Hall element (i.e., sensing alarm module 35): HX6639, high sensitivity and low power consumption; Battery (i.e., power module 33): ER14505 lithium-ion battery, capacity 2600mAh; The outer shell (i.e., frame assembly 1) is made of PC+ABS alloy, which is impact-resistant and corrosion-resistant.
[0061] When installing the device, fasten the main back clip (i.e., the first back clip 13) to the shoulder straps of the life jacket, and simultaneously secure the whistle back clip (i.e., the second back clip 41). Connect the safety rope to prevent it from falling off. No operation is required in daily life. It will automatically alarm after falling into the water, and can also be used to call for help by blowing the whistle or manually triggering SOS.
[0062] By adopting the above technical solutions, the present invention differs from the prior art and has the following beneficial effects: Through a collaborative detection mechanism combining a contact-type first immersion module and a capacitive second immersion module, the device achieves graded judgment of the water immersion state, effectively avoiding false triggers caused by brief contact such as rain splashes, and significantly improving alarm accuracy. The device employs a low-power design; the control unit maintains extremely low power consumption in standby mode, only waking up relevant functional modules when a valid immersion signal is detected, thus greatly extending the device's operating time. Simultaneously, by integrating a positioning module and a multi-mode communication module, it can acquire and transmit accurate location information in real time, ensuring reliable transmission of alarm data in different marine environments. Furthermore, the non-contact magnetic induction manual alarm method avoids the sealing problems of traditional physical buttons and provides users with a flexible and reliable manual triggering method. The overall structure adopts a sealed frame and a reasonable chamber layout, optimizing internal space utilization while ensuring protective performance, making the device more adaptable and reliable in complex aquatic environments.
[0063] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.
[0064] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.
[0065] The above description is only a part of the embodiments of the present invention and does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent device or equivalent process transformation made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect application in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A water-fall alarm and positioning device, characterized in that, include: The frame assembly includes an upper cover, a bottom shell, and a first back clip, the first back clip being disposed on the bottom shell, and the upper cover being sealed to the bottom shell; The water immersion detection component includes a first water immersion module and a second water immersion module. The first water immersion module is a contact water immersion module and is disposed on the upper cover. The second water immersion module is a capacitive sensing module and is disposed inside the bottom shell. A control component is electrically connected to the immersion detection component. The control component includes a control unit, a positioning module, a communication module, a power supply module, and an indicator light module. The control unit is electrically connected to the positioning module, the communication module, the power supply module, and the indicator light module, respectively.
2. The water-falling alarm and positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper cover is provided with a water immersion hole, the first water immersion module has a water immersion probe, the water immersion probe is placed externally through the water immersion hole, and the frame assembly further includes: A first connecting plate is disposed at the connection between the bottom shell and the top cover. A light guide post is provided on the first connecting plate. The water immersion probe is fixed on the first connecting plate, and the other end of the water immersion probe passes through the first connecting plate and extends inward to be electrically connected to the control unit.
3. The water-falling alarm and positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom shell has a receiving cavity, and the frame assembly further includes: The second connecting plate is disposed inside the bottom shell. The second connecting plate divides part of the accommodating cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is provided with a control unit, an indicator light module and a second immersion module. The second chamber is provided with a communication module and a positioning module. The power module is placed in the remaining accommodating cavity.
4. The water-falling alarm and positioning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second immersion module includes: A capacitive liquid level detector is installed inside the second connecting plate, and the capacitive liquid level detector is used to detect liquid level information.
5. The water-falling alarm and positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A whistle assembly includes a second back clip and a whistle body. The second back clip is disposed on the whistle body and is used to fix the whistle assembly.
6. The water-falling alarm and positioning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control component also includes: The sensor alarm module is located inside the bottom shell; The whistle component also includes: A sensing magnet is embedded in the whistle body. The sensing magnet is used to generate magnetic coupling with the sensing alarm module so that the sensing alarm module emits an alarm signal.
7. A method for locating a water-fall alarm, characterized in that, The method, applicable to the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, comprises: The control unit is initialized to a low-power standby state; When the first immersion module detects a immersion signal, it wakes up the control unit, which is in a low-power standby state. The awakened control unit activates the second immersion module to perform a second confirmation of the immersion status; If the second immersion module confirms the immersion status, the control unit activates the positioning module and the communication module; The positioning module acquires the current location information, and the control unit sends alarm data containing the current location information through the communication module; In addition, the control unit controls the indicator module to emit a visual distress signal.
8. The water-fall alarm positioning method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second immersion module includes a capacitive liquid level detector, which is used to detect liquid level information; The awakened control unit initiates the second immersion module to perform a secondary confirmation of the immersion status, including: The control unit reads the output level of the capacitive liquid level detector; Determine whether the output level is a preset valid high level; If the output level is a valid high level, then the immersion status is confirmed to be successful.
9. The water-fall alarm positioning method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first immersion module has an immersion probe. When the first immersion module detects an immersion signal, it wakes up the control unit, which is in a low-power standby state, including: The water-immersion probe generates a level change signal after it becomes conductive upon contact with water; The level change signal is input to the control unit in the form of a hardware interrupt; The control unit responds to the hardware interrupt, exits the low-power standby state, and is woken up.
10. The water-fall alarm positioning method according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a whistle assembly, which includes a whistle body and a sensing magnet. The sensing magnet is embedded in the whistle body. The control assembly also includes a sensing alarm module, which is located inside the bottom shell. The method further includes: Place the sensing magnet close to the sensing area of the frame assembly corresponding to the sensing alarm module and keep it there for a preset time. The sensing alarm module detects changes in the magnetic field and generates a trigger signal; The control unit receives the trigger signal and controls the communication module to send a manual alarm message, while simultaneously controlling the indicator light module to emit a visual distress signal.