Limited space operation safety monitoring and emergency linkage system

Abstract

The application discloses a limited space operation safety monitoring and emergency linkage system and relates to the technical field of industrial safety. The system comprises an integrated environment monitoring terminal, an operation personnel physiological state monitoring unit, a central control and communication host, an audible and visual alarm and emergency starting device and an emergency linkage disposal equipment. The monitoring terminal collects internal environment parameters of the limited space, and the monitoring unit acquires physiological data of the operation personnel, which are both transmitted to the external host. The host is provided with a safety determination logic. The logic compares the environment and physiological parameters with preset threshold values synchronously and continuously, triggers an alarm when the parameters are abnormal, and starts the highest level emergency response when the environment and physiological parameters are both abnormal or a manual signal is received. The system automatically drives the audible and visual alarm on site, remotely sends alarm information, and can start forced ventilation and rescue equipment in linkage, thereby realizing real-time monitoring of the safety risk of limited space operation, multistage early warning and rapid emergency linkage disposal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of industrial safety technology, specifically to a confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system. Background Technology

[0002] Confined space operations are widespread in numerous industries, including municipal engineering, chemical engineering, energy, construction, and warehousing. Due to their enclosed structures, restricted access, and poor natural ventilation, these work environments are highly susceptible to the accumulation of toxic and harmful gases (such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide), flammable and explosive gases, or dangerous conditions such as insufficient oxygen (oxygen deficiency) or excessive oxygen (oxygen enrichment). Furthermore, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity within the work space can also pose threats to personnel. These potential hazards are characterized by their suddenness, concealment, and complexity, making confined space operations high-risk activities with frequent accidents and often extremely serious consequences, frequently resulting in tragedies of mass casualties such as poisoning, asphyxiation, and explosions.

[0003] Currently, the safety management of confined space operations generally adopts the traditional model of "work approval + manual inspection + personal protective equipment." Before work begins, a safety officer typically enters the space using a portable single-gas detector or conducts sampling tests, and personnel are only allowed entry after confirming safety. During the operation, workers rely on wearing portable alarm devices and respiratory protective equipment, and external monitoring personnel are stationed for manual observation and communication. However, this model has significant limitations and safety hazards: 1. Lagging and incomplete monitoring: Traditional portable detectors typically only monitor a few types of gases, with limited monitoring parameters. They cannot simultaneously and continuously monitor oxygen, various toxic and harmful gases, combustible gases, and environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure. Manual detection is mostly intermittent and spot-checking, making it impossible to achieve real-time monitoring throughout the entire process and at all times, and difficult to detect sudden dangerous gas leaks or rapid changes in concentration that may occur during operations.

[0004] Lack of personnel status monitoring: Current technologies mainly focus on environmental risks and lack objective, real-time monitoring of workers' physiological status (such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and physical activity). When personnel experience discomfort, fainting, or loss of consciousness due to environmental factors or their own health reasons, external monitors may not be able to detect it immediately, easily missing the best rescue opportunity.

[0005] The alarm system is disconnected from emergency response: On-site alarms mostly rely on the detectors' own audible and visual alarms or the subjective judgment of supervisors. Alarm information is limited to the scene and cannot be automatically and promptly reported to higher-level safety management platforms or emergency command centers. Furthermore, after an alarm is triggered, emergency response still heavily relies on human decision-making and manual operation. For example, personnel need to run to turn on ventilation equipment or activate rescue equipment. This results in a long, multi-step, and inefficient response chain, causing significant delays in time-sensitive emergency rescue operations.

[0006] Insufficient system integration and reliability: Environmental monitoring, personnel supervision, communication, alarm, and emergency equipment are often independent of each other, failing to form an organically linked whole system. Poor compatibility between devices, prominent information silos, and issues with the reliability, battery life, and signal stability of each independent device also increase the risk of system failure.

[0007] In recent years, with the development of the Internet of Things, sensors, and wireless communication technologies, some monitoring solutions for specific scenarios have emerged, such as gas monitoring systems based on wireless sensor networks. However, most of these solutions focus on data acquisition and remote transmission, and are weak in comprehensive intelligent risk assessment, fusion analysis of personnel status, and direct linkage control of automated emergency equipment after an alarm. In particular, they lack an integrated closed-loop control logic that correlates environmental risks with personnel physiological risks and triggers graded responses from on-site alarms to automatic activation of ventilation, rescue, and other response measures.

[0008] Therefore, the industry urgently needs a highly integrated, intelligent, and automated confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system. This system should be able to perform comprehensive, real-time, and continuous online monitoring of the work environment and personnel status; make intelligent safety judgments based on multi-source data fusion; and achieve simultaneous and rapid response with on-site alarms, remote notifications, and automatic linkage of emergency equipment when a hazard is detected. This would transform passive monitoring into proactive early warning, and manual emergency response into automated or semi-automated emergency linkage, fundamentally improving the inherent safety level of confined space operations and effectively preventing and reducing the occurrence of safety accidents. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system. By monitoring environmental and personnel physiological parameters in real time, the system can automatically identify potential hazards and trigger alarms, ventilation, and rescue equipment to achieve safety early warning and rapid emergency response, thereby improving operational safety assurance capabilities.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system, comprising: An integrated environmental monitoring terminal is fixedly deployed inside a confined space to collect key environmental parameters within the confined space in real time and continuously. A worker physiological status monitoring unit, worn or carried by workers entering a confined space, is used to acquire the worker's vital signs data in real time; A central control and communication host, serving as the core processing and command unit of the system, is deployed in a designated secure area outside a confined space. An audible and visual alarm and emergency activation device is installed in a prominent location near the entrance to the confined space; and A set of emergency response equipment is pre-configured at the work site; The integrated environmental monitoring terminal, the worker physiological status monitoring unit, and the audible and visual alarm and emergency activation device all establish a reliable data connection with the central control and communication host through wired data cables or wireless radio frequency communication, and receive its instructions and control.

[0011] Furthermore, the integrated environmental monitoring terminal's casing adopts an explosion-proof and corrosion-resistant structural design, and its interior integrates a gas concentration sensor group, a temperature and humidity sensor, and an atmospheric pressure sensor. The gas concentration sensor group is a multi-sensor fusion module, which consists of at least: a sensor using electrochemical principles for accurately detecting the oxygen volume percentage; a sensor using catalytic combustion principles for detecting the concentration of combustible gases and outputting it in the form of its lower explosive limit percentage; and multiple sensors using specific electrochemical principles for detecting hydrogen sulfide gas concentration and carbon monoxide gas concentration, respectively. The analog signals generated by all sensors are preprocessed by an integrated local microprocessor through unified analog-to-digital conversion, filtering, and calibration compensation, and then packaged and sent to the central control and communication host after forming digital signals.

[0012] Furthermore, the worker's physiological state monitoring unit is specifically a wearable multi-parameter vital signs monitor, whose monitoring components include at least: a pulse oxygen saturation probe clipped to the fingertip or earlobe for monitoring blood oxygen saturation and pulse waveform; a heart rate sensor attached to the chest wall or integrated into a wristband for monitoring heart rate; and a built-in motion sensor for sensing the worker's posture and movement state to assist in determining whether a fall or abnormal stillness has occurred; the monitor is equipped with an independent transmitting module using a low-power wireless communication protocol to transmit the collected vital signs data to the central control and communication host in real time.

[0013] Furthermore, the hardware architecture of the central control and communication host includes: a multi-channel data receiving module for receiving data streams from the integrated environmental monitoring terminal and the operator's physiological state monitoring unit in parallel; a core logic processing module, running on an embedded processor, which internally stores and runs a safety judgment logic program based on multi-threshold comparison; a local human-machine interface, using a combination of a color touchscreen or buttons and a display screen, for centrally displaying the real-time values, historical curves, triggered alarm information entries, and operating status of each unit of the system for each monitoring parameter; an audible and visual alarm drive circuit, providing power output to control external alarm devices; and a multi-mode communication module, which integrates at least two of the following: an Ethernet interface, a wireless private network radio, or a 4G / 5G public mobile network communication unit, to achieve remote data transmission.

[0014] Furthermore, the security determination logic program embedded in the core logic processing module is configured to perform the following operations: The system presets safe upper and lower limits for oxygen concentration, two levels of alarm thresholds (such as early warning and alarm) for the concentration of various harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide), alarm thresholds for combustible gas concentration, and abnormal thresholds for multiple physiological parameters (such as heart rate and blood oxygen saturation). The real-time received environmental parameter data and worker physiological parameter data are compared and analyzed synchronously and continuously with the corresponding preset thresholds. When any single monitored parameter value exceeds its preset safety range or reaches its alarm threshold, the logic program immediately triggers the corresponding preset alarm sequence. When the system simultaneously detects abnormal environmental parameters (such as excessive levels of harmful gases) and abnormal physiological parameters of the associated workers (such as sudden changes in heart rate or decreased blood oxygen), the logic program automatically triggers the preset highest-level comprehensive emergency response sequence.

[0015] Furthermore, the audible and visual alarm and emergency activation device specifically includes: a high-decibel siren installed on a protective box at the entrance of the confined space and a high-brightness, multi-mode flashing warning light; and an emergency activation button with an openable physical protective cover on the surface of the protective box, the protective cover being used to prevent accidental triggering; when the central control and communication host triggers any level of alarm sequence according to the judgment logic, its audible and visual alarm drive circuit will automatically drive the siren to sound and the warning light to flash; when the emergency activation button is manually pressed, an electrical signal will be generated, which will be directly sent to the central control and communication host as the highest priority emergency linkage activation command.

[0016] Furthermore, the emergency response equipment includes: a high-power, explosion-proof forced ventilation fan and its matching retractable duct for quickly replacing the air in a confined space; and a mechanical rescue winch equipped with a safety belt and rescue cable; a controlled relay is connected in series in the power control circuit of the forced ventilation fan, and a controlled relay is also connected to the motor control terminal of the rescue winch. The control coils of both relays are connected to the dedicated emergency output interface of the central control and communication host; when the host starts executing the highest-level emergency response sequence, or receives a start signal from the emergency start button, its emergency output interface will output a control signal, automatically closing the corresponding relay, or issuing a clear prompt to the operator interface. After confirmation by the operator, the forced ventilation fan will be remotely started, and the brake of the rescue winch will be unlocked to put it into standby retrieval state.

[0017] Furthermore, the multi-mode communication module is configured to, when the system triggers an alarm or emergency response, simultaneously and in parallel send a structured alarm information packet, including alarm type, real-time monitoring data, and limited spatial geographic location information, to at least one designated remote monitoring terminal (such as a manager's mobile APP or computer client) and a regional or enterprise emergency command center digital alarm receiving platform via a preset TCP / IP, Modbus, or other dedicated communication protocol.

[0018] Furthermore, both the integrated environmental monitoring terminal and the operator physiological state monitoring unit have independent signal strength monitoring circuits and low battery detection circuits on their internal circuit boards. When the signal strength monitoring circuit detects that the signal strength of the communication link with the central host is lower than a set threshold or is completely interrupted, or when the low battery detection circuit detects that the voltage of the device's built-in battery is lower than a set threshold, the device will actively generate and send a clearly identified device fault alarm data packet to the central control and communication host.

[0019] Furthermore, its standard workflow includes the following sequential steps: After the system starts up, it first performs a power-on self-test to diagnose the status of all sensors, internal circuits and communication links. After confirming that everything is normal, it enters the continuous monitoring state. Once in monitoring mode, the integrated environmental monitoring terminal and the worker physiological status monitoring unit begin to continuously collect environmental parameters and worker physiological parameters within the confined space, and transmit them stably through the communication link. The core logic processing module of the central control and communication host performs real-time analysis and calculation on the received data stream based on its internally preset multi-parameter and multi-threshold comparison logic. If all parameters in the analysis and calculation results are within the normal range, the system will refresh and display the current data on the local human-computer interaction interface and continue to execute the monitoring task; If one or more parameters in the analysis and calculation results reach the preset alarm conditions, the system will immediately activate the on-site audible and visual alarm device to issue an audio-visual alarm, and at the same time send alarm information containing details to the preset remote terminal through its multi-mode communication module; If the analysis and calculation results reach the preset highest level of emergency response conditions (such as dual environmental and physiological abnormalities), or if the system receives a manual emergency start signal from the emergency start button, the system will automatically trigger the start control program of the emergency linkage response equipment and continuously and repeatedly send the highest priority (red level) emergency distress signal and on-site data to the remote emergency command center.

[0020] This invention provides a confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. Significantly enhances the comprehensive safety monitoring capabilities of the working environment. This system, through an integrated environmental monitoring terminal, collects real-time, synchronous data on key environmental parameters within confined spaces, including oxygen concentration, concentrations of various harmful gases (such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide), concentrations of combustible gases, as well as temperature, humidity, and air pressure. The data is then centrally transmitted and processed. This comprehensive and continuous monitoring mode, covering multiple dimensions and complex risk factors, fundamentally changes the limitations of traditional single-point, intermittent detection. It enables earlier and more comprehensive detection of potential environmental degradation trends, providing objective and quantitative data support for safety management decisions. This effectively prevents safety accidents caused by oxygen deficiency, accumulation of toxic and harmful gases, or sudden environmental changes, achieving a substantial shift from post-event response to pre-event warning.

[0021] This system enables proactive, real-time monitoring of workers' vital signs. It innovatively integrates a physiological state monitoring unit into a closed loop, continuously acquiring key vital sign data such as pulse oximetry, heart rate, and body movement. This is not only an important supplement to traditional environmental safety monitoring but also a direct embodiment of the "people-oriented" safety philosophy. When personnel exhibit abnormal physiological indicators due to environmental anomalies or their own reasons, the system can immediately identify them, providing crucial technical means for the early detection of critical situations such as poisoning, suffocation, and sudden illness. This significantly changes the passive situation of "unknowable and invisible" personnel status within confined spaces, and significantly shortens the response time window from the occurrence of danger to the initiation of rescue.

[0022] A multi-level, automated emergency response system integrating on-site and remote intervention has been established. The core of the system lies in its intelligent emergency linkage logic. Based on preset multi-threshold comparison logic, the central control host can automatically determine the risk level and execute a tiered emergency response, from on-site audible and visual alarms to remote information reporting, and finally to the activation of ventilation and rescue equipment. In particular, when environmental anomalies and personnel physiological anomalies occur simultaneously, the highest level of response can be automatically triggered. This automatic judgment and linkage mechanism avoids delays, negligence, or misjudgments that may occur when relying solely on manual judgment. It automates and streamlines the process from risk perception and decision-making to initial handling, saving valuable time for subsequent professional rescue efforts and improving the certainty and efficiency of the overall emergency response.

[0023] The system enhances the rapid activation and remote coordination capabilities of on-site emergency response. It is equipped with on-site emergency response devices, including an emergency start button, forced ventilation fans, and a rescue winch, all integrated and controlled via a central host. Once the system automatically determines or personnel manually trigger the highest level of emergency, the relevant equipment can be activated quickly, remotely, or conditionally automatically. For example, the forced ventilation fans can immediately operate to improve internal air quality, and the rescue winch can be unlocked and ready to lift personnel. This design "proactively" and "readily" enables critical initial emergency response actions, significantly improving on-site autonomous response capabilities during the "golden rescue period" after an accident. Simultaneously, information is synchronized to the remote monitoring center and emergency platform via a communication module, achieving effective coordination between on-site self-rescue and remote command and dispatch.

[0024] This system enhances its reliability and the monitorability of its operational status. The system design fully considers the reliability of equipment in complex industrial environments. The monitoring terminal incorporates signal strength and low battery monitoring circuits, proactively reporting faults when communication is interrupted or power is insufficient, avoiding the risk of the entire monitoring system "silently failing" due to equipment malfunction. Simultaneously, the central host possesses multi-mode communication capabilities, ensuring redundancy in data transmission channels. This design, which monitors the system's own health status, ensures the continuous and stable operation of the entire safety monitoring system, reduces safety blind spots caused by equipment failures, enhances user confidence in system reliability, and makes long-term, continuous safety assurance possible. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating the overall system architecture and data flow of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the environmental parameter monitoring logic of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the host core security determination logic of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the on-site alarm and emergency activation process of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the system operation and remote alarm of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] How to use: I. System Deployment and Inspection Before Operation 1. System component preparation: Confirm that all system components are complete, including integrated environmental monitoring terminal, operator physiological status monitoring unit, central control and communication host, audible and visual alarm and emergency activation device, and emergency response equipment (including forced ventilation fan and rescue winch).

[0030] Equipment placement and connection: The central control and communication host should be deployed in a well-ventilated, safe area outside a confined space and connected to a power source.

[0031] Establish a data connection between the integrated environmental monitoring terminal, the worker physiological status monitoring unit, the audible and visual alarm and emergency activation device, and the central control and communication host via wired or wireless means. Confirm that the audible and visual alarm and emergency activation device is installed in a prominent location at the entrance of the confined space.

[0032] Deploy emergency response equipment: Point the duct outlet of the forced ventilation fan toward the entrance of the confined space, and install the rescue winch near a stable anchor point.

[0033] System power-on self-test: Power on each device in sequence. The central control and communication host will automatically perform a power-on self-test procedure, checking the communication link status with all terminals (environmental monitoring terminal, physiological monitoring unit) through the multi-channel data receiving module.

[0034] Operators must use the host computer's local human-machine interface to confirm that all sensors (including gas concentration sensor group, temperature and humidity sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, pulse oximetry probe, heart rate sensor, etc.) are online and providing normal data. Simultaneously, the system uses built-in signal strength monitoring and low battery detection circuits to monitor the connection stability and battery status of each mobile terminal, ensuring no equipment malfunction alarms.

[0035] After the self-test passes, the system enters real-time monitoring mode.

[0036] II. Safety Monitoring Procedures During Operation 1. Parameter acquisition and transmission: Before entering a confined space, workers must correctly wear a physiological status monitoring unit (multi-parameter vital signs monitor). This unit, through a wireless transmission module, continuously transmits the worker's vital signs data (such as pulse oximetry, heart rate, and body movement information) to the central control and communication host in real time.

[0037] The integrated environmental monitoring terminal is placed inside the confined space in the work area. The terminal's built-in sensor array (electrochemical oxygen sensor, catalytic combustion combustible gas sensor, specific electrochemical hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide sensors, etc.) begins to continuously collect environmental parameters, which are then processed by the local microprocessor and sent to the host computer.

[0038] Real-time monitoring and data display: The monitoring personnel should always be on duty next to the external host and continuously observe the updated environmental parameters (oxygen concentration, concentration of various harmful gases, concentration of combustible gases, temperature and humidity, etc.) and the physiological parameters of the workers through the local human-machine interface.

[0039] The host core logic processing module, based on the embedded safety judgment logic, synchronously and continuously compares and analyzes the received real-time data with the preset safe range of oxygen concentration, alarm thresholds for various harmful gas concentrations, alarm thresholds for combustible gas concentrations, and abnormal physiological parameter thresholds.

[0040] Normal state handling: If all parameters are within the preset safety range, the system will only refresh the displayed data, the monitoring personnel will record the working conditions, and the operation can proceed normally.

[0041] III. Alarm and Emergency Response Procedures 1. Triggering an alarm: Once the core logic processing module determines that any single parameter (such as abnormal oxygen concentration, excessive harmful gas, combustible gas reaching the alarm lower limit percentage, or abnormal physiological parameters of personnel) exceeds the safe range or reaches the alarm threshold, the system will immediately trigger an alarm sequence.

[0042] On-site alarm: The central control and communication host automatically activates the high-decibel siren and flashing warning lights installed at the entrance through the audible and visual alarm drive circuit, issuing an audible and visual alarm.

[0043] Remote alarm: The host's multi-mode communication module synchronously sends alarm information, real-time data, and limited spatial location information to at least one preset remote monitoring terminal and an emergency command center digital alarm receiving platform via wired network, private wireless network, or public mobile network.

[0044] Emergency Response Activation: The system will activate the highest level of emergency response under any of the following circumstances: Automatic triggering: The core logic processing module simultaneously detects environmental anomalies and abnormal physiological states of personnel.

[0045] Manual trigger: On-site personnel press the emergency start button with a physical protective cover on the audible and visual alarm and emergency start device to send the highest priority emergency linkage start signal to the main unit.

[0046] Emergency response and coordination: Once the highest-level emergency response sequence is activated, the central control and communication host will automatically (or after prompting confirmation from the monitor) perform the following operations through the emergency output interface: a. Start the power relay of the forced ventilation fan to activate high-power forced ventilation.

[0047] b. Unlock the control relay of the rescue winch to put it into standby mode, ready to carry out the rescue.

[0048] Meanwhile, the host continuously sends red-level emergency distress signals to the remote emergency command center through a multi-mode communication module.

[0049] IV. System Recycling After Operation After the operation is completed and personnel have safely evacuated, shut down the emergency response equipment, audible and visual alarm devices, and all monitoring terminals in sequence, and finally shut down the central control and communication host. Clean, inspect, and charge all equipment, and store it properly for future use.

[0050] Example: Example 1: Application Case of Integrated Environmental Monitoring Terminal In an anti-corrosion coating operation inside a storage tank at a chemical plant, the system described in claims 1 and 2 was deployed. The core of this operation was the use of the integrated environmental monitoring terminal. Before the operation began, the monitoring personnel slowly lowered the terminal to the bottom of the tank using a sling. The terminal's built-in gas concentration sensor array (including an electrochemical sensor for detecting the volume percentage of oxygen, a catalytic combustion sensor for detecting the lower explosive limit percentage of combustible gases, and specific electrochemical sensors for detecting hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide concentrations), along with temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure sensors, immediately began operation. During the coating operation, the volatilized organic solvent vapors could pose various risks. The terminal's local microprocessor continuously performed analog-to-digital conversion and preprocessing on the multi-sensor data, and wirelessly transmitted the processed stable data stream to the central control and communication host outside the tank in real time. The host's human-machine interface clearly displayed the overall environmental situation inside the tank, providing the monitoring personnel with a comprehensive early warning capability far exceeding that of a single gas detector. In this application, the terminal successfully detected the rising trend of volatile organic compound concentration caused by a brief period of poor ventilation, and issued an early warning before reaching the alarm threshold, effectively avoiding potential risks and demonstrating its multi-parameter and highly integrated technical characteristics.

[0051] Example 2: Application Case of Worker Physiological Status Monitoring Unit During long-term inspections of a municipal underground utility tunnel, the system, based on claims 1 and 3, primarily utilized a physiological state monitoring unit for workers. Before entering the tunnel, workers correctly wore the aforementioned multi-parameter vital signs monitor. This monitor integrates a pulse oximetry probe, a heart rate sensor, and a body movement sensor, enabling continuous and non-invasive acquisition of key vital signs data from workers. In the enclosed, humid, and complex terrain of the utility tunnel, workers may experience health abnormalities due to excessive fatigue, heatstroke, or exposure to residual harmful gases. The monitoring unit, through its independent wireless transmission module, fuses key physiological data such as heart rate and blood oxygen saturation with body movement information, transmitting this data in real-time to the central control and communication host at the tunnel entrance. Monitoring personnel not only monitor environmental data but can also intuitively grasp the real-time physiological state of workers through a screen. When a worker works in a narrow section, the monitoring unit data shows an abnormally rapid heart rate accompanied by weakened body movement characteristics, and the system immediately alerts to an abnormal physiological state. Monitoring personnel immediately call and instruct the worker to stop work and adjust their breathing via the intercom system, thus effectively intervening before potential health hazards occur. This example demonstrates proactive and continuous monitoring of the safety of workers.

[0052] Example 3: Application Case of Logical Decision-Making in Central Control and Communication Host During a maintenance operation at a deep well pump station in a wastewater treatment plant, the central control and communication host, based on the built-in logic described in claims 4 and 5, played a core role as the intelligent analysis and decision-making hub. The host, through its multi-channel data receiving module, simultaneously received gas data from the integrated environmental monitoring terminal underground and vital sign data from the personnel's physiological state monitoring unit. The host's core logic processing module, based on embedded multi-threshold comparison-based safety judgment logic, synchronously and continuously compared preset safe oxygen concentration ranges, alarm thresholds for various harmful gases, alarm thresholds for combustible gases, and abnormal physiological parameter thresholds with the real-time data stream. During the operation, the module first detected a slow increase in hydrogen sulfide concentration, triggering a single-parameter alarm, and activating the on-site audible and visual alarm device. Just as the monitoring personnel were preparing to notify the personnel underground to prepare for evacuation, the module then analyzed the personnel's physiological data (such as heart rate variability and blood oxygenation trends) and found a synchronous abnormal pattern, meeting the condition of "simultaneous detection of environmental anomalies and abnormal personnel physiological states." Based on this, the system automatically triggered the highest-level emergency response sequence. The host immediately transmitted the red alert synchronously to the factory's remote monitoring terminal and the park's emergency command center's digital alarm receiving platform via the multi-mode communication module, and initiated subsequent linkage procedures. This example clearly demonstrates how the host can escalate from a simple alarm to a comprehensive risk assessment and emergency decision-making process.

[0053] Example 4: Manual Emergency Application of Audible and Visual Alarm and Emergency Activation Device During a grain silo cleaning operation, a sudden incident demonstrated the crucial manual function of the audible and visual alarm and emergency activation device. During the operation, the dust concentration inside the silo was continuously monitored by an integrated environmental monitoring terminal. Suddenly, the communication module of the central control and communication host outside the silo experienced a brief but severe interference, causing a significant delay in data upload. At this moment, the monitoring personnel at the silo's top entrance, relying on experience, noticed abnormal behavior from the workers inside the silo (such as slow movements and sluggish reactions) through the observation window, suspecting possible oxygen deficiency or the accumulation of harmful gases. However, the host screen did not update the alarm in time. In this critical situation, the monitoring personnel acted decisively, quickly pressing the emergency activation button on the device, which has a physical protective cover. This operation immediately sent a highest-priority emergency linkage activation signal to the central control and communication host. This manual signal bypassed the host's automatic judgment logic based on data flow, directly commanding the system to enter the highest emergency state. Simultaneously, the high-decibel siren and flashing warning lights on the device were activated by the host, emitting a strong audible and visual alarm, alerting not only surrounding personnel but also conveying a clear emergency evacuation signal to the workers inside the silo. This example highlights the crucial role of direct human intervention in initiating emergency responses in special circumstances where automated systems may experience perception delays or malfunctions.

[0054] Example 5: Application Case of Automatic and Remote Start-up of Emergency Response Equipment During an emergency repair operation at a sealed underground valve well, the system successfully executed the entire process from monitoring to coordinated response, demonstrating the crucial role of emergency response equipment. During the operation, the central control and communication host, based on the judgment of the core logic processing module, automatically triggered the highest-level emergency response sequence due to the simultaneous detection of environmental anomalies and abnormal physiological states of personnel. As the core action of the emergency response, the host immediately issued control commands through its emergency output interface. On one hand, the command triggered the power relay of the high-power explosion-proof forced ventilation fan, which then started, rapidly supplying fresh air into the valve well through pre-laid ducts, forcefully diluting and expelling harmful gases. On the other hand, the command simultaneously unlocked the control relay of the mechanical rescue winch, putting the winch into standby mode, allowing rescuers to operate the winch at any time to pull incapacitated workers. Throughout the process, the host continuously transmitted emergency status information to remote locations via a multi-mode communication module. This example fully demonstrates how, in an emergency, the system automates and programmatically links multiple stages such as monitoring, alarm, ventilation replacement, and rescue preparation through the central host, buying precious time for life-saving rescues.

[0055] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system, characterized in that, include: An integrated environmental monitoring terminal for real-time collection of environmental parameters within a confined space; A worker physiological status monitoring unit is used to acquire the vital signs data of workers; A central control and communication host is deployed in a secure external area within a confined space. An audible and visual alarm and emergency activation device, and a set of emergency response equipment; The integrated environmental monitoring terminal, the operator's physiological status monitoring unit, and the audible and visual alarm and emergency activation device are all connected to and controlled by the central control and communication host via wired or wireless means.

2. The confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integrated environmental monitoring terminal has a built-in gas concentration sensor group, temperature and humidity sensor, and atmospheric pressure sensor. The gas concentration sensor group includes at least an electrochemical sensor for detecting the volume percentage of oxygen, a catalytic combustion sensor for detecting the lower explosive limit percentage of combustible gas, and specific electrochemical sensors for detecting the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide. All sensor data are converted from analog to digital and preprocessed by a local microprocessor before being sent to the central control and communication host.

3. The confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The worker physiological status monitoring unit is a multi-parameter vital signs monitor, which includes at least a pulse oximetry probe, a heart rate sensor, and a body motion sensor; the monitor transmits data to the central control and communication host in real time through an independent wireless transmission module.

4. The confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The central control and communication host includes: a multi-channel data receiving module for receiving data from the integrated environmental monitoring terminal and the operator's physiological state monitoring unit; A core logic processing module, which embeds security judgment logic based on multi-threshold comparison; a local human-machine interface for displaying real-time data, alarm information and system status; and an audible and visual alarm drive circuit. It also includes a multi-mode communication module that supports wired network, private wireless network, or public mobile network communication.

5. The confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The security determination logic embedded in the core logic processing module is as follows: Preset safe range for oxygen concentration, alarm thresholds for various harmful gas concentrations, alarm thresholds for combustible gas concentrations, and thresholds for abnormal physiological parameters; The received environmental and physiological parameters are synchronized and continuously compared with the corresponding thresholds in real time; When any single parameter exceeds its preset safety range or reaches the alarm threshold, an alarm sequence is immediately triggered; When both environmental anomalies and abnormal physiological states of personnel are detected simultaneously, the highest level of emergency response sequence is automatically triggered.

6. The confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that: The audible and visual alarm and emergency activation device includes a high-decibel siren and flashing warning lights installed at the entrance of the confined space, as well as an emergency activation button with a physical protective cover; when the central control and communication host triggers the alarm sequence, it automatically drives the siren and warning lights to work; when the emergency activation button is pressed, it sends a highest priority emergency linkage activation signal to the central control and communication host.

7. The confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The emergency response equipment includes a high-power explosion-proof forced ventilation fan and its duct, as well as a mechanical rescue winch. The power relay of the forced ventilation fan and the control relay of the rescue winch are both controlled by the emergency output interface of the central control and communication host. When the host executes the highest-level emergency response sequence or receives an emergency start button signal, it automatically or prompts the operator to remotely start the forced ventilation fan and unlock the rescue winch to enter standby mode.

8. The confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The multi-mode communication module can simultaneously send alarm information, real-time data, and limited spatial location information to at least one designated remote monitoring terminal and an emergency command center digital alarm receiving platform via a preset communication protocol.

9. The confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the integrated environmental monitoring terminal and the operator's physiological state monitoring unit have built-in independent signal strength monitoring circuits and low battery detection circuits; when a signal connection interruption or a battery level below a set value is detected, an equipment fault alarm will be sent to the central control and communication host.

10. The confined space operation safety monitoring and emergency response system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: After the system performs a power-on self-test and confirms that all sensors and communication links are in normal working order, it enters the monitoring state. Continuously collect and transmit environmental parameters and physiological parameters of workers within a confined space; The central control and communication host analyzes the data in real time based on preset multi-threshold comparison logic; If the analysis results are normal, refresh the data display and continue monitoring; If the analysis results meet the preset alarm conditions, the on-site audible and visual alarm will be activated immediately, and alarm information will be sent to the remote terminal through the communication network. If the highest level of emergency response conditions are met, or if a manual emergency activation signal is received, the activation procedure of the emergency response equipment will be automatically triggered, and a red-level emergency distress signal will be continuously sent to the remote emergency command center.

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