Wearable heat-resistant imaging module and fire helmet thereof
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522105387.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-29
AI Technical Summary
这种设计存在明显的缺陷:画面距离使用者的眼球过近,导致使用者在观察屏幕时,无法通过余光观察真实环境,极大地限制了使用者的视野和 situational awareness(情境意识)
Smart Images

Figure CN224710606U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to fire-fighting equipment, and more particularly to visual aids used in fire scenes, specifically a wearable heat-resistant imaging module and its fire helmet. Background Technology
[0002] In extreme scenarios such as fire rescue, the environment is harsh, with dense smoke, flames obstructing visibility, and extremely low visibility, making it difficult for rescuers and firefighters to clearly observe the situation inside the fire with just their eyes. Furthermore, in some enclosed fire scenes, rescuers and firefighters need to wear breathing masks to prevent inhaling toxic gases. This confined environment further exacerbates the difficulty of observation. In more extreme cases, a fire may cause a power outage, rendering indoor lighting equipment inoperable and plunging the environment into complete darkness, posing a significant challenge to rescue operations.
[0003] With the continuous advancement of technology, visual aids have been widely adopted. Introducing visual aids into the firefighting field holds promise for effectively addressing the problem of low visibility in fire situations. Therefore, an increasing number of firefighting equipment manufacturers are beginning to introduce fire helmets equipped with visual aids.
[0004] However, the existing fire helmets on the market have many problems in practical applications, mainly in terms of poor applicability and inability to meet fire protection standards.
[0005] For example, a fire helmet disclosed in CN119014639A uses a design that projects the image directly onto the protective mask. This design has obvious drawbacks: the image is too close to the user's eyes, making it impossible for the user to observe the real environment through peripheral vision while looking at the screen, greatly limiting the user's field of vision and situational awareness. Moreover, prolonged close-range viewing of the image can easily cause eye strain, further weakening the user's visual ability in extreme fire conditions and adversely affecting rescue work.
[0006] For example, another type of fire helmet disclosed in CN217851550U projects the image onto a single-lens camera, employing monocular imaging technology. This technology can easily cause users to lose their balance due to eye deviation, increasing the risk of falls. Furthermore, this single-lens design also suffers from the problem of the image being too close to the user's eyeball, failing to effectively address issues such as eye strain.
[0007] Furthermore, both types of fire helmets integrate visual aids into the helmet itself, a structure that presents numerous inconveniences. First, maintenance becomes extremely difficult. For example, fire helmets typically require regular cleaning and disinfection, but high-pressure water washing can damage the visual aids by allowing water to seep in. Second, visual aids are usually battery-powered, and with batteries and cables integrated inside the helmet, they come into direct contact with the wearer's head, posing safety hazards and making it difficult to meet stringent fire safety regulations.
[0008] In summary, current designs that attempt to integrate visual aids with fire helmets generally suffer from immature design, inability to meet actual usage needs, and failure to pass fire safety regulations. Further improvements and optimizations are urgently needed to provide safer, more reliable, and practical fire helmet solutions that meet the actual needs of fire rescue operations. Utility Model Content
[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the various defects that exist when the above-mentioned visual aids are used in conjunction with fire helmets, and to propose a heat-resistant imaging module that can be worn on the outside of a fire helmet and can operate independently.
[0010] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented as follows: A wearable heat-resistant imaging module includes an image processing module, an imaging module, and a power supply module for powering the image processing module and the imaging module. It also includes a first heat-resistant housing and a second heat-resistant housing. The image processing module is disposed within the first heat-resistant housing, and the power supply module is disposed within the second heat-resistant housing. The imaging module is rotatably mounted on the first heat-resistant housing and works in conjunction with the image processing module. The module also includes an armored cable and a quick connector. The armored cable is electrically connected to the power supply module and the image processing module via the quick connector and passes through the first and second heat-resistant housings.
[0011] Furthermore, the first and second heat-resistant outer shells adopt a multi-layer composite sealing structure, consisting of the outer shell body and an elastic heat-resistant outer layer surrounding it. The outer shell body is box-shaped, comprising a box body and a box cover. The box body is used to house the image processing module or power module, and the box cover seals the box body. Several sealing structures are provided between the box body and the box cover to enhance the sealing and heat resistance of the outer shell and adapt to harsh environments.
[0012] Furthermore, the image processing module includes a PCB board integrating a computing chip, a network communication chip, and a storage chip, as well as an image projection device and a camera. The camera is responsible for acquiring image information and transmitting it to the computing chip on the PCB board for processing. The processed image signal is then displayed via the image projection device, realizing the image acquisition, processing, and display functions. The first heat-resistant housing has an irregular shape designed according to the layout of the image processing module. The upper part has a protrusion to accommodate the camera and a mounting bracket, while the lower part is equipped with a compartment to accommodate the PCB board and the image projection device, as well as a projection window. Both the projection window and the protrusion are equipped with heat-resistant glass to isolate the camera and image projection device from the external environment, providing protection.
[0013] Furthermore, the first heat-resistant outer shell has a partition inside, which is embedded to divide the shell into multiple relatively independent spaces, thus separating the camera, image projection device and PCB board inside the shell from each other, reducing mutual interference and improving the stability and reliability of the module's operation.
[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the wearable heat-resistant imaging module described above exhibits the following significant advantages: 1. Enhanced Situational Awareness: In complex and harsh environments such as fire scenes, the efficient collaboration between the imaging and image processing modules provides firefighters with clear and real-time visual assistance information. Firefighters can more accurately perceive their surroundings, including identifying key elements such as the distribution of flames and smoke, and the location of trapped personnel, and can better understand the interrelationships between these elements. For example, firefighters can use the imaging module to quickly identify areas of structural deformation or potential collapse risk caused by fire, thereby anticipating dangerous situations, making more rational decisions, effectively improving rescue efficiency, and ensuring the safety of themselves and trapped personnel.
[0015] 2. Optimized Design: The image processing module and power supply module are housed in separate heat-resistant housings and connected using armored cables and quick connectors. This design not only enhances the heat resistance and protection of the modules, ensuring stable operation of the equipment under harsh conditions such as high temperatures and smoke, but also makes each module independent, reducing mutual interference and improving the reliability of the entire system. Simultaneously, the rotatable imaging module and the protection of heat-resistant glass further expand the firefighter's field of vision, avoiding eye strain and blind spots caused by the image being too close to the eye. Compared with the imaging display methods of some existing fire helmets, this module provides firefighters with a wider and clearer visual experience, helping to improve their spatial positioning and situational awareness in complex environments.
[0016] 3. Easy to maintain and use: The modular design allows for relatively independent maintenance and replacement of each component, reducing repair costs and complexity. Furthermore, the use of quick-connect couplings facilitates rapid on-site connection and disassembly, improving the equipment's flexibility and maintenance efficiency. Firefighters can quickly assemble or disassemble the imaging module according to actual mission requirements, adapting to different rescue scenarios.
[0017] Furthermore, this utility model also proposes a fire helmet equipped with the aforementioned wearable heat-resistant imaging module, comprising a fire helmet body; and also including a first connecting seat, a second connecting seat, and an elastic anti-slip strap. The first and second connecting seats are respectively used to connect the first and second heat-resistant shells, and are symmetrically distributed on the front and rear or left and right sides of the fire helmet body. The first and second connecting seats are assembled with the first and second heat-resistant shells by plugging in, facilitating installation and disassembly. The elastic anti-slip strap fits snugly against the side of the fire helmet body, with both ends respectively tied to the first and second connecting seats, ensuring a tight fit between the first and second connecting seats and the fire helmet body, guaranteeing a stable connection, adapting to different head shapes, and improving wearing comfort and stability.
[0018] Furthermore, the rotatable imaging module, located on the front of the fire helmet body, is mounted on the first heat-resistant shell. It consists of two interlocking spherical curved reflective lenses, which are divided into two reflective zones laterally, providing the reflected images for the user's left and right eyes, respectively, thus offering a wide field of view and clear images and enhancing the visual experience.
[0019] Furthermore, the back of the first and second connecting seats are designed to fit the shape of the fire helmet body. They are secured with elastic anti-slip straps, ensuring a tight fit with the surface of the fire helmet body. The connection is firm and reliable, the force is evenly distributed, and loosening is avoided, thus ensuring stability and safety during use.
[0020] Furthermore, the front surface of the reflective lens is hardened and sequentially coated with a 120°C high-temperature resistant anti-scratch coating and a 120°C high-temperature resistant waterproof / anti-fog hydrophobic layer; the rear surface is similarly hardened and sequentially coated with a 120°C high-temperature resistant anti-scratch coating, a 120°C high-temperature resistant reflective enhancement coating, and a 120°C high-temperature resistant waterproof / anti-fog hydrophobic layer. This coating design enhances the reflective lens's high-temperature resistance, anti-scratch properties, and waterproof / anti-fog performance, ensuring normal use in harsh environments and extending its service life.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the fire helmet described above has the following outstanding advantages: 1. Enhanced Situational Awareness and Visual Assistance: By integrating a heat-resistant imaging module into fire helmets, firefighters can obtain clearer and more comprehensive visual information in harsh environments such as fire scenes. The imaging module's special design includes two interlocking reflective lenses with spherical curved surfaces and multiple layers of high-temperature resistant, scratch-resistant, and waterproof / anti-fog coatings. This not only ensures the quality and stability of image reflection but also allows firefighters to simultaneously view the fields of their left and right eyes, avoiding the bias problems caused by monocular imaging technology. This effectively enhances firefighters' situational awareness and judgment of their surroundings, helping them to react quickly in complex environments and improving the accuracy and safety of rescue operations.
[0022] 2. Optimized Helmet Center of Gravity and Wearing Comfort: The first and second connecting seats are symmetrically arranged at the front and rear, or left and right sides of the helmet body. This symmetrical design helps to rationally distribute the overall weight of the helmet, making the center of gravity more balanced, reducing pressure on the firefighter's neck and shoulders during wear, reducing fatigue, and improving comfort during long-term wear. At the same time, the elastic anti-slip straps further enhance the fit between the helmet and the firefighter's head, ensuring the helmet's stability during rescue operations. Even during rapid movement or impacts, it will not easily shift, guaranteeing the firefighter's operational flexibility and safety.
[0023] 3. Enhanced Safety and Ease of Maintenance: The power module is located within the second heat-resistant outer shell, which is connected to the rear or side of the fire helmet body. This ensures that the battery and other power components are separated from the user's head by the helmet body, preventing direct contact between the battery and other components and the firefighter's head. This eliminates potential safety risks caused by power component failure or high temperatures, meeting the stringent safety requirements of fire regulations. Furthermore, the modular assembly method and assembly-type connection structure make the installation and disassembly of the imaging module and the fire helmet body simple and quick. Firefighters or maintenance personnel can complete equipment maintenance and replacement without complex tools, improving equipment availability and maintenance efficiency. It also facilitates separate cleaning, disinfection, and other maintenance operations for the imaging module and helmet body, extending the equipment's lifespan.
[0024] In summary, it can be seen that this utility model has significant innovations and advantages in improving firefighters' visual capabilities in harsh environments, enhancing situational awareness, optimizing helmet design, and improving safety and maintenance convenience, and is expected to provide stronger support and protection for fire rescue work. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fire helmet with a wearable heat-resistant imaging module proposed in this utility model. Figure 1 .
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fire helmet with a wearable heat-resistant imaging module proposed in this utility model. Figure 2 .
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the wearable heat-resistant imaging module proposed in this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model in order to achieve the intended utility model purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structure, features and effects of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.
[0029] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a fire helmet equipped with the aforementioned wearable heat-resistant imaging module, wherein... The heat-resistant imaging module mainly consists of an image processing module 1, an imaging module 2, a power supply module (not shown in the figure), a first heat-resistant housing 3, a second heat-resistant housing 4, an armored cable 5, and a quick connector 6. The image processing module 1 and the power supply module are respectively encapsulated in independent first heat-resistant housing 3 and second heat-resistant housing 4 to enhance the module's heat resistance and protection capabilities, ensuring stable operation in harsh environments such as high temperatures and smoke.
[0030] The imaging module 2 features a rotatable shaft 22 with 0.1 kg of damping, is mounted on the first heat-resistant housing 3, and works in conjunction with the image processing module 1. This design allows firefighters to adjust the orientation of the imaging module according to actual needs, obtaining a wider field of view and more flexible observation angles.
[0031] The imaging module 2 is located at the front of the fire helmet body. Its reflective lens 21 consists of two interlocking spherical curved reflective lenses, which are laterally divided into two reflective zones to provide image reflection for the user's left and right eyes, respectively. This design allows firefighters to obtain a wider field of vision and clearer images.
[0032] Both the front and rear surfaces of the reflective lens 21 are hardened and sequentially coated with a 120°C high-temperature resistant, scratch-resistant, 120°C high-temperature resistant, waterproof / fog-proof, and hydrophobic layer, as well as a reflective enhancement coating. These coatings improve the reflective lens's high-temperature resistance, scratch resistance, waterproofing, and fog resistance, ensuring normal use in harsh environments and extending its service life.
[0033] Furthermore, the armored cable 5 is electrically connected to the power module and the image processing module 1 via a quick connector, and passes through the first heat-resistant shell 3 and the second heat-resistant shell 4, thereby ensuring a stable connection and reliable signal transmission.
[0034] In complex environments such as fire scenes, the camera 22 of the imaging module 2 is responsible for acquiring image information, such as key elements like flames, smoke, and trapped personnel. The acquired image information is transmitted to the computing chip in the image processing module 1 for processing.
[0035] The computing chip of the image processing module 1 analyzes and processes the image information, extracts key features and information, such as the outline, position, and motion state of the object, and projects the processed image information onto the reflective lens 21 of the imaging module 2 through the image projection device.
[0036] Firefighters can observe clear, real-time images through reflective lenses, thereby gaining a more accurate perception of their surroundings, enhancing situational awareness, and making more rational decisions.
[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first heat-resistant shell 3, the second heat-resistant shell 4, and the reflector 21 are multi-layer composite sealing structures made of one or more of polyethersulfone (PESU), polyamide (PA), or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). Both the first heat-resistant outer shell 3 and the second heat-resistant outer shell 4 adopt a multi-layer composite sealing structure, including an outer shell body and an elastic heat-resistant wrapping layer 7 (such as a high-temperature resistant silicone plastic coating layer) wrapped around the outer shell body. The outer shell body is box-shaped and consists of a box body and a box cover. The box body is used to house the image processing module or the power module, and the box cover closes the box body.
[0038] Multiple sealing structures, such as O-rings 8 and sealing gaskets 9, are provided between the box body and the lid to enhance the sealing performance of the outer shell, prevent water, dust and other external impurities from entering, and improve the heat resistance of the outer shell.
[0039] The first heat-resistant housing 3 is irregularly shaped according to the layout of the image processing module. Its upper part has a protrusion and mounting bracket 10 for accommodating and housing the camera 22 of the imaging module 2; the lower part has a compartment and projection window for accommodating the PCB board and image projection device. Both the projection window and the protrusion are equipped with heat-resistant glass, isolating the camera and image projection device from the outside environment and providing additional protection.
[0040] In practical use, the working principle of the heat-resistant imaging module shown in this embodiment is as follows: 1. Image acquisition and transmission The camera 22 in imaging module 2 continuously captures image information from the fire scene environment at a high frame rate. This image information is transmitted to the image processing module through heat-resistant glass. The image transmission process adopts an advanced transmission protocol to ensure the integrity and real-time performance of the image data, and can stably transmit image information to the image processing module even in harsh environments such as high temperature and smoke.
[0041] The image information captured by camera 22 (usually an infrared camera) is transmitted to the PCB board in image processing module 1 in the form of a digital signal. The digital signal transmission method effectively avoids the problems of signal interference and attenuation during transmission, ensuring that the image processing module can receive high-quality image data.
[0042] 2. Image Processing and Analysis The processing chip in the image processing module preprocesses the received image data. Preprocessing includes operations such as image denoising, contrast enhancement, and color correction to improve image clarity and recognizability. The denoising algorithm effectively removes noise interference from the image, the contrast enhancement algorithm makes the outlines of objects in the image clearer, and the color correction algorithm ensures that the color information in the image accurately reflects the actual situation in the fire scene.
[0043] The preprocessed image data will undergo feature extraction and analysis. The computing chip utilizes advanced image processing algorithms, such as edge detection and thermal imaging analysis algorithms, to extract key features from the image. Edge detection algorithms can accurately identify the contours and boundaries of objects, helping firefighters quickly distinguish between different objects such as flames, smoke, and trapped people. Thermal imaging analysis algorithms can determine the temperature of objects and the location of heat sources based on their thermal radiation characteristics, providing firefighters with more comprehensive information about the fire scene.
[0044] The processing chip matches and identifies the extracted key features against preset patterns. Through analysis and learning from a large number of fire scene images, the image processing module has built-in feature patterns for various objects, such as flame patterns, smoke patterns, and human figures patterns. The processing chip quickly compares the extracted features with these preset patterns to accurately identify objects such as flames, smoke, and trapped people in the image, and then marks and classifies these objects.
[0045] The computing chip performs image fusion and enhancement processing based on the recognition results. The image fusion algorithm combines image data from different cameras or different imaging modes to generate a more comprehensive and accurate image of the fire scene. The image enhancement algorithm further optimizes the image display effect, making the image clearer and more intuitive, facilitating observation and judgment by firefighters. For example, in areas with dense smoke, the image enhancement algorithm improves the visibility of objects, helping firefighters to find trapped people or potential dangers hidden in the smoke.
[0046] 3. Image projection and display The processed image information is projected onto the reflective lens of the imaging module via an image projection device. The image projection device uses high-resolution, high-contrast display technology to ensure that the projected image is clear and sharp, accurately reflecting various details in the fire scene.
[0047] The special design and coating treatment of the reflective lens enhance the reflection effect and stability of the image. The high-temperature resistant (120°C) and scratch-resistant coating on the front surface, the waterproof / fog-proof hydrophobic layer, and the reflective enhancement coating on the rear surface work together to ensure that the reflective lens maintains good optical performance in harsh environments, ensuring that firefighters can reliably obtain clear image information.
[0048] In practical use, the heat-resistant imaging module is fixed together with the fire helmet through an assembly connection: The fire helmet body has a first connecting seat and a second connecting seat symmetrically arranged on it, which are used to connect the first heat-resistant shell and the second heat-resistant shell, respectively. The first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are connected to the heat-resistant shell by plugging in, which facilitates quick installation and disassembly.
[0049] The elastic, anti-slip straps are fitted to the sides of the fire helmet, with both ends connected to the first and second connecting seats respectively, ensuring a tight fit between the connecting seats and the helmet body. The design of the elastic, anti-slip straps ensures a snug fit between the helmet and the firefighter's head, improving wearing comfort and stability.
[0050] During fire rescue operations, after firefighters don their helmets, the power module of the heat-resistant imaging module supplies power to the image processing and imaging modules. The imaging module then begins acquiring image information and transmits it to the image processing module for processing. The processed image is projected onto the reflecting lens of the imaging module through an image projection device. Firefighters can then observe a clear, real-time image through the reflecting lens, enabling them to more accurately perceive their surroundings, enhance situational awareness, make more informed decisions, and improve rescue efficiency and safety.
[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A wearable heat-resistant imaging module, comprising an image processing module, an imaging module, and a power supply module for supplying power to the image processing module and the imaging module, characterized in that: It also includes a first heat-resistant housing and a second heat-resistant housing, with the image processing module disposed in the first heat-resistant housing and the power supply module disposed in the second heat-resistant housing; the imaging module is rotatably disposed on the first heat-resistant housing and works in conjunction with the image processing module; it also includes an armored cable and a quick connector, with the armored cable electrically connected to the power supply module and the image processing module through the quick connector and passing through the first heat-resistant housing and the second heat-resistant housing.
2. The wearable heat-resistant imaging module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heat-resistant shell and the second heat-resistant shell are multi-layer composite sealed structures, which include a shell body and an elastic heat-resistant wrapping layer wrapped around the shell body; the shell body is a box-shaped structure, including a box body for accommodating an image processing module or a power module and a box cover for sealing the box body, and multiple sealing structures are provided between the box body and the box cover.
3. The wearable heat-resistant imaging module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The image processing module includes a PCB board integrating a computing chip, a network communication chip, and a storage chip. It also includes an image projection device and a camera. The camera acquires image information and transmits it to the computing chip on the PCB board for processing. The processed image signal is displayed through the image projection device to realize the image acquisition, processing, and display functions of the image processing module. The first heat-resistant housing is designed in an irregular shape according to the layout of the image processing module. Its upper part has a protrusion for accommodating and mounting the camera and a mounting bracket. Its lower part has a compartment for accommodating the PCB board and the image projection device and a projection window. Heat-resistant glass is provided in the projection window and the protrusion to isolate the camera and the image projection device from the outside world.
4. The wearable heat-resistant imaging module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first heat-resistant housing has a partition inside, which divides the housing into several relatively independent spaces by embedding, thereby separating the camera, image projection device and PCB board located inside the first heat-resistant housing.
5. A fire helmet equipped with a wearable heat-resistant imaging module as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising a fire helmet body, characterized in that: It also includes a first connecting seat and a second connecting seat for connecting the first heat-resistant shell and the second heat-resistant shell, respectively, and an elastic anti-slip strap for connecting the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat. The first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are symmetrically arranged at the front and rear or left and right sides of the fire helmet body. The first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are connected to the first heat-resistant shell and the second heat-resistant shell by a plug-in method to achieve assembly connection. The elastic anti-slip strap is attached to the side of the fire helmet body and its two ends are respectively tied to the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat, so that the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are tightly attached to the fire helmet body.
6. The fire helmet equipped with a wearable heat-resistant imaging module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rotatable imaging module, mounted on the first heat-resistant outer shell, is located at the front of the fire helmet body. The imaging module is used for imaging of the image projection device. It includes two interlocking reflective lenses with spherical curved surfaces. The reflective lenses are divided into two reflection zones in the horizontal direction, which reflect images from the user's left and right eye perspectives, respectively.
7. The fire helmet equipped with a wearable heat-resistant imaging module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The back of the first and second connecting seats, that is, the contact surfaces of the first and second connecting seats and the fire helmet body, are shaped according to the shape of the surface of the fire helmet body, so that the first and second connecting seats can be tightly fitted to the surface of the fire helmet body by the binding of the elastic anti-slip straps.
8. The fire helmet equipped with a wearable heat-resistant imaging module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The front surface of the reflective lens is hardened and sequentially has a 120°C high-temperature resistant anti-scratch coating and a 120°C high-temperature resistant waterproof / anti-fog hydrophobic layer; the rear surface of the reflective lens is also hardened and sequentially has a 120°C high-temperature resistant anti-scratch coating, a 120°C high-temperature resistant reflective enhancement coating, and a 120°C high-temperature resistant waterproof / anti-fog hydrophobic layer.