Intelligent underwear with integrated safety, communication and defense functions

Abstract

Intelligent underwear (1), in particular underwear, with integrated safety, communication and defense function, characterized in that it comprises: a) a textile base structure made of stretchable, breathable, cut- and tear-resistant material, b) an integrated sensor system (2) for detecting mechanical manipulations, pulling, stretching or jerking movements, c) an alarm module (3) with acoustic and / or optical signaling device, d) a communication module (4) which sends a distress alert with GPS data to predefined receivers via Bluetooth or mobile network, e) a power unit (5) to supply the electronic components, f) a recording unit (6) for capturing audio and / or video data when an alarm is triggered, (g) a locking mechanism (7) to secure against unauthorized opening, h) and an app interface (8) for controlling and monitoring the system functions.

Description

Introduction / Problem Statement

[0001] Sexual assault, harassment, and violent approaches pose a significant social and security problem worldwide. Particularly in everyday situations—such as walking home, using public transportation, in clubs, playing sports, or traveling—many people lack readily available and effective protective measures. Conventional self-defense devices like pepper spray, personal alarms, or emergency apps are often difficult to access, require active use, and do not provide the necessary protection in a critical moment.

[0002] At the same time, there is a growing need for discreet, comfortable, and intelligent solutions that can ensure security without conspicuous operation. Clothing items that are worn daily anyway offer an ideal starting point for this.

[0003] The challenge lies in developing a garment that meets high demands for comfort, freedom of movement, and washability, while simultaneously integrating active and passive security features. Such a solution would not only have to detect and prevent attacks, but also automatically trigger an alarm in an emergency, transmit location data, and, if necessary, secure evidence.

[0004] The present invention provides such an intelligent undergarment that combines state-of-the-art sensor technology, communication and defense technologies in a practical, hygienic and aesthetic form. Description of the state of the art

[0005] Various devices and articles of clothing are known from the prior art that are intended to protect against unauthorized access to the body or to ensure personal safety.

[0006] For example, there are mechanical protective trousers or so-called chastity belts that use fixed fastening systems, such as locks or rigid locking mechanisms, to prevent unauthorized removal or manipulation of the clothing. However, such systems offer no active alarm or communication mechanism and, due to their rigid construction, are impractical and uncomfortable to wear in everyday life.

[0007] Furthermore, wearable alarm devices, such as wristbands, necklaces, or keychains with a panic button, are also available. These devices can trigger an audible alarm when activated or send an emergency message to a mobile phone or emergency call center via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth or GSM). Smart wearables, which use integrated GPS modules to determine location, are another example. However, such devices are worn separately and are often not accessible or activatable in time in the event of a sudden attack.

[0008] Also known are mobile applications ("panic apps") that can be manually triggered via smartphones to send emergency calls or location data. However, these solutions require conscious operation by the affected person and are therefore often unusable in stressful or compulsive situations.

[0009] Textile-integrated systems have also been developed in the past, such as garments with sensors for recording vital parameters, movements, or body positions. These systems primarily serve medical or sporting purposes, for example, for performance analysis or fall detection, and do not have an active alarm or defense function.

[0010] None of the known systems thus combines the features of a comfortably wearable undergarment with integrated tamper detection, automatic alarm notification, a communication interface for location transmission, and an evidence preservation function.

[0011] In particular, no garment currently exists that automatically triggers an alarm in the event of an assault, secures evidence, and simultaneously detects the physical intrusion into the garment.

[0012] This created a need for a solution that combines the advantages of modern sensor technology and communication technology with the inconspicuousness, comfort and protective function of an everyday garment. Description of the invention / solution with details

[0013] The invention relates to an intelligent undergarment, in particular underwear, which, in addition to its usual clothing function, has an active security, communication and defense function.

[0014] The undergarment is designed to be comfortable to wear in everyday life, while at the same time being able to detect unauthorized manipulations or attacks on the wearer's body, trigger an alarm, inform third parties and optionally secure evidence.

[0015] The undergarment according to the invention has a textile base structure made of a stretchable, breathable and at the same time cut- and tear-resistant material.

[0016] For this purpose, high-performance textile fibers such as aramid, Dyneema, Kevlar, or comparable composite materials can be used, combined with elastic components such as elastane or polyamide. This maintains wearing comfort and flexibility while simultaneously achieving a mechanical protective effect.

[0017] Sensors are integrated into the textile structure to record various physical parameters, in particular: - Changes in tension and stretching to detect unusual movements or the forced opening of the garment, - Changes in pressure on specific areas (e.g. waist, groin or buttocks), - Acceleration signals for the detection of sudden movements or fall situations, - optional biometric signals such as skin conductance or pulse rate to detect stress reactions.

[0018] The sensor system is preferably designed as a textile-integrated conductive track system and can be incorporated into the fabric in the form of conductive yarns or flexible microsensor strips. All signals are transmitted to a central control module, which evaluates the sensor data and automatically triggers an alarm sequence if certain threshold values ​​are exceeded.

[0019] The alarm module preferably includes an acoustic signaling device with a volume of at least 120 dB to provide an immediate deterrent to potential attackers.

[0020] Additionally, a visual signaling device, for example in the form of flashing high-performance LEDs, can be provided to increase awareness in the vicinity. The alarm device can be triggered manually by the user (e.g., by pressing a button or using a voice command) or automatically by sensors.

[0021] The underwear also contains a communication module that can communicate wirelessly with a mobile device or directly with a mobile network. When an alarm is triggered, an emergency message is sent via Bluetooth, GSM, LTE, or 5G, which can be directed to predefined contacts (e.g., family, friends, security service, emergency services) or an app-based emergency center.

[0022] The message can automatically contain the carrier's current GPS coordinates to enable quick location tracking.

[0023] Additionally, a live connection (e.g., audio stream) can be activated via the app to monitor the situation in real time.

[0024] For the purpose of securing evidence, the invention may include a recording system that is automatically activated when the alarm is triggered.

[0025] This system may include a miniature microphone, an inconspicuous camera, or an integrated data module that captures and stores encrypted audio and / or image data or transmits it directly to a paired mobile device.

[0026] Recording only takes place in the event of an alarm, in order to guarantee data protection and energy efficiency.

[0027] The underwear can optionally be equipped with a locking mechanism that makes unauthorized opening more difficult.

[0028] This can be achieved, for example, through a magnetic closure with electronic locking, a combination lock, a biometric sensor (e.g. fingerprint) or app-controlled unlocking.

[0029] Such a mechanism significantly increases the physical barrier against unwanted access without compromising wearing comfort.

[0030] The integrated components are powered by a compact energy unit, preferably a lithium polymer battery or a flexible energy module, which is housed in a removable area of ​​the garment (e.g. waistband or side panel).

[0031] This unit can be charged inductively or via USB and can be removed for cleaning if necessary. An integrated power management system automatically switches the system to a power-saving sleep mode when not in use.

[0032] To control and evaluate the functions, the underwear is connected to an app interface installed on a smartphone or other mobile device.

[0033] The app allows the configuration of alarm types, receivers, sensor sensitivity, and the management of saved events.

[0034] The system can also be activated or deactivated via voice control using an individually defined code word, so that an alarm can be triggered discreetly - for example, if the person concerned is in a vulnerable situation.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, all electronic components are encapsulated in a thin, flexible, wash-resistant carrier layer that is integrated into the textile or removable.

[0036] This design allows for easy cleaning, long service life and hygienic use.

[0037] The system according to the invention can be manufactured in various versions – for example, as women's or men's underwear, as protective underwear for children, as sports underwear, or as a discreet security layer for care and travel applications. The modular architecture allows for the integration of only selected functions (e.g., an alarm without a camera or a camera without a locking mechanism), thus enabling cost-effective mass production. Brief description of the character

[0038] An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the Fig. 1 explained. Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an intelligent underwear garment (1) according to the invention, with the integrated components: sensor (2), alarm module (3), communication module (4), power unit (5), recording unit (6), closure mechanism (7), and app interface (8). The sensor (2) is integrated into the fabric over a flat area, while the alarm module (3) and the communication interface (4) are preferably arranged at specific points. The power unit (5) supplies all modules with current. The closure mechanism (7) is located in the waistband area and can be electronic or mechanical. The figure illustrates the integration of the safety-relevant elements into a wearable, everyday pair of underwear.

Claims

[1] Intelligent underwear (1), in particular underwear, with integrated safety, communication and defense functions, characterized by , that it includes: a) a textile base structure made of stretchable, breathable, cut- and tear-resistant material, b) an integrated sensor system (2) for detecting mechanical manipulations, pulling, stretching or jerking movements, c) an alarm module (3) with acoustic and / or optical signaling device, d) a communication module (4) which sends a distress alert with GPS data to predefined receivers via Bluetooth or mobile network, e) a power unit (5) to supply the electronic components, f) a recording unit (6) for capturing audio and / or video data when an alarm is triggered, (g) a locking mechanism (7) to secure against unauthorized opening, h) and an app interface (8) for controlling and monitoring the system functions. [2] Underwear according to claim 1, characterized by that the basic textile structure consists of a composite of high-performance fibers, especially aramid, Dyneema or Kevlar, in combination with elastic textile components. [3] Underwear according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor technology (2) consists of conductive yarns or flexible microsensor strips that are integrated into the fabric and detect changes in strain or pressure. [4] Underwear according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the alarm module (3) has an acoustic signal generator with a volume of at least 120 dB and / or an optical signal element with LED flashing light. [5] Underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the communication module (4) automatically transmits a message with location data to a mobile phone, an emergency call center or a cloud platform when the alarm is triggered. [6] Underwear according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the recording unit (6) is automatically activated when the alarm is triggered and stores data in encrypted form or transmits it to an external device. [7] Underwear according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the energy unit (5) is designed to be inductively chargeable, removable or replaceable. [8] Underwear according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking mechanism (7) can be operated mechanically, magnetically, electronically or biometrically. [9] Underwear according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that settings for sensitivity, receivers and alarm types can be made via the app interface (8). [10] Underwear according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that a voice control system with an individual code word for activating or deactivating the alarm system is integrated. [11] Underwear according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that all electronic modules are arranged in a flexible, washable, removable carrier layer. [12] Underwear according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is available in versions for women, men, children or special areas of application (sports, care, travel).

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