Device for detecting and locating lacerations, in particular bullet wounds or stab wounds

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for detecting or locating one or more lacerations, in particular caused by bullet wounds or stab wounds, the device (1) comprising: a first layer (10) of fabric (2) having a first array of conductive wires defining detection strips (B1n) elongated in a first direction; a second layer (20) of fabric (2) having a second array of conductive wires that define detection strips (B2n) elongated in a second direction and forming an angle with the first direction; a control unit (3) connected to the arrays of conductive wires and configured to locate a zone (Zn) in which a laceration in the fabric (2) causes the breakage of a conductive wire of the first layer (10) and a conductive wire of the second layer (20) at the intersection of two detection strips (B1n; B2n) of the two layers (10; 20); characterised in that, on each detection strip (B1n; B2n), the array has an insulated conductive wire forming a frame that is arranged across the width and along the length of the strip (B1n; B2n). The invention relates to a garment incorporating one or more devices. The invention relates to a protection system.

Description

Device for detecting and locating tears, particularly those caused by bullet impacts or knife blows

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for detecting and locating one or more tears, in particular caused by bullet impacts or knife wounds. The invention also relates to a garment incorporating one or more devices. The invention also relates to a protection system comprising one or more devices, one or more garments incorporating one or more devices, and a remote device receiving information from the device(s) in real time.

[0002] The field of the invention is that of connected personal protection devices. In particular, such devices are intended to equip individuals likely to be exposed to firearm shots or attacks from sharp weapons, particularly in the police, gendarmerie, armed forces, and private security. PRIOR ART

[0003] Existing devices implement different techniques. For example, document US2017261386A1 describes a pressure measurement technique, while US20170307336 describes a technique for measuring changes in electrical resistance.

[0004] Some existing devices can only detect a first impact before becoming inoperative. These devices cannot detect multiple successive impacts, and even less so can they locate these impacts in different areas.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to propose an improved detection and location device.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a device for detecting and locating one or more tears, in particular caused by bullet impacts or knife blows, the device comprising:• a first layer of fabric comprising a first network of conductive threads defining detection strips elongated in a first direction;• a second layer of fabric comprising a second network of conductive threads defining detection strips elongated in a second direction, forming an angle with the first direction; and• a control unit connected to the networks of conductive threads and configured to locate an area in which a tear in the fabric causes the rupture of a conductive thread of the first layer and a conductive thread of the second layer, at the intersection of two detection strips of the two layers.

[0007] The device according to the invention is characterized in that on each detection strip, the network comprises an insulated conductive wire forming a frame, arranged over the width and length of said strip.

[0008] This allows the device to detect multiple impacts and improve location accuracy. A single impact causes the breakage of only two wires, one in each layer. Two impacts can be detected in different areas and precisely located at the intersection of two detection bands.

[0009] According to other advantageous characteristics of the invention, taken in isolation or in combination:- In each detection strip, the insulated conductive thread forms a labyrinth-like weft.- In each network, the conductive threads are arranged at a distance of 2 to 4 millimeters from each other, for example 3 millimeters.- In each detection strip, the weft comprises at least two elongated sections which extend along the length of the strip.- In each detection strip, the weft comprises at least two elongated sections parallel to each other, covering a strip width greater than or equal to 2 centimeters, preferably of the order of 4 centimeters.- The first direction and the second direction are orthogonal / are inclined at right angles, so that the detection strips of the first layer and the detection strips of the second layer are orthogonal.- The fabric comprises only two superimposed layers, integrating the conductive threads.- The conductive threads are woven into the fabric.- The control unit is configured to transmit in real time, to a remote device, information relating to the networks of conductive threads integrated into the fabric.- The control unit is configured to transmit information periodically, every 1 to 30 seconds, for example every 3 seconds.- The control unit is removable from the fabric, so that damaged fabric can be changed without having to replace the control unit.- The device may comprise several portions of fabric connected to the same control unit.

[0010] The invention also relates to a garment, for example of the jacket or t-shirt type, characterized in that it incorporates one or more devices as mentioned above.

[0011] The invention also relates to a protection system, characterized in that it comprises at least: one or more devices as mentioned above; one or more items of clothing incorporating one or more devices; and a remote device configured to receive information in real time from the device(s). DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0012] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely as a non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0013] is an elevational view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a fabric and a control unit, the device being integrated into a garment and connected to a remote apparatus.

[0014] is a view similar to the, showing the device without the garment and the apparatus, the device comprising two layers of the fabric forming detection strips.

[0015] is a view similar to the, of the first layer of fabric.

[0016] is a view similar to the, of the second layer of fabric.

[0017] is a view similar to the, showing a device according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising two portions of fabric connected to the control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Figures 1 to 4 show a device (1) according to the invention, comprising a fabric (2) and a control unit (3). The device (1) is designed for detecting and locating one or more tears in the fabric (2), in particular caused by bullet impacts or knife blows, and for transmitting the information in real time to a remote device (5).

[0019] The device (5) is for example a telephone, a sensor, a radio or a computer. The device (5) can be equipped with a dedicated application or a third-party solution. The device (5) can be installed in a security post and connected to different devices (1) equipping different individuals.

[0020] The device (1) is integrated into a garment (4), for example a jacket or a t-shirt. The garment (4) is intended to equip an individual likely to be exposed to firearm shots or attacks from sharp weapons.

[0021] The device (1), the garment (4) and the apparatus (5) form a complete personal protection system (100).

[0022] In practice, the system (100) can be configured to geolocate the wearer of the garment (4), process other personal information (blood type, name, personnel number, etc.), and communicate with the members of his team. The system (100) can include additional physiological measuring devices or sensors. As non-limiting examples, the system (100) can include sensors for heart rate, respiration, body temperature, oxygen saturation and blood pressure.

[0023] The fabric (2) comprises two superimposed layers (10, 20). The first layer (10) comprises a first network (11) of conductive threads (12) defining detection strips (B1n) elongated in a first horizontal direction (D1). The second layer (20) comprises a second network (21) of conductive threads (22) defining detection strips (B2n) elongated in a vertical direction (D2).

[0024] The first network (11) comprises a solitary wire (13) connected to the unit (3) on one side, which joins all the strips (B1n), and several wires (14) connected to the unit (3) on the other side, which each join a particular strip (B1n). On each detection strip (B1n), an insulated conductive wire (14) forms a labyrinth-like frame (15), which extends over the width and length of this strip (B1n). The frame (15) comprises several parallel sections (16) which extend along the length of the strip (B1n). An impact on the first layer (10) will cause the breakage of a conductive wire (12) on a given frame (15) and cut off the passage of the electric current between the wire (13) on the one hand and one of the wires (14) on the other hand, making it possible to identify the affected strip (B1n).

[0025] Similarly, the second network (21) comprises a solitary wire (23) connected to the unit (3) on one side, which joins all the strips (B2n), and several wires (24) connected to the unit (3) on the other side, which each join a particular strip (B2n). On each detection strip (B2n), an insulated conductive wire (24) forms a labyrinth-like frame (25), which extends over the width and length of this strip (B2n). The frame (25) comprises several parallel sections (26) which extend along the length of the strip (B2n). An impact on the second layer (20) will cause the breakage of a conductive wire (22) on a given frame (25) and cut off the passage of the electric current between the wire (23) on the one hand and one of the wires (24) on the other hand, making it possible to identify the affected strip (B2n).

[0026] The conductive threads (12, 22) are woven into the fabric (2). This facilitates their integration into the fabric (2) and the formation of wefts (15, 25) according to desired configurations.

[0027] The control unit (3) is connected to the two networks (11, 21) of conductive threads (12, 22), via the threads (13, 14, 23, 24). The unit (3) is configured to locate an area (Zn) in which a tear in the fabric (2) causes the breakage of a conductive thread (12) of the first layer (10) and a conductive thread (22) of the second layer (20), at the intersection of two detection strips (B1n; B2n) of the two layers (10; 20). Thus, the device (1) can provide an X,Y location of the impacts. This can help to identify the affected body part and react accordingly. Furthermore, the device (1) can detect two impacts in different areas (Zn). After the perforation of one area (Z1n), the other areas remain functional, and thus two perforations can be clearly detected. Subsequent shots in undamaged areas will continue to be clearly recorded, but not in areas already perforated.

[0028] The control unit (3) is configured to transmit in real time, to a remote device (5), information relating to the networks (11, 12) of conductive threads (12, 22) integrated into the fabric (2), in particular the location of an impact in a given zone (Zn). Communication between the unit (3) and the device (5) can be carried out by Bluetooth, GSM, RF or any other suitable technology.

[0029] Preferably, the unit (3) is configured to transmit information to the device (5) periodically, every 1 to 5 seconds, for example every 3 seconds. This saves the battery of the unit (3), compared to continuous transmission.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device (1) can be designed with the control unit (3) removable from the fabric (2). Thus, the damaged fabric (2) can be changed without having to replace the control unit (3).

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device (1) can be designed with its electronic elements waterproof, in particular the control unit (3). This makes it possible to wash the garment (4) with the device (1) integrated, without risking damage to the electronic elements of the device (1).

[0032] In each frame (15; 25), the conductive wires (21; 22) are arranged at a distance of 2 to 4 millimeters from each other, for example 3 millimeters. Thus, the frame (15; 25) has sufficient fineness to allow the detection of bullet or knife impact, without leaving a blind spot, including small caliber ammunition such as 22LR (5.7 mm diameter) or 5.56.

[0033] In this embodiment of figures 1 to 4:- Each frame (15; 25) forms a labyrinth consisting of nine elongated sections (16; 26) parallel to each other which extend along the length of the strip (B1n, B2n), and eight transverse sections which extend along the width of the strip (B1n, B2n), constituted by the joining of the threads (13, 14; 23, 24) coming from the two sides of the network (11; 21).- Each strip (B1n; B2n) has a width of the order of 4 centimeters.- The fabric (2) comprises six horizontal strips (B1n) and six vertical strips (B2n), defining thirty-six detection zones (Z1n).

[0034] In practice, the configuration of the fabric (2) can be varied by changing the number of strips (B1n, B2n), the number of threads (12, 22), their spacing, their arrangement to form the weft (15, 25), the configuration of the weft (15, 25), etc. For example, the zones (Z1n) can be sized to each cover a square of 4x4 centimeters, or 8x8 centimeters, or a rectangle of 6x4 centimeters.

[0035] A device (1) according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. For the sake of simplification, the same elements are designated by the same numerical references, in connection with the first embodiment described above.

[0036] The device (1) comprises two fabric portions (2) connected to a single control unit (3). This simplifies the manufacturing of the fabric portions, which can be individually less extensive to cover the same overall surface. Optionally, this makes it possible to change only one damaged fabric portion (2) in the event of an impact.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the two fabric portions (2) can be arranged on the chest and on the back of the garment (4). They can be connected by weaving at the shoulders.

[0038] Each portion of fabric (2) has eight horizontal strips (B1n) and eight vertical strips (B2n). This makes it possible to cover sixty-four zones (Zn) on each portion of fabric (2).

[0039] In the event of an impact, the device (1) can detect the portion of tissue (2) concerned and the area (Zn) concerned in this portion of tissue (2), then transmit this information to the device (5) via the control unit (3). The device (1) can locate at least two impacts per portion of tissue (2), i.e. four impacts in total.

[0040] Furthermore, the device (1), the garment (4) and the protection system (100) may be shaped differently from figures 1 to 5 without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0041] In particular, the dimensions of the strips (B1n, B2n) may vary depending on the desired location accuracy. Also, the nature and dimensions of the fabric (2) may vary depending on the intended application. Also, the wefts (15, 25) may have different patterns, with at least two sections covering the width and length of the strip (B1n, B2n), and preferably several sections forming a labyrinth. In a manner not shown, the wefts (15, 25) may have a different arrangement at the collar, with curved sections of threads, to follow the contour of the collar. According to a variant not shown, derived from the, the device (1) may comprise four portions of fabric (2) on the chest and four portions of fabric (2) on the front, connected to the same control unit (3).

[0042] Depending on specific applications, the device (1) can be adapted to equip a fire hose, a sail, a bag, an inflatable boat such as a zodiac, or any other conceivable equipment.

[0043] Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the various embodiments and variants mentioned above can be, in whole or in part, combined with each other. Thus, the invention can be adapted in terms of cost, functionality and performance.

Claims

Device (1) for detecting and locating one or more tears, in particular caused by bullet impacts or knife blows, the device (1) comprising: a first layer (10) of fabric (2) having a first network (11) of conductive wires (12) defining detection bands (B1n) elongated along a first direction (D1); a second layer (20) of fabric (2) having a second network (21) of conductive wires (22) defining detection bands (B2n) elongated along a second direction (D2), forming an angle with the first direction (D1); a control unit (3) connected to the networks (11, 21) of conductive wires (12, 22) and configured to locate an area (Zn) in which a tear in the fabric (2) causes the breakage of a conductive wire (12) of the first layer (10) and a conductive wire (22) of the second layer (20), at the intersection of two detection bands (B1n; B2n) of the two layers (10; 20);characterized in that on each detection band (B1n; B2n), the network (11; 21) comprises an insulated conducting wire (12; 22) forming a frame (15; 25), arranged over the width and length of said band (B1n; B2n). Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in each detection band (B1n; B2n), the insulated conducting wire (12; 22) forms a maze-like pattern (15; 25). Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that in each network (11; 12), the conducting wires (21; 22) are arranged at a distance of 2 to 4 millimeters from each other, for example 3 millimeters. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in each detection band (B1n; B2n), the frame (15; 25) comprises at least two elongated sections which extend along the length of the band (B1n; B2n). Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit (3) is configured to transmit in real time, to a remote device (5), information relating to the networks (11, 12) of conductive wires (12, 22) integrated into the fabric (2). Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit (3) is configured to transmit information periodically, every 1 to 30 seconds, for example every 3 seconds. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control unit (3) is removable from the fabric (2), so that the damaged fabric (2) can be changed without having to replace the control unit (3). Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises several portions of fabric (2) connected to the same control unit (3). Clothing (4), for example of the jacket or t-shirt type, characterized in that it incorporates one or more devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Protection system (100), characterized in that it comprises: one or more devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; one or more garments (4) incorporating one or more devices (1); and a remote device (5) configured to receive real-time information from the device(s) (1).

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