Impact detection device

Abstract

An impact detection device 10 for a helmet (16, fig.8), comprising an impact sensor unit 11 configured to provide an alert that an impact has occurred, and a mount (12, fig.2) for securing to the helm

Description

This invention relates to an impact detection device for attachment to headgear. The invention is particularly useful for the detection of impact to a helmet and is described herein with a particular emphasis on this use. Helmets are essential safety accessories used in a variety of industries and sports where there is a need for protection against impact to the head. Helmets are typically designed to absorb force when subjected to an impact. Such force can damage or weaken the protective material inside the helmet but often, following impact, a helmet can look intact despite having lost the ability properly to protect a wearer. Whilst it is advised to replace a helmet following an impact, for various reasons this does not always happen. A wearer may not appreciate the severity of an impact or may not be aware that an impact has even occurred, for example if someone else was wearing or in possession of the helmet at the time. Devices configured for attachment to a helmet and designed to detect and provide notification of impact are known. Such devices are either designed permanently to secure to a helmet or are removable from the helmet but, following detection of an impact, are ineffective, i.e., they are single use and disposable. If a detection device is removed from a helmet following impact, there is nothing to suggest that the helmet has been subjected to a force and nothing to indicate that the protective function of the helmet is potentially compromised. Whilst a permanent connection of a detection device to a helmet may provide the -2 -necessary indication of impact, the single use, disposable nature of such devices is not cost effective and leads to excessive waste. It is a principle aim of the present invention to provide an impact detection device for attachment to a helmet, which addresses some or all of the above problems. According to a first aspect of this invention, there is provided an impact detection device for a helmet comprising: a sensor unit for detecting an impact and configured to provide an alert that an impact has occurred; and a mount for securing to a helmet and configured to facilitate removable connection of the sensor unit thereto, wherein the mount is configured to provide a permanent indication that the sensor unit has been removed. The present invention finds particular utility as part of industrial personal protective equipment (PPE) but may also be utilised in the field of sports and other professional and recreational activities. Particularly in industrial settings helmets are sometimes shared and it is vital that a subsequent user is able to identify the protective status of a helmet they are about to wear. The mount is preferably secured to the helmet in a fixed manner such that accidental / unintentional removal of the mount from the helmet is prohibited. The fixing is preferably sufficient to avoid intentional removal, at least without leaving a visible trace behind. In this way the mount effectively becomes an integral part of the helmet to which it is secured. The securing of the mount may be achieved using adhesive or other conventional strong and permanent fixing means. The mount serves a dual function, both allowing the sensor unit to be removably connected to the helmet and also providing a secondary safety indication regarding the suitability of the helmet when the sensor unit has been removed. The severity of impact to a helmet, to which the impact detection device of the present invention is secured, may have a bearing on how the sensor unit functions. An impact may occur but may not be significant detrimentally to affect the helmet. It is therefore important that the sensor unit only initiates an alert when there is a realistic risk of potential damage to the helmet. Preferably therefore the sensor unit is configured to provide an alert only if a detected impact is above a predefined threshold. The threshold may be pre-set according to the safety requirements of the type of helmet for use therewith. The alert may comprise an audio alarm or a visual alarm, or a combination of audio and visual alarms. A visual alarm may comprise a light, for example a flashing LED whereas an audio alarm may comprise a siren or other audio warning. Alternatively, or in addition to a visual and / or audio alarm, the alert may comprise a haptic alarm configured to provide a sensory alert in the form of vibration. A haptic alarm may comprise a vibration motor or a linear resonant actuator or other actuator designed to provide vibrational feedback. It is of course possible that an alert is disregarded, and a potentially compromised helmet left unattended, without removal of the sensor unit from the mount. Advantageously, to conserve battery power, an activated alert may be configured to enter a standby mode if the sensor unit is stationary for a predetermined period. The sensor unit may also include a motion sensor. Preferably the operation of the motion sensor may be enabled by an activated alert entering a standby mode and is configured to cause reactivation of the alert upon detecting movement of the helmet, to which the sensor unit is mounted. It is important that the permanent indication provided by the mount is reliable. Ideally, the permanent indication is a visual indication as this will be noticeable by users of the helmet before being worn. The permanent indication serves as a warning that the safety of the helmet has been potentially compromised and thus the reliability of the mount in providing such a warning is vital. Preferably, the permanent indication is initiated by mechanical action rather than an electrical or chemical reaction. Even more preferably, the permanent indication is provided by a physical deformation of the mount as this does not rely on the use of audio alarms, electrical LEDs or other components which could run out of charge or otherwise fail. The mount may be deformable from a first configuration to a deformed configuration when the sensor unit is removed, such that the visual indication is deformation of the mount. Advantageously, the action of removing the sensor unit may necessarily result in automatic deformation of the mount. Deformation will preferably prevent the reattachment of a sensor unit. There is a significant demand for an impact detection device for use with a helmet which is versatile, reliable and cost effective. Preferably, the sensor unit is reusable following an alert. This provides versatility and allows the use of more accurate or dedicated components without the cost and waste implications which otherwise constrain the development of single use detectors. Following an alert, the sensor unit will preferably be resettable. Resetting may occur automatically upon removal from a mount or may need to be carried out by an operator either in person or remotely. Advantageously, the sensor unit may need to be removed in order to be reset. This ensures that a vulnerable helmet status is not masked by a reset sensor unit. It can be advantageous for the sensor unit to comprise wireless communication means. This may allow for sensor data to be transmitted elsewhere for records, location tracking and / or analysis. Preferably, the wireless communication means is a long-range wireless communication means, such as a mobile network, that transmits data from the sensor unit to a remote central database. Alternatively or additionally, the wireless communication means may comprise short-range wireless communication means, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or infrared, to transmit data to a remote server. The data may be transmitted immediately upon an impact event being detected and / or an alert being triggered. The sensor unit may be configured to transmit data periodically at set intervals. The sensor unit preferably comprises one or more sensors specifically for detecting an impact. The sensor unit may comprise an array of sensors. At least one of an acceleration sensor, such as an accelerometer, and a location and / or position sensor may be provided. Other sensors may also be provided. The data from the sensor unit may comprise at least one of acceleration and device location. Preferably the sensor unit includes a power source for operation of any electrical components, such as an audio siren, an LED, a vibration motor an accelerometer, a motion sensor and / or wireless communication means, for example. The power source may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be configured to receive charge wirelessly or may be removable. Alternatively, the sensor unit may include a port for connection of a charging cable to supply charge to the battery. Such a port may be a USB charging point. So as not to impede the ability to wear a helmet to which the impact detection device is secured, the mount may advantageously be configured to secure to an exterior surface of a helmet. The helmet, sensor unit and mount may be supplied together as a single unit. Accordingly, in another embodiment of the present invention the impact detection device may further comprises a helmet to which the mount is secured. According to a second aspect of this invention, there is provided an impact detection system comprising: an impact detection device as claimed hereinbefore; and a remote central database configured to receive data from the impact detection device. Preferably, the remote central database is configured to receive the data automatically upon an impact being detected. The data received by the sensor unit may include impact event data such as the recorded impact acceleration and time of acceleration, for example. Utilising the data, the central database may be configured to calculate or otherwise determine the impact forces. A central database may be used by an operator, such as an organisation supplying helmets to workers, to provide a status record for each of a range of helmets. By way of example only, specific embodiments of impact detection device of this invention will now be described in detail, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an underside of a sensor unit of a first embodiment of impact detection device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a mount of a first embodiment of impact detection device according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a side view of the sensor unit of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the top of the sensor unit of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a further side view of the sensor unit of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a side view of the mount of Figure 2; Figure 7 is a plan view of the mount of Figure 2; Figure 8 is an illustration of an impact detection system incorporating an impact detection device of the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of an underside of a sensor unit of a second embodiment of impact detection device according to the present invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a mount of a second embodiment of impact detection device according to the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the top of the sensor unit of Figure 9; Figure 12 is a side view of the mount of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a plan view of the mount of Figure 10; Figure 14 is a side view of the sensor unit of Figure 9 connected to the mount of Figure 10. Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a first embodiment of impact detection device 10 which comprises a sensor unit 11 and a mount 12 for securing the sensor unit 11 to a helmet 16 (shown in Figure 8). The sensor unit 11 has an overall cylindrical profile, including a front external face 13 and an underside mounting face 14, the external and mounting faces being joined by a continuous side wall 15. The front external face 13 is planar and remains visible when the impact detection device 10 of the present invention is secured to a helmet. The sensor unit 11 contains a range of components (not visible) configured to detect impact thereto. These include an audio alarm in the form of a siren, an accelerometer and a location and / or position sensor. Also contained with the sensor unit 11 is a battery and wireless data transmission means for transferring acceleration, location and / or position data from the sensor unit to a remote database 32 (shown in Figure 8). A USB charging port 33 is located on the continuous side wall 15 for charging the internal battery. The sensor unit 11 includes a generally rectangular raised platform 18 projecting centrally from the underside mounting face 14 of the sensor unit 11. A gap 19 is formed under the raised platform 18 and the platform 18 defines a circular aperture 20 formed centrally therethrough, leading to the gap 19. The sensor unit 11 comprises a two-piece plastics material moulding with the raised platform 18 being integrally formed. Two opposed gripping tabs are arranged, one on each side of the continuous side wall 15. The mount 12 comprises a planar plate 23 which is generally rectangular, albeit with rounded ends 24. Two opposed semi-circular openings 25 extend through the middle of the plate 23, thereby defining a central bridge 26. The structure of the bridge 26 formed by the semi-circular openings 25 provides an area of weakness on the mount 12. A cylindrical shaft 29 extends from the bridge 26 of the plate 23 and includes a flared, truncated cone-shaped tip 30 at the end thereof. The internal shape of the aperture 20 in the raised platform 18 is complementary to the external shape of the cylindrical shaft 29. Referring now to Figures 9 to 14, there is shown a second embodiment of impact detection device 40 which comprises a sensor unit 41 and a mount 42 for securing the sensor unit 41 to a helmet. Many of the features of the first embodiment of impact detection device 10 are shared with the second embodiment of impact detection device 40. Whilst not visible in Figures 9 to 14, the sensor unit 41 also includes a USB charging port located on the side wall for charging the internal battery. Only the features of difference between the first and second embodiments shall be discussed in detail. The sensor unit 41 of the second embodiment is very similar to the sensor unit 11 of the first embodiment and includes a similar shaped raised platform 48 except it is slightly more rounded that that of the first embodiment. The housing of the sensor unit 41 includes two transparent optical covers 47 which are configured to display a visual alarm, for example a flashing LED (not shown) within the sensor unit 41 when an alert is activated by an impact. The mount 42 includes a planar plate 53 having a square profile and includes a rectangular tab 57 upstanding adjacent one end thereof. The raised platform 48 of the sensor unit 41 is positioned alongside the tab 57 when the sensor unit 41 is connected to the mount 42 (as shown in Figure 14). The tab 57 serves to prevent rotational movement of the sensor unit 41 relative to the mount 42 and may assist with removal of the sensor unit 41 from the mount 42 by providing leverage. A small cylindrical shaft 59 extends from the central bridge 56 of the plate 53 and includes a similar shaped tip 60 to the tip 30 of the mount 12 of the first embodiment except that it is smaller and includes two straight opposed ends 61. In a plan view (as shown in Figure 13) the straight ends 61 allow the semicircular openings 55 in the planar plate 53 to remain visible. The internal shape of the aperture 50 in the raised platform 48 is complementary to the external shape of the small cylindrical shaft 59. It should be appreciated that features of difference between the embodiments may be incorporated on either embodiment and such a configuration remains within the scope of the invention. The method of use of the present invention will now be discussed. The mount 12, 42 is fixed to a helmet (not shown) by any suitably strong adhesive. The fixed connection is intended to be sufficiently secure so to prevent the mount 12, 42 from being unintentionally removed. Ideally the connection may also serve to mitigate the risk of the mount 12, 42 being removed intentionally without at least leaving behind a visible trace of its existence. It may be enough to ensure that the connection is not easy to remove, for example without the use of tools or visible damage. Advantageously the raised platform 18, 48 of the sensor unit 11,41 and / or the tip 30, 60 of the mount 12, 42 is formed from a material which exhibits some form of resilient deformability (even if only in one direction) to enable the tip 30, 60 to be passed through the aperture 20, 50 formed through the raised platform 18, 48 of the sensor unit, when the sensor unit 11,41 is mounted to the helmet. Once the tip 30, 60 has been inserted through the aperture 20, 50 it becomes constrained in the gap 19, 49 against the raised platform surface 18, 48. From a mounted configuration a force is required to separate the mount 12, 42 and the sensor unit 11, 41. The sensor unit 11, 41 is removed by grasping 5 the unit, using the gripping tabs and pulling. Such force will necessarily result in deformation of the bridge 26, 56 and / or breakage of the tip 30, 60 of the mount 12, 42. The mount 12, 42 is thereafter visibly damaged thus providing a clear indication on a helmet that a sensor unit 11,41 has been removed. When a sensor unit 11, 41 has been removed from the helmet a deformed mount 12, 42 10 serves as a warning that the safety of the helmet has been potentially compromised. An impact detection system 34 is shown in Figure 8 and this includes a remote central database 32. The impact detection device 10 is shown secured to a helmet 16. A remote central database 32 is configured to receive data from 15 the sensor unit 11. The data may relate to an impact detected by the sensor unit and may include at least one of acceleration and device location. The central database 32 may calculate or otherwise determine the impact forces and record the information and thereby the status of the connected helmet.

Claims

1. An impact detection device for a helmet comprising: a sensor unit for detecting an impact and configured to provide an alert that an impact has occurred; and a mount for securing to a helmet and configured to facilitate removable connection of the sensor unit thereto, wherein the mount is configured to provide a permanent indication that the sensor unit has been removed.

2. An impact detection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indication is a visual indication.

3. An impact detection device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mount is deformable from a first configuration to a deformed configuration when the sensor unit is removed, such that the visual indication is deformation of the mount.

4. An impact detection device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit is reusable following an alert.

5. An impact detection device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit includes wireless communication means.

6. An impact detection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wireless communication means is a long-range wireless communication means that transmits data from the sensor unit, relating to an impact, to a remote central database.

7. An impact detection device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the data from the sensor unit comprises at least one of acceleration and location.

8. An impact detection device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the mount is configured to secure to an exterior surface of a helmet.

9. An impact detection device as claimed any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit comprises at least one of an acceleration sensor and a location sensor.

10. An impact detection device, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, 5 further comprising a helmet to which the mount is secured.

11. An impact detection system comprisingan impact detection device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10; anda remote central database configured to receive data from the impact detection device.10 12. An impact detection system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the remotecentral database is configured to receive the data automatically upon an impact being detected.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:05 11 24CLAIMS1. An impact detection device for a helmet comprising: a sensor unit for detecting an impact and configured to provide an alert that an impact has occurred; and a mount for securing to a helmet and configured to facilitate removable connection of the sensor unit thereto, wherein the mount is configured to provide a permanent indication that the sensor unit has been removed from the mount.

2. An impact detection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indication is a visual indication.

3. An impact detection device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mount is deformable from a first configuration to a deformed configuration when the sensor unit is removed, such that the visual indication is deformation of the mount.

4. An impact detection device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit is reusable following an alert.

5. An impact detection device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit includes wireless communication means.

6. An impact detection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wireless communication means is a long-range wireless communication means that transmits data from the sensor unit, relating to an impact, to a remote central database.

7. An impact detection device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the data from the sensor unit comprises at least one of acceleration and location.

8. An impact detection device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the mount is configured to secure to an exterior surface of a helmet.

9. An impact detection device as claimed any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit comprises at least one of an acceleration sensor and a 5 location sensor.

10. An impact detection device, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a helmet to which the mount is secured.

11. An impact detection system comprisingan impact detection device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10; and10 - a remote central database configured to receive data from the impactdetection device.

12. An impact detection system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the remote central database is configured to receive the data automatically upon an impact being detected.

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