Wearable Protective Devices

Abstract

The wearable protective device (1) comprises at least one inflatable bag (8) configured to alternately assume a resting configuration in a deflated state and an active configuration in an inflated state, and inflation means (14) in an inflated state, in fluid communication with the inflatable bag (8) and configured to introduce inflation fluid therein when actuated. The wearable protective device (1) further comprises at least one pressure detection device (26) associated with the at least one inflatable bag (8) and configured to directly or indirectly detect pressure within the at least one inflatable bag (8). A further object of the present invention is a method for assessing whether an inflatable bag (8) of the wearable protective device (1) is reusable after being inflated once.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable protective device, and in particular to a wearable protective device comprising an inflatable member (also called an airbag) that can be worn to protect a user from impacts and / or falls. [Background technology]

[0002] Wearable protective devices have been developed to protect users from injuries caused by impacts against obstacles during different types of activities, such as motorcycle riding, walking, and / or industrial work activities.

[0003] For the sake of clarity, in the remainder of the description, reference is made in a non-limiting manner to an inflatable wearable protective device suitable for being worn by a motorcyclist.

[0004] Typically, an inflatable wearable protective device comprises an inflatable bag or airbag disposed within a casing configured to be worn by the motorcyclist in a deflated or resting configuration during normal use of the wearable protective device.

[0005] The inflatable bag is intended to be activated only in the event of a dangerous situation, and for this purpose the inflatable bag is in fluid communication with at least one inflation means, typically an inflator device in the form of a gas cartridge.

[0006] The gas cartridge is generally contained within a housing of the wearable protective device and is adapted to introduce a predetermined amount of inflation fluid, such as, for example, compressed gas, into the inflatable bag, causing the inflatable bag to inflate and thus expand.

[0007] The inflation of the inflatable bag by the inflation means may be electronically or mechanically controlled. In case of electronic activation, the wearable protection device comprises an electronic control unit, preferably applied to the wearable protection device, which constantly monitors the motorcyclist's movements and the forces acting on the wearable protection device by means of a number of sensors.

[0008] More specifically, the control unit may compare data detected by sensors located, for example, on the wearable protective device or on the motorcycle with an algorithm preloaded therein at regular time intervals.

[0009] Based on this algorithm, if the data detected by the sensor indicates a dangerous situation, the control unit sends a triggering signal to the inflation means for inflating the inflatable bag, so that the inflatable bag transitions from its resting configuration to an active or inflated configuration.

[0010] After triggering of the inflation means, the inflatable bag must remain in the inflated configuration for a predetermined period of time and maintain the internal pressure of the inflatable bag above a reference value in order to provide full protection to the user.

[0011] Different types of inflatable bags can be used, as is well known in the art. Some airbags can remain inflated for a limited period of time, such as OPW (one piece woven) airbags, or airbags formed by two layers of polymeric material discontinuously welded along their edges, for example 5-7 seconds.

[0012] These airbags may further include a valve for controlled deflation of the inflatable bag once the protective function has been achieved.

[0013] Other types of airbags, such as airbags formed by polymer layers that are continuously welded along their edges, are designed to maintain a predetermined gas pressure therein for a longer period of time than the airbags described above.

[0014] The latter airbags are defined as airtight airbags and are normally deflated by disconnecting them from the inflation means.

[0015] Once the inflation means has been activated and the bag has been inflated, at least the gas cartridge must be replaced with a new cartridge filled with compressed gas.

[0016] Regarding this aspect, many types of wearable protective devices foresee the possibility for the user to autonomously replace consumed cartridges.

[0017] Also, since it is usually difficult to ensure that the inflatable bag has not sustained any damage during a crash, the bag should be replaced.

[0018] In fact, the bag may be subjected to scratches and mechanical stresses during inflation.

[0019] These damages impair the ability of the bag to remain inflated for a period of time after it is first inflated, thus preventing the inflatable bag from being reused in accordance with safety standards.

[0020] In this case, in order to reuse the wearable protective device under safe conditions, the inflatable bag must be replaced.

[0021] The drawback of these solutions is that changing the inflatable bag is a complex task that must be carried out by specialists and trained personnel.

[0022] Another disadvantage is that checking an inflatable bag to assess for potential damage that could lead to loss of the bag's ability to hold pressure after inflation is a difficult task and cannot be performed by a simple visual check.

[0023] Thus, there is a risk that a damaged bag will be used anyway, or conversely, that an inflatable bag will be replaced even if it is undamaged or only has limited damage and can be reused.

[0024] In view of the above problems, the inspection and replacement procedures need to be carried out by a distributor or a manufacturer's service center, which takes a certain amount of time, during which the user cannot use the wearable protective device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0025] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a wearable protective device with an inflatable bag that is configured to overcome or at least reduce the above mentioned drawbacks.

[0026] More specifically, the main object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device with an inflatable bag, which makes it possible to automatically control the state of the inflatable bag after inflation, and thus provides that the inflatable bag can be reused in accordance with safety standards after having been inflated.

[0027] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wearable protective device with an inflatable bag that makes it possible to control the state of the inflatable bag after inflation without the intervention of a trained person.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device with an inflatable bag that requires less time to control the state of the inflatable bag compared to known wearable protective devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0029] The above mentioned objects, as well as other objects that will appear better hereinafter in the present description, are achieved by a wearable protective device as defined in the attached independent claim 1 and by a method for assessing whether an inflatable bag of a wearable protective device, once inflated, is reusable as described in claim 14.

[0030] The advantages and characteristic features of the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a wearable protective device, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional rear view of one embodiment of a wearable protective device according to the present invention in a resting state. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a wearable protective device according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view and a partially exploded rear view of a further embodiment of a wearable protective device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view and a partially exploded view of a shell of a wearable protective device including a first embodiment of a pressure sensing device according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows respective perspective views of a shell of a wearable protective device in two different operational configurations, the shell comprising a second embodiment of a pressure sensing device according to the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows respective perspective views of a shell of a wearable protective device in two different operational configurations, the shell comprising a second embodiment of a pressure sensing device according to the invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a diagram of the variation of the internal pressure of the inflation fluid in the inflatable bag after inflation for two types of inflatable bags. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a diagram of the variation of the internal pressure of the inflation fluid in the inflatable bag after inflation for two types of inflatable bags. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a wearable protective device provided by the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 1 .

[0033] Preferably, the wearable protection device 1 is designed to be worn by motorcyclists or cyclists, or to be used anywhere else where effective protection of the user's body must be obtained.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1-3, the wearable protective device 1 is designed to be combined with clothing, such as a vest 2 (see Figures 1 and 3), a motorcyclist jacket 4, or can be a motorcyclist suit 6 (see Figure 2).

[0035] The wearable protective device 1 comprises at least one inflatable bag 8 configured to alternate between a deflated, resting configuration and an inflated, active configuration.

[0036] The inflatable bag 8 is preferably intended to protect the shoulders and / or chest and / or sides and / or back of the user.

[0037] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, not shown in the drawings, the wearable protective device 1 may be provided with a number of independent inflatable bags 8 .

[0038] The at least one inflatable bag 8 may be an OPW (One Piece Woven) bag (well known in the art and therefore not described in detail in this description) or may be formed by two polymer sheets welded in a discontinuous manner at their edges.

[0039] Additionally, the inflatable bag may have a woven body covered with a suitable coating.

[0040] These types of inflatable bags may have different deflation periods after being inflated, and may be provided with one or more deflation valves (not shown) for selective deflation thereof.

[0041] For example, these types of inflatable bags may have a deflation time comprised between 5 and 7 seconds, a time period selected in accordance with safety standards.

[0042] Alternatively, the at least one inflatable bag 8 can also consist of an airtight bag, for example a bag formed by two polymer sheets continuously welded at their edges.

[0043] This kind of inflatable bag is different from the previous ones because it is suitable to remain in an inflated state for a longer period of time.

[0044] In the graphs of Figures 7 and 8, the solid lines represent the variation in pressure exerted by the inflation fluid in the inflatable bag as a function of time when activated, for an intact airtight bag and an intact non-airtight bag, respectively.

[0045] The wearable protective device 1 is shown in Figures 1 and 3 and may include a rigid or semi-rigid back protector 12 for protecting the user's back, which is applied to an outer surface 10 of the wearable protective device 1.

[0046] The wearable protective device 1 also comprises inflation means 14 designed to inflate the inflatable bag 8 in case a dangerous situation is detected.

[0047] The inflation means 14 are in fluid communication with the inflatable bag 8 and are configured to introduce inflation fluid therein once they are actuated.

[0048] The inflation means 14 is triggered in the manner described below upon detection of a dangerous situation for the motorcyclist, such as a fall or impact.

[0049] Advantageously, the inflation means 14 are connected to the inflatable bag 8 at a connection end 16. As is better shown in figure 3, the inflation means 14 comprise at least one gas cartridge 18, preferably two gas cartridges 18, which are connected to a duct 20 of the inflatable bag 8.

[0050] These gas cartridges can be selected from the group comprising pyrotechnic inflators, compressed gas inflators and hybrid inflators. As is well known in the art, in pyrotechnic inflators, a pyrotechnic charge is used to ignite the combustion of a gas generating material to provide inflation gas. Compressed gas inflators, in turn, use a minimal amount of pyrotechnic material to open a sealed chamber to release the inflation gas from a compressed state.

[0051] A hybrid inflator uses a combination of combustion and compressed gas storage to provide the inflation gas necessary to fill the inflatable bag 8.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the cartridge 18 may be disposed inside a shell or cover 22 that is attached to the back protector 12. The shell 22 is also shown in Figures 4-6. In a further embodiment (not shown in the enclosed figures), the shell 22 is applied directly to the outer surface of the wearable protective device.

[0053] Alternatively, the cartridge may be contained within the fabric of the wearable protective device 1 or possibly within the inflatable bag 8.

[0054] The inflation means 14 may be electronically controlled by a control unit 24, shown diagrammatically in Figure 1 and in detail in Figure 4, but which may also be present in other embodiments of the wearable protective device 1. The control unit 24 has the function of constantly monitoring the movements of the motorcyclist in order to quickly detect dangerous situations.

[0055] In this regard, the wearable protective device 1 comprises at least one sensor, not shown in the figures, for detecting forces acting on the wearable protective device 1. Preferably, the wearable protective device 1 comprises a plurality of sensors of a type connected to the control unit 24 and arranged on the wearable protective device 1.

[0056] These sensors may include accelerometers designed to detect acceleration acting on the wearable protective device 1 and / or gyroscopes designed to detect the movement and orientation of the wearable protective device 1.

[0057] The control unit 24 can also compare the data detected by the sensors at regular time intervals with an algorithm preloaded therein, based on which, if the data detected by the sensors indicate a dangerous situation, such as, for example, a loss of control of the motorcycle being driven by the motorcyclist or some other abnormality, the control unit 24 sends a triggering signal to the inflation means 14 for inflating the at least one inflatable bag 8.

[0058] By "dangerous situation" is meant a situation in which the wearable protective device 1 is subjected to sudden acceleration / deceleration and / or sudden changes in its orientation and angular velocity.

[0059] As an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the inflation means 14 may be mechanically actuated by utilising an activation cable connecting the wearable protective device to the motorcycle, such cable actuating the inflatable bag 8 following separation of the motorcyclist by the motorcycle, typically caused by a fall and / or impact.

[0060] As a result of activation of the inflation means 14, the inflatable bag 8 transitions from its rest configuration to an active or inflated configuration.

[0061] According to the present invention, the wearable protective device 1 comprises at least one pressure sensing device 26 associated with an inflatable bag or bags 8, as shown in Figures 1-6.

[0062] The pressure sensing device 26 is configured to directly or indirectly sense the pressure of the inflation fluid in the inflatable bag 8, and in particular to sense the pressure of the inflation fluid inside the inflatable bag after operation of the inflation means 14.

[0063] By "direct sensing" of pressure within inflatable bag 8, it is intended that pressure sensing device 26 be configured to directly measure the internal pressure of the inflatable bag.

[0064] By "indirect sensing" of the pressure inside the inflatable bag 8, it is intended that the pressure sensing device 26 is configured to sense a physical parameter of the inflatable bag 8 that correlates to the internal pressure of the inflatable bag 8. One example of such a physical parameter may be the spatial deformation of the inflatable bag 8.

[0065] In particular, pressure sensing device 26 includes at least one pressure sensor that may have different configurations.

[0066] The pressure sensor 28 may be selected within the group including electromagnetic, piezoelectric, capacitive or piezoresistive sensors, one example of which is shown in FIG.

[0067] The pressure sensor directly senses the pressure within the inflatable bag 8 on a periodic basis and generates a series of pressure data.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4 , the pressure sensor 28 may be attached to a support element 30 , preferably a ring made of inelastic fabric, located at the connection end 16 between the inflation means 14 and the inflatable bag 8 .

[0069] Alternatively, the pressure sensor 28 may be applied directly to the inflatable bag 8 .

[0070] Alternatively, the pressure sensor may consist of a mechanical device associated with the inflatable bag 8 and designed to be mechanically switched on when a predefined threshold pressure value is reached inside the inflatable bag 8. The mechanical pressure sensor is designated by the reference number 32. This sensor 32 is thus configured to indirectly detect the pressure inside the inflatable bag 8.

[0071] This pressure sensor 32 is shown in detail in Figures 5 and 6, where the inflatable bag 8 is shown in a deflated and inflated configuration, respectively.

[0072] As can be seen from the figure, this pressure sensor 32 may also be arranged at the connection end 16 between the inflation means 14 and the inflatable bag 8 and may, for example, comprise a mechanical button which may be attached to a support element 30 of the type described above.

[0073] The support element 30 is positioned at the end of the inflatable bag 8 to move it from a first position (see FIG. 5) to a second position (see FIG. 6) suitable for contacting the button when the inflatable bag 8 is inflated.

[0074] Similarly, when the inflatable bag 8 is deflated, it is no longer in contact with the button and the button can return to its initial position.

[0075] As a result, in this case only two pressure signals are generated: a first signal is generated when the button passes from the first position to the second position, and a second signal is generated when the button passes from the second position to the first position. The first position signals that the inflatable bag is fully or partially deflated, and the second position signals that the inflatable bag is fully inflated.

[0076] Other types of sensors intended to indirectly detect the pressure within the inflatable bag 8 may be present, such as strain gauge sensors not shown in the figures.

[0077] Regardless of the type of sensor used, the pressure sensing device 26 may be connected to a control unit configured to compare data received from the pressure sensing device 26 with pressure reference data.

[0078] According to the illustrated embodiment, and particularly that of FIG. 4, the pressure sensing device 26 is connected to the controller 24 , for example by a plug 34 or by a wireless connection that is separate from the pressure sensing device 26 .

[0079] This control unit 24 may be the same processing device as described above and configured to trigger the inflation means 14 of the inflatable bag 8 .

[0080] Thus, in this embodiment, the control unit 24 implements an algorithm that controls the activation of the inflation means 14 and another algorithm that refines the pressure data received from the pressure detection device 26 and compares it with pressure reference data.

[0081] In the alternative, the control unit may be integrated into the pressure sensing device 26. This particular embodiment is particularly useful when activation of the inflation means 14 is mechanically controlled.

[0082] In either case, the control unit 24 includes a memory for storing the pressure reference data, or the pressure reference data may be stored as a status word in an algorithm running in the control unit.

[0083] The pressure data detected by the pressure sensing device 26 may be stored in the memory mentioned above or in an additional memory of the control unit 24. In this way, the detected data is also available for later processing.

[0084] The pressure baseline data is exemplary data obtained from evaluation of internal pressure variations of a baseline inflatable bag in multiple crush tests. The baseline inflatable bag is preferably a bag that has undergone a single inflation without exhibiting tearing or damage.

[0085] The pressure reference data is related to various characteristics of the inflatable bag and the inflation means, namely: - the volume of the inflatable bag, Types of inflatable bags, · Cartridge specifications (pressure at which the gas must expand inside the bag, type of gas, number of moles).

[0086] In a first mode of operation, the control unit 24 may be configured to compare the peak pressure value with a reference peak pressure value stored in memory.

[0087] The detected pressure peak value corresponds to one of the pressure data transmitted from the pressure detection device 26 to the control unit 24, and once received, this value is processed as a peak value by the control unit 24 and compared with a reference peak value obtained for an inflatable bag having similar characteristics to the inflatable bag 8 of the present wearable protective device 1.

[0088] In a second mode of operation, the control unit 24 may be configured to compare the pressure value detected at a given time during the deflation of the inflatable bag 8 with a reference pressure value stored in memory.

[0089] In this case, the algorithm of the control unit 24 is configured to process a pressure value taken at a certain time during deflation, for example 7 seconds after activation of the inflation means 14, with a reference deflation pressure value taken at the same time for an inflatable bag having similar characteristics to the inflatable bag 8 of the present wearable protective device 1.

[0090] In the case of a mechanical pressure sensor 32, the detected pressure value and the reference deflation value stored in the control unit will be correlated with the signal generated by a similar sensor in the first or second position.

[0091] For example, at a given time during the deflation of the bag, 7 seconds in the direct method, the control unit's algorithm verifies whether the sensor is in its first position, where the bag is fully or partially deflated, or in its second position, where the bag is inflated. If the sensor is in the first position, this is interpreted by the control unit as an indication that the bag has experienced too rapid a deflation and cannot be reused. The control unit will issue an appropriate warning signal.

[0092] Conversely, if after a predefined time interval the sensor is in its second position, this is interpreted by the control unit as an indication that the bag can be reused and no warning signal is output.

[0093] Further, the algorithm of the control unit 24 may be configured to process the time taken to reach a predetermined reference pressure value during deflation of the inflatable bag 8 based on the data detected by the pressure detection device 26.

[0094] The algorithm of the control unit 24 may also be configured to process the data detected by the pressure sensing device 26 at regular time intervals during contraction to evaluate differences between the data taken at the same time intervals and the baseline data.

[0095] As a further mode of operation, the control unit 24 may be configured to detect fluctuations in pressure for either the airtight or non-airtight bag based on data received by the pressure sensing device 26 .

[0096] In this case, the control unit 24 can verify, based on the data detected by the pressure detection device 26, whether or not an abnormal pressure loss occurs after the expansion means 14 is triggered.

[0097] As mentioned above, in Figures 7 and 8 the variation in the internal pressure of the inflatable bag 8 after operation of the inflation means 14 as detected by the pressure detection device 26 and processed by the control unit 24 is shown diagrammatically in dashed lines.

[0098] In particular, in Figures 7 and 8, pressure data for a damaged airtight inflatable bag and a non-airtight inflatable bag are depicted by dashed lines, respectively.

[0099] In the figure, possible examples of reference data are shown in solid lines as indicated above.

[0100] Indeed, in the diagrams of Figures 7 and 8, the deviation between the detected data and the reference data is relevant and exceeds a threshold value: the inflatable bag with these pressure values ​​needs to be replaced.

[0101] Obviously, the data detected by the pressure sensing device 26 can be processed in different modes by the control unit 24 by changing its algorithm.

[0102] A comparison may be made between the sensed pressure data and the reference pressure data, and a warning signal may be generated if the deviation between the data exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0103] A deviation above the threshold value means that the inflatable bag 8 is deflating too quickly after being inflated. This occurrence is evidence that the inflatable bag 8 is damaged and therefore cannot be reused in the wearable protective device 1 in order to guarantee a high safety level.

[0104] The wearable protective device 1 may be provided with an alarm means 36, better shown in Figure 3, associated with the control unit 24. The alarm means 36 may be integrated in the control unit 24 or connected by a wired connection 38 or a wireless connection.

[0105] 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the alarm means 36 is connected to the pressure detection device 26 having a built-in control unit. When the control unit 24 detects a deviation between the detected pressure data and the reference pressure data, the alarm means 36 is activated by, for example, an activation signal from the control unit 24.

[0106] In this way, the user is informed with a warning signal about the need to replace the inflatable bag 8 before reusing the wearable protective device 1.

[0107] The warning means 36 are also capable of generating a warning signal in case of detecting a pressure loss for the airtight bag 8 .

[0108] The warning signal may be a visible or an audible signal, and thus the alarm means 36 may consist for example of an LED, a display or a speaker.

[0109] Preferably, these warning means 36 are located on a part of the wearable protective device 1 that can be easily seen and heard by the user, such as, for example, on the outer surface 10 of the wearable protective device 1, as shown in FIG.

[0110] If the inflatable bag 8 does not suffer any damage during inflation, the alarm means 36 is not activated by the control unit 24 so that the user knows that replacement of the inflatable bag 8 is not necessary.

[0111] Alternatively, the alarm means 36 can be activated by the control unit 24 even if no damage to the inflatable bag 8 is detected, and therefore emits a warning signal different from that emitted in the event of damage to the inflatable bag 8.

[0112] For example, if the alarm means 36 comprises one or more LEDs, they may signal the absence of damage with a green light and the presence of damage with a red light.

[0113] Another object of the invention is also a method for assessing whether an inflatable bag 8 of a wearable protective device 1, of the type described above, is reusable once inflated.

[0114] The method comprises the following steps. - detecting the pressure in the inflatable bag 8 by means of a pressure detection device 26, directly or indirectly, in particular after operation of the inflation means 14, comparing the detected pressure data with pressure reference data stored in the control unit 24; generating a warning signal when it is detected that the deviation between the detected pressure data and the reference pressure data exceeds a predetermined threshold value, respectively;

[0115] At this point of the disclosure, it will be clear how the predefined objectives are achieved with a wearable protective device according to the present invention.

[0116] In particular, by means of the pressure detection device, in cooperation with a control unit connected thereto, the wearable protective device is able to detect potential damage to the inflatable bag after inflation and communicate the same to the user.

[0117] The user may advantageously be informed if the bag needs to be replaced due to a detected pressure loss, and at the same time, if no pressure loss is detected, the user may be informed of the possibility of reusing the wearable protective device in a safe manner without replacing the inflatable bag.

[0118] Therefore, automatic checking of the bag status allows the user to save time, ensures that the wearable protective device is always used under safe conditions, and prevents the user from having to replace the inflatable bag when it is not necessary.

[0119] Furthermore, the addition of the pressure sensing device does not cause an increase in weight and bulk of the wearable protective device, and does not affect the normal function of the inflatable bag, which is independent of the pressure sensing device.

[0120] Those skilled in the art may modify and / or replace the described elements with equivalent elements to meet particular requirements without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0121] For example, one skilled in the art could replace the described pressure sensors with other equivalent pressure sensors, or place the sensors in different locations without thereby departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. At least one inflatable bag (8) configured to alternate between a rest configuration in a deflated state and an active configuration in an inflated state; and inflation means (14) in fluid communication with said at least one inflatable bag (8) and configured to introduce inflation fluid therein when actuated thereof; at least one pressure sensing device (26) associated with said at least one inflatable bag (8) and configured to directly or indirectly sense a pressure of inflation fluid in said at least one inflatable bag (8) after triggering of said inflation means (14); Equipped with a control unit (24) configured to compare pressure data received from the at least one pressure sensing device (26) with pressure reference data stored in the control unit (24); the at least one pressure sensing device (26) comprises one or more pressure sensors (28, 32) connected to the control unit (24); said one or more pressure sensors (32) being mounted on a support element (30) arranged at a connection end (16) between said inflation means and said at least one inflatable bag (8); The wearable protective device (1), characterized in that the one or more pressure sensors (32) are comprised of a mechanical device designed to contact the at least one inflatable bag (8) and to mechanically switch between a first position and a second position when a predetermined threshold pressure value is reached inside the at least one inflatable bag (8).

2. The wearable protective device (1) of claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (24) is connected to the at least one pressure detection device (26), and the control unit (24) is further connected to one or more sensors intended to detect forces acting on the wearable protective device (1) that trigger the inflation means (14).

3. The wearable protective device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (24) is integrated into the at least one pressure sensing device (26).

4. The wearable protective device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (24) comprises a memory in which the pressure reference data is stored.

5. The wearable protective device (1) of claim 4, characterized in that the control unit (24) is configured to store pressure data received from the at least one pressure sensing device (26) in the memory.

6. The wearable protective device (1) of claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (24) is configured to compare a pressure value detected at a predetermined time during the deflation of the at least one inflatable bag (8) with a reference deflation pressure value stored in the control unit (24).

7. The wearable protective device (1) of claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (24) is configured to detect pressure variations inside the at least one inflatable bag (8) once the at least one inflatable bag (8) is inflated based on pressure data received from the at least one pressure detection device (26).

8. The wearable protective device (1) of claim 1, characterized in that the one or more pressure sensors (32) are configured to move from the first position to the second position when the at least one inflatable bag (8) is inflated and return to the first position when the at least one inflatable bag (8) is deflated, and the one or more pressure sensors (32) are configured to indirectly detect pressure in the at least one inflatable bag (8).

9. A method for assessing whether an inflatable bag (8) of a wearable protective device (1) can be reused once it has been inflated, said wearable protective device (1) being of the type according to any one of claims 1 to 8, - indirectly detecting the pressure in said at least one inflatable bag (8) by said pressure detection device (26) after triggering of said inflation means (14); - comparing the pressure data detected by the pressure detection device (26) with the pressure reference data stored in the control unit (24); - generating a warning signal to a user if a deviation between the detected pressure data and the pressure reference data is detected above a predefined threshold; 23. A method comprising:

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