INFLATABLE ACTIVE PROTECTION MECHANISM FOR UNDERGROUND ENVIRONMENTS WITH AUTOMATED VIBRATION ACTIVATION AND ELECTROPNEUMATIC CONTROL

Abstract

The invention focuses on an Inflatable Active Protection Mechanism designed to provide an immediate, automated, and reliable solution for emergency situations in underground environments, such as tunnels, mine galleries, and confined spaces, where response time and operational safety are critical. The main purpose of the invention is to guarantee the protection of personnel and infrastructure through the automatic or manual activation of an inflatable barrier, which deploys rapidly in response to risk events such as vibrations, collapses, or adverse environmental conditions, executing a complete cycle of detection, processing, inflation, and containment without the need for constant operator intervention. This device is composed of five main sections; the first section includes the LED-based luminaires (1), the precipitation and vibration sensor (2), and the audiovisual alarm (3).In the second section are the control cabinet (4), the Programmable Logic Controller (11) and the Human Machine Interface for monitoring and control (6); in the third section are the automatic activation module (5), the manual activation module (7), the electro-pneumatic valves (12) and the air compressor (13); in the fourth section are the air distribution cabin (14), the reinforced air bag (16), the cabin anchors (15) and the steel protection cage (17); finally, in the fifth section are the emergency stop (8), the 220V pilot (9) and the AC push button (10);This machine will facilitate active and efficient protection in high-risk underground spaces, minimizing human exposure to imminent dangers, optimizing response time in emergencies and offering a robust, adaptable and technically advanced solution for environments that require immediate intervention without compromising operational integrity.