System for detecting fall event

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness. The system includes an electronic unit configured to be coupled to the harness. The electronic unit includes a activation element configured to be mechanically actuated from an inactive configuration to an active configuration and an electronic circuit electrically coupled to the activation element. The system further includes a mechanical unit including a mechanical structure configured to be coupled to the harness. The system further includes a lost motion connector movably coupling the mechanical structure to the activation element and having a predetermined movement range. The lost motion connector allows a movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element within the predetermined movement range. The lost motion connector is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element to the active configuration when the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element exceeds the predetermined movement range.

Description

PA102406W002SYSTEM FOR DETECTING FALL EVENTTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a fall protection equipment, and more specifically, to a system for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness.Background

[0002] Fall protection equipment is an important safety equipment for users operating at potentially harmful or even deadly heights. For example, to help ensure safety in a fall event, users often wear safety harnesses connected to support structures with fall protection equipment, such as lanyards, energy absorbers, self-retracting lifelines (SRLs), descenders, and the like. When a user is connected to a support structure, the user may be referred to as being “tied off” or “anchored.” To maintain a safe working condition when working at heights, the user must always maintain at least one connection to a support structure.

[0003] Fall protection equipment may include a variety of components for connecting the user to the support structure (also referred to as an anchorage). For example, snap hooks and carabiners (or more broadly connectors) may have moveable gates that allow the user to connect to and disconnect from the support structure. In another example, a ladder safety system may include a carrier containing a moveable gate that allows the user to connect to and disconnect from a fall arrest system designed for vertically ascending ladders using flexible cable or rigid rail support structure and a sternal D-Ring harness connection.

[0004] Various types of fall detection devices have been employed to automatically generate alarms or notifications in the event of a fall by a user while utilizing the fall protection equipment. Fall event notifications may be received by other site personel such as workers or site safety personel or it may be transmitted or transferred to a central server for activation of a prompt rescue plan. Conventional fall detection devices are usually installed on anchors, lanyards, or lifelines. Anchors, lanyards, and lifelines may be different in design from one fall protection equipment manufacturer to another. Additionally, jobsites may require different setups of the individual elements that form a fall arrest system. Fall protection standards may also impose specific elemental requirements around the types and material makeups of the fall protection elements that may be used in a system. These differing elements that make up a fall protection system may impose a challenge in defining uniformity when it comes to universal elements in a fall protection system used to detect falls.

[0005] Furthermore, conventional fall detection devices have a tendency to generate false positives or false negatives based on incorrect interpretations of falling activity, making them unreliable and leading to unnecessary disruptions. Moreover, conventional fall detection devices may not be retrofittable to the existing fall protection equipment. Therefore, there is a need for a system that ensures reliability in the detection of the fall event by overcoming above-mentioned limitations.Summary

[0006] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness. The system includes an electronic unit configured to be coupled to the harness. The electronic unit includes an activation element configured to be mechanically actuated from an inactive configuration to an active configuration. The activation element is normally disposed in the inactive configuration until the activation element is mechanically actuated to the active configuration. The electronic unit further includes an electronic circuit electrically coupled to the activation element. The electronic circuit is disposed in an off state when the activation element is in the inactive configuration and disposed in an on state when the activation element is in the active configuration. In the on state, the electronic circuit generates an output indicative of the fall event of the user. The system further includes a mechanical unit spaced apart from the electronic unit and including a mechanical structure configured to be coupled to the harness. The system further includes a lost motion connector movably coupling the mechanical structure to the activation element and having a predetermined movement range. The lost motion connector allows a movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element within the predetermined movement range, such that the activation element remains in the inactive configuration if the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element is within the predetermined movement range . The predetermined movement range corresponds to the fall event of the user. The lost motion connector is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration when the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element exceeds the predetermined movement range.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides fall protection equipment. The fall protection equipment includes a harness designed using webbing, tear web, and connection points (e.g. D-Rings). The webbing or tear web may include a stitched portion that is normally in a folded configuration and extends to an unfolded configuration upon a fall event of a user using the harness, originally intended as a harness fall indicator. The stitched portion includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The fall protection equipment further includes the system of the first aspect. The electronic unit is secured proximal to the first end of the stitched portion and the mechanical unit is secured to the second end of the stitched portion, such that the stitched portion is disposed between the electronic unit and the mechanical unit. The inactive configuration of the activation element corresponds to the folded configuration of the stitched portion and the active configuration of the activation element corresponds to the unfolded configuration of the stitched portion.

[0008] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness. The system includes an electronic unit configured to be coupled to the harness. The electronic unit includes an activation element configured to be mechanically actuated from an inactive configuration to an active configuration. The activation element is normally disposed in the inactive configuration until the activation element is mechanically actuated to the active configuration. Theelectronic unit further includes an electronic circuit electrically coupled to the activation element. The electronic circuit is disposed in an off state when the activation element is in the inactive configuration and disposed in an on state when the activation element is in the active configuration. In the on state, the electronic circuit generates an output indicative of the fall event of the user. The system further includes a mechanical unit spaced apart from the electronic unit and including a mechanical structure configured to be coupled to the harness. The system further includes a lost motion connector movably coupling the mechanical structure to the activation element and having a predetermined movement range. The lost motion connector allows a movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element within the predetermined movement range, such that the electronic circuit remains in the inactive configuration if the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element is within the predetermined movement range . The predetermined movement range corresponds to the fall event of the user. The lost motion connector is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration when the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element exceeds the predetermined movement range. The system further includes an elastomeric housing including a first portion enclosing the electronic unit, a second portion enclosing the mechanical unit, and a tearable portion enclosing the lost motion connector and connecting the first portion to the second portion. The tearable portion is elastic and allows the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector. The tearable portion is configured to tear beyond the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a fall protection equipment. The fall protection equipment includes a harness including a webbing. The webbing includes a stitched portion that is normally in a folded configuration and extends to an unfolded configuration upon a fall event of a user using the harness. The stitched portion includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The fall protection equipment further includes the system of the third aspect. The electronic unit is secured proximal to the first end of the stitched portion and the mechanical unit is secured to the second end of the stitched portion, such that the stitched portion is disposed between the electronic unit and the mechanical unit. The inactive configuration of the activation element corresponds to the folded configuration of the stitched portion and the active configuration of the activation element corresponds to the unfolded configuration of the stitched portion.

[0010] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it willbe understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fall protection equipment, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams of a system of the fall protection equipment of FIG. 1 for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of the system of FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a system for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of a system for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic unit of the system of FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams of an activation element of the system of FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a fall protection equipment, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIGS. 9A and 9B are block diagrams of a system of the fall protection equipment of FIG. 8 for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of the system of FIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB are schematic diagrams of a system for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0023] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0024] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

[0025] As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about”. As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

[0026] The term “about”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 5% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0027] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20 % for quantifiable properties).

[0028] As used herein, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B”.

[0029] As used herein, the term “mechanical actuation” may include without limitation pneumatic, hydraulic, gear drive, belt drive, lever, spring, knob, cable, shear pin, and the like.

[0030] The term “mechanically coupled” may include direct physical connections between two or more components, or indirect physical connections between two or more components that are connected together by one or more additional components. For example, a first component may be mechanically coupled to a second component by being directly connected together or by being connected by a third component.

[0031] As used herein, the term “electrically coupled” refers to direct coupling between components and / or indirect coupling between components via one or more intervening electric components, such that an electric signal can be passed between the two components. As an example of indirect coupling, two components can be referred to as being electrically coupled, even though they may have an intervening electric component between them which still allows an electric signal to pass from one component to the other component. Such intervening components may comprise, but are not limited to, wires, traces on a circuit board, and / or another electrically conductive medium / component.

[0032] The term “electrically isolated” generally describes a relationship between two conductors within an area and / or volume. Specifically, if a first conductor is electrically isolated from a second conductor within an area, the first conductor does not intersect or otherwise come in electrical contact with the second conductor within the area. The first conductor may, however, intersect or be in electrical contact with the second conductor outside the area. For example, two conductors can be electrically isolated from each other within a winding region but electrically coupled to each other within a terminal region.

[0033] The present disclosure relates to a system for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness. The system of the present disclosure is particularly used for detection of fall events of users working at potentially dangerous heights. The harness may be a combination of one or more of lanyards, connectors, anchorage connectors, lifelines, body harnesses, or the like.

[0034] The present disclosure provides a system for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness. The system includes an electronic unit configured to be coupled to the harness. The electronic unit includes an activation element configured to be mechanically actuated from an inactive configurationto an active configuration. The activation element is normally disposed in the inactive configuration until the activation element is mechanically actuated to the active configuration. The electronic unit further includes an electronic circuit electrically coupled to the activation element. The electronic circuit is disposed in an off state when the activation element is in the inactive configuration and disposed in an on state when the activation element is in the active configuration. In the on state, the electronic circuit generates an output indicative of the fall event of the user. The system further includes a mechanical unit spaced apart from the electronic unit and including a mechanical structure configured to be coupled to the harness. The system further includes a lost motion connector movably coupling the mechanical structure to the activation element and having a predetermined movement range. The lost motion connector allows a movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element within the predetermined movement range, such that the activation element remains in the inactive configuration if the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element is within the predetermined movement range. The predetermined movement range corresponds to the fall event of the user. The lost motion connector is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration when the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element exceeds the predetermined movement range.

[0035] As the lost motion connector is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration when the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element exceeds the predetermined movement range, the system of the present disclosure may not generate any false alarm for a non-falling activity associated with the user. In other words, as the activation element is not actuated from the inactive configuration to the active configuration when the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element is less than or equal to the predetermined movement range, the system of the present disclosure generates the output only when the genuine fall event occurs. Due to these factors, the system of the present disclosure is more reliable than conventional fall detection systems. Moreover, due to prevention of false alarms, unnecessary disruptions at work sites may be avoided and utilization of resources can be planned in a better way. This may improve an overall effectiveness of the system of the present disclosure.

[0036] Further, the coupling or attachment of the system of the present disclosure to the harness (instead of anchors, lanyards, or lifelines) may provide uniformity when it comes to fall protection detection because the harness is a universal component in every kind or design of fall protection equipment. Thus, the system of the present disclosure may be used on different kinds of fall protection equipment without imposing much change to overall architecture. In addition to this, the system of the present disclosure may be retrofitably attached to the harness.

[0037] Referring now to Figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fall protection equipment 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fall protection equipment 50 includes a harness 80 and a system 100 for detecting a fall event of a user using the harness 80. In some embodiments, the harness80 may be an integral part of a fall protection equipment 50. The harness 80 may be a combination of one or more of lanyards, connectors, anchorage connectors, lifelines, body harnesses, or the like. The harness 80 is used by the user within one or more physical environments, which may include but is not limited to construction sites, mining or manufacturing sites. It should be noted that the system 100 may be retrofitted to the harness 80. In other words, the system 100 may be configured to be removably coupled to the harness 80.

[0038] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes an electronic unit 102 configured to be coupled to the harness 80. The electronic unit 102 may be removably coupled to the harness 80. The electronic unit 102 includes an activation element 104 configured to be mechanically actuated from an inactive configuration Cl to an active configuration C2 (shown in FIG. 2B). The activation element 104 is normally disposed in the inactive configuration Cl until the activation element 104 is mechanically actuated to the active configuration C2.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the activation element 104 is in the inactive configuration Cl. FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the system 100, in which the activation element 104 is in the active configuration C2. The activation element 104 may be a valve, a clamp, a rotating part, a reciprocating part, a separating part, a tool, or any other movable component. In some embodiments, the activation element 104 is a reed switch, a hall effect switch, a magnetometer, or a vane sensor. An exemplary embodiment of the activation element 104 will be described later in the description.

[0040] The electronic unit 102 further includes an electronic circuit 106 electrically coupled to the activation element 104. The electronic circuit 106 is disposed in an off state SI (shown in FIG. 2A) when the activation element 104 is in the inactive configuration Cl and disposed in an on state S2 (shown in FIG. 2B) when the activation element 104 is in the active configuration C2. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the electronic circuit 106 is disposed in the off state SI. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B, the electronic circuit 106 is disposed in the on state S2.

[0041] In the on state S2, the electronic circuit 106 generates an output 108 indicative of the fall event of the user. In some embodiments, the output 108 includes at least one of an audio signal, a text message, a visual signal, and a haptic signal. In some cases, the output 108 may include alerts or notifications on mobile phones and their mobile applications. The output 108 may be transmitted to a central server, a cloud, or a safety officer, or multiple destinations. In some cases, the output 108 may include radio signals including but not limited to Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, WiFi, LoRa, cellular or other wireless protocols of the like that are transmitted to one or more predefined addresses. For example, the output 108 may include Bluetooth signals that could generate alerts on mobile phones or wearables. In some cases, the output 108 may be transmitted to one or more harness associated with other workers. For example, the output 108 may include audible alerts transmitted to a hearing protector communication headset, such as 3M™ Peltor™ WS™ ProTac XPI Headsets from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minnesota. For example, the output 108 may include Wi-Fi signals that couldbe tied to Cloud applications where the alert could be any number of cloud related services (e.g., website dashboards, emails, texts, etc.).

[0042] The electronic unit 102 further includes a power source 112 and an alarm unit 114 configured to generate the output 108 as an alarm indicative of the fall event of the user. The activation element 104 electrically isolates the power source 112 from the alarm unit 114 in the inactive configuration Cl, as shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, and electrically connects the power source 112 to the alarm unit 114 in the active configuration C2, as shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the alarm unit 114 includes one or more of a speaker, a vibration device, a light emitting diode, a buzzer, and a message generator.

[0043] The system 100 further includes a mechanical unit 116 spaced apart from the electronic unit 102 and including a mechanical structure 118 configured to be coupled to the harness 80. In some embodiments, the mechanical structure 118 includes at least one of a mechanical linkage, a gear drive, a friction drive, a cable, and a connecting cord. In some embodiments, the mechanical unit 116 may be removably coupled to the harness.

[0044] The system 100 further includes a lost motion connector 120 movably coupling the mechanical structure 118 to the activation element 104 and having a predetermined movement range. The lost motion connector 120 allows a movement of the mechanical structure 118 relative to the activation element 104 within the predetermined movement range, such that the activation element 104 remains in the inactive configuration Cl if the movement of the mechanical structure 118 relative to the activation element 104 is within the predetermined movement range. The predetermined movement range corresponds to a fall event of the user. The lost motion connector 120 is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element 104 from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2 when the movement of the mechanical structure 118 relative to the activation element 104 exceeds the predetermined movement range.

[0045] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of the system 100 of FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3A, the harness 80 includes a webbing 122. The webbing 122 includes a stitched portion 124 that is in a folded configuration C3. In FIG. 3 A the stitched portion 124 is shown in the folded configuration C3. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of the system 100, in which the stitched portion 124 is shown in an unfolded configuration C4. The stitched portion 124 is normally in the folded configuration C3 and extends to the unfolded configuration C4 upon the fall event of the user using the harness 80.

[0046] The stitched portion 124 includes a first end 126 (shown in FIG. 3B) and a second end 128 disposed opposite to the first end 126. The electronic unit 102 is secured proximal to the first end 126 of the stitched portion 124 and the mechanical unit 116 is secured to the second end 128 of the stitched portion 124, such that the stitched portion 124 is disposed between the electronic unit 102 and the mechanical unit 116. The inactive configuration Cl of the activation element 104 corresponds to thefolded configuration C3 of the stitched portion 124 and the active configuration C2 of the activation element 104 corresponds to the unfolded configuration C4 of the stitched portion 124.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the lost motion connector 120 includes a wire assembly 140 extending between and detachably connecting the electronic unit 102 and the mechanical unit 116. The wire assembly 140 includes a flexible wire 142 fixedly connected to the mechanical unit 116 and a pair of connectors 148 extending from the flexible wire 142 and detachably connected to the activation element 104.

[0048] In the folded configuration C3 of the stitched portion 124, each connector 148 from the pair of connectors 148 is connected to the activation element 104, thereby facilitating disposal of the activation element 104 in the inactive configuration Cl (shown in FIG. 2A). Upon occurrence of the fall event of the user, the webbing 122 gets extended from the folded configuration C3 to the unfolded configuration C4, thereby disconnecting the pair of connectors 148 from the activation element 104. Once the pair of connectors 148 is disconnected from the activation element 104, the activation element 104 is mechanically actuated from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2 (shown in FIG. 2B).

[0049] Moreover, upon occurrence of the fall event of the user, the flexible wire 142 allows a relative movement between the mechanical unit 116 and the electronic unit 102 within the predetermined movement range. When the relative movement between the mechanical unit 116 and the electronic unit 102 exceeds the predetermined movement range, the pair of connectors 148 gets disconnected from the electronic unit 102. This ensures the actuation of the alarm unit 114 for a genuine fall event only, thereby leading to improved reliability of the system 100.

[0050] It should be understood here that various examples of the lost motion connector 120 other than the wire assembly 140 can be installed and used in the fall protection equipment 50 of FIG. 1. Some exemplary embodiments of the lost motion connector 120 will be described later in the description.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3B, the coupling or attachment of the system 100 to the harness 80 (instead of anchors, lanyards, or lifelines) may provide uniformity when it comes to fall protection detection because the harness 80 is a universal component in every kind or design of fall protection equipment. Thus, the system 100 may be used on different kinds of fall protection equipment without imposing much change to overall architecture. In addition to this, the system 100 may be retrofitably attached to a Z-fold in the webbing 122 of the harness 80 by one or more connectors or brackets. In some embodiments, the system 100 may be retrofitably attached to a Z-fold in a webbing of a shock pack by one or more connectors or brackets. It should be stated that Z-fold doesn’t necessarily limit to a webbing folded in the shape of a “Z” but rather any webbing that may be folded and sewn for the purposes of slowing a fall in a shock absorber or shock pack whereby the Z-fold may not be actually a “Z” shaped configuration.

[0052] As the lost motion connector 120 is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element 104 from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2 when the movement of themechanical structure 118 relative to the activation element 104 exceeds the predetermined movement range, the system 100 may not generate any false alarm for a non-falling activity associated with the user. In other words, as the activation element 104 is not actuated from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2 when the movement of the mechanical structure 118 relative to the activation element 104 is less than or equal to the predetermined movement range, the system 100 generates the output 108 only when the genuine fall event occurs. Due to these factors, the system 100 may be more reliable than conventional fall detection systems. Moreover, due to prevention of false alarms, unnecessary disruptions at work sites may be avoided and utilization of resources can be planned in a better way. This may improve an overall effectiveness of the system 100.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a system 200 for detecting the fall event of the user using the harness 80 (shown in FIG. 3A), according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 is substantially similar to the system 100 of FIG. 3 A with common components being referred to by the same reference numerals. A functional advantage of the system 200 is the same as that of the system 100 of FIG. 3 A. However, the system 200 includes a lost motion connector 152 (instead of the lost motion connector 120 shown in FIG. 3A).

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4, the lost motion connector 152 includes a tab 154 detachably connected to the activation element 104. The tab 154 detaches from the activation element 104 beyond the predetermined movement range. The lost motion connector 152 further includes an elongate element 156 movably connecting the tab 154 to the mechanical structure 118. The tab 154 is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element 104 from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2 upon detachment from the activation element 104.

[0055] The elongate element 156 has a zig-zag portion 158 that is normally in a zig-zag shape within the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector 152. Beyond the predetermined movement range, the zig-zag portion 158 straightens and detaches the tab 154 from the activation element 104, thereby mechanically actuating the activation element 104 from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the zig-zag portion 158 is in the zig-zag shape and the activation element 104 (not shown in FIG. 4) is in the inactive configuration Cl. Further, the actuation of the activation element 104 from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2 causes the power source 112 to get electrically connected with the alarm unit 114 to generate the output 108 as the alarm indicative of the fall event of the user.

[0056] In some embodiments, the tab 154 may be an insulator which keeps an electrical circuit (not shown) open when the tab 154 is connected to the activation element 104. Once the insulator (i.e., the tab 154) is disconnected from the activation element 104, the electrical circuit is closed and the electronic circuit 106 generates the output 108.

[0057] In some embodiments, the mechanical unit 116 further includes a sealing member 160 to seal internal components (i.e., the activation element 104 and the electronic circuit 106) of the system 200. The sealing member 160 may be an O-ring, preferably made of rubber. The sealing member 160 mayprevent intrusion of dust particles and water inside the electronic unit 102 to ensure safe and effective operation of the system 200.

[0058] FIG. 5 A is a schematic diagram of a system 300, for detecting the fall event of the user using the harness 80 (shown in FIG. 3A), according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 300 is substantially similar to the system 100 of FIG. 3A with common components being referred to by the same reference numerals. A functional advantage of the system 300 is the same as that of the system 100 of FIG. 3A. However, the system 300 includes a lost motion connector 162 (instead of the lost motion connector 120 shown in FIG. 3A).

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 5A, the lost motion connector 152 includes an elongate tab 164 detachably connected to the activation element 104 (not shown in FIG. 5A). In FIG. 5 A, the elongate tab 164 is shown as connected to the activation element 104 of the electronic unit 102. FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of the system 300, wherein the elongate tab 164 is shown as disconnected from the activation element 104. The elongate tab 164 is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element 104 from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2 upon detachment from the activation element 104.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 5A, and 5B, the elongate tab 164 includes a slot 166 proximal to the mechanical structure 118. The lost motion connector 152 further includes a pin 168 connected to the mechanical structure 118 and movably received within the slot 166. The pin 168 is movable along the slot 166 within the predetermined movement range. Beyond the predetermined movement range, the pin 168 engages the elongate tab 164 to detach the elongate tab 164 from the activation element 104. The elongate tab 164 may be an insulating member.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the electronic unit 102 of the system 100 of FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 6, the electronic unit 102 further includes a housing 130 enclosing the activation element 104 and the electronic unit 102. The housing 130 includes a plurality of pointed members 132 configured to attach the housing 130 to the harness 80. The plurality of pointed members 132 of the housing 130 may facilitate securement of the electronic unit 102 to the webbing 122 (shown in FIG. 3A). In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the housing 130 may be a buckle type housing.

[0062] The housing 130 includes a first part 134 and a second part 136 pivotally coupled to the first part 134. Each of the first part 134 and the second part 136 includes the plurality of pointed members 132 configured to attach the housing 130 to the harness 80. The plurality of pointed members 132 of each of the first part 134 and the second part 136 hold and retain the webbing 122 (shown in FIG. 3A) of the harness 80 therebetween, thereby securing the housing 130 to the harness 80.

[0063] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of the activation element 104 of the system 100 of FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 7A the activation element 104 is shown in the inactive configuration Cl . FIG. 7B is schematic diagram of the activation element 104 shown in the active configuration C2.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 4, 7A, and 7B, the activation element 104 is a clamp 170 including a pair of elastic tangs 172. The tab 154 (also shown in FIG. 4) is electrically insulating. The tab 154 is removably received between the pair of elastic tangs 172 and electrically isolates the pair of elastic tangs 172 in the inactive configuration Cl of the activation element 104. Upon removal of the tab 154, the pair of elastic tangs 172 electrically connect to each other to mechanically actuate the activation element 104 from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2.

[0065] In some embodiments, the tab 154 provides a color indication indicative of the fall event of the user. In some embodiments, the tab 154 may be painted in a color (e.g., red or green or blue, and so on) and as the tab 154 gets detached from the activation element 104, the painted color is visible. The color indication or the visual signal of the occurrence of the fall event of the user may lead to early detection of such event and timely rescue operation of the user.

[0066] In some embodiments, the activation element 104 is provided in the form of a magnetic reed switch, that is actuated from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2 in response to a movement inside a magnetic field. It may be appreciated that the magnetic field may be produced by any means present in art. When the magnetic reed switch undergoes movement inside the magnetic field, the magnetic reed switch is actuated from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2. This change is sensed by the electronic circuit 106 and the electronic circuit 106 generates the output indicative of the fall event of the user.

[0067] In another embodiment, the activation element 104 also includes an imaging sensor configured to detect a speed of the user. In some embodiments, the imaging sensor may be a camera adapted to detect the speed of the user. When the speed of the user exceeds beyond a threshold speed for a predetermined distance, the electronic circuit 106 generates the output indicative of the fall event of the user. The threshold speed and the predetermined distance may be based on type of activity being performed by the user.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a fall protection equipment 50’, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The fall protection equipment 50’ is substantially similar to the fall protection equipment 50 of FIG. 1, with common components being referred to by the same reference numerals. However, the fall protection equipment 50’ includes a system 100’ (instead of the system 100) for detecting the fall event of the user using the harness 80 (also shown in FIG. 3A). It should be noted that the system 100' may be retrofitted to the harness 80. The system 100’ is substantially similar to the system 100 of FIG. 2A, with common components being referred to by the same reference numerals. However, the system 100’ further includes an elastomeric housing 400.

[0069] FIG. 9A is a block diagram of the system 100’, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9A, the activation element 104 is in the inactive configuration Cl and the electronic circuit 106 is disposed in the off state SI. FIG. 9B is a block diagram of the system 100’, in which the activation element 104 is in the active configuration C2 and the electronic circuit 106 is disposed in the on state S2.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the elastomeric housing 400 includes a first portion 402 enclosing the electronic unit 102, a second portion 404 enclosing the mechanical unit 116, and a tearable portion 406 enclosing the lost motion connector 120 and connecting the first portion 402 to the second portion 404. The tearable portion 406 is elastic and allows the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector 120. The tearable portion 406 is configured to tear beyond the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector 120.

[0071] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of the system 100’ of FIG. 9A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10A, the tearable portion 406 is shown in a joined position Pl (i.e., prior to tearing of the tearable portion 406). FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of the system 100’ of FIG. 9B, in which the tearable portion 406 is shown in a tom position P2.

[0072] The tom position P2 of the tearable portion 406 corresponds to the active configuration C2 of the activation element 104. The tearing of the tearable portion 406 facilitates actuation of the activation element 104 from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2. Moreover, the elastomeric housing 400 seals therein the electronic unit 102, the mechanical unit 116, and the lost motion connector 120 to prevent intmsion of dust particles and water inside the system 100 to ensure safe and effective operation of the electronic circuit 106.

[0073] Hence, the tearable portion 406 allows the relative movement between the mechanical unit 116 and the electronic unit 102 within the predetermined movement range. When the relative movement between the mechanical unit 116 and the electronic unit 102 exceeds the predetermined movement range, the tearable portion 406 gets tom, which results in disconnecting the lost motion connector 120 from the electronic unit 102. This ensures the actuation of the alarm unit 114 for a genuine fall event only, thereby leading to improved reliability of the system 100’.

[0074] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of a system 100” for detecting the fall event of the user using the harness 80, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100” is substantially similar to the system 100 of FIG. 3 A, with common components being referred to by the same reference numerals. However, the system 100” further includes a flexible housing 500. The flexible housing 500 includes a first portion 502 enclosing the electronic unit 102, a second portion 504 enclosing the mechanical unit 116, and a bellows 506 connecting the first portion 502 to the second portion 504 and enclosing the lost motion connector 120. The bellows 506 expands to allow the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector 120. Further, the bellows 506 is configured to tear beyond the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector 120. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 11A, the bellows 506 is shown in a joined position P3 (i.e., prior to the tearing of the bellows 506).

[0075] FIG. 1 IB is a schematic diagram of a system 100” in which the bellows 506 is shown in atom position P4. The tom position P4 of the bellows 506 corresponds to the active configuration C2 (shown in FIG. 2B) of the activation element 104 and the on state S2 of the electronic circuit 106. The tearingofthe bellows 506 facilitates actuation of the activation element 104 from the inactive configuration Cl to the active configuration C2.

[0076] The bellows 506 allows the relative movement between the mechanical unit 116 and the electronic unit 102 within the predetermined movement range. When the relative movement between the mechanical unit 116 and the electronic unit 102 exceeds the predetermined movement range, the bellows 506 gets tom, which results in disconnecting the lost motion connector 120 from the electronic unit 102. This ensures the actuation of the alarm unit 114 for a genuine fall event only, thereby leading to improved reliability of the system 100”.

[0077] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0078] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A system for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness, the system comprising: an electronic unit configured to be coupled to the harness and comprising: an activation element configured to be mechanically actuated from an inactive configuration to an active configuration, wherein the activation element is normally disposed in the inactive configuration until the activation element is mechanically actuated to the active configuration; and an electronic circuit electrically coupled to the activation element, wherein the electronic circuit is disposed in an off state when the activation element is in the inactive configuration and disposed in an on state when the activation element is in the active configuration, wherein, in the on state, the electronic circuit generates an output indicative of the fall event of the user; a mechanical unit spaced apart from the electronic unit and comprising a mechanical structure configured to be coupled to the harness; and a lost motion connector movably coupling the mechanical structure to the activation element and having a predetermined movement range, wherein the lost motion connector allows a movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element within the predetermined movement range, such that the electronic circuit remains in the inactive configuration if the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element is within the predetermined movement range, the predetermined movement range corresponding to the fall event of the user, wherein the lost motion connector is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration when the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element exceeds the predetermined movement range.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lost motion connector comprises a tab detachably connected to the activation element and an elongate element movably connecting the tab to the mechanical structure, wherein the tab is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration upon detachment from the activation element, wherein the elongate element has a zig-zag portion that is normally in a zig-zag shape within the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector, and wherein, beyond the predetermined movement range, the zig-zag portion straightens and detaches the tab from the activation element, thereby mechanically actuating the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising an elastomeric housing comprising a first portion enclosing the electronic unit, a second portion enclosing the mechanical unit, and a tearable portion enclosing the lost motion connector and connecting the first portion to the second portion, wherein thetearable portion is elastic and allows the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector, wherein the tearable portion is configured to tear beyond the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector, and wherein the elastomeric housing seals therein the electronic unit, the mechanical unit, and the lost motion connector.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a flexible housing comprising a first portion enclosing the electronic unit, a second portion enclosing the mechanical unit, and a bellows connecting the first portion to the second portion and enclosing the lost motion connector, wherein the bellows expands to allow the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector, and wherein the bellows is configured to tear beyond the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a power source and an alarm unit configured to generate the output as an alarm indicative of the fall event of the user, and wherein the activation element electrically isolates the power source from the alarm unit in the inactive configuration and electrically connects the power source to the alarm unit in the active configuration.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanical unit further comprises a sealing member.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the lost motion connector comprises a tab that detaches from the activation element beyond the predetermined movement range.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the activation element is a clamp comprising a pair of elastic tangs, wherein the tab is electrically insulating, wherein the tab is removably received between the elastic tangs and electrically isolates the elastic tangs in the inactive configuration of the activation element, and wherein, upon removal of the tab, the elastic tangs electrically connect to each other to mechanically actuate the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the tab provides a color indication indicative of the fall event of the user.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic unit further comprises a housing enclosing the activation element and the electronic circuit, the housing comprising a plurality of pointed members configured to attach the housing to the harness.11 . The system of claim 1, wherein the lost motion connector comprises: an elongate tab detachably connected to the activation element and comprising a slot proximal to the mechanical structure, wherein the elongate tab is configured to mechanically actuate theactivation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration upon detachment from the activation element; and a pin connected to the mechanical structure and movably received within the slot, wherein the pin is movable along the slot within the predetermined movement range, and wherein, beyond the predetermined movement range, the pin engages the elongate tab to detach the elongate tab from the activation element.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the activation element is a reed switch, a hall effect switch, a magnetometer, or a vane sensor.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the activation element comprises an imaging sensor configured to detect a speed of the user, and wherein, when the speed of the user exceeds beyond a threshold speed for a predetermined distance, the electronic circuit generates the output indicative of the fall event of the user.

14. A fall protection equipment comprising : a harness comprising a webbing, the webbing comprising a stitched portion that is normally in a folded configuration and extends to an unfolded configuration upon a fall event of a user using the harness, the stitched portion comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; and the system of claim 1, wherein the electronic unit is secured proximal to the first end of the stitched portion and the mechanical unit is secured to the second end of the stitched portion, such that the stitched portion is disposed between the electronic unit and the mechanical unit, and wherein the inactive configuration of the activation element corresponds to the folded configuration of the stitched portion and the active configuration of the activation element corresponds to the unfolded configuration of the stitched portion.

15. The fall protection equipment of claim 14, wherein the system is retrofitably attached to a Z- fold by one or more connectors or brackets.

16. A system for detecting a fall event of a user using a harness, the system comprising: an electronic unit configured to be coupled to the harness and comprising: an activation element configured to be mechanically actuated from an inactive configuration to an active configuration, wherein the activation element is normally disposed in the inactive configuration until the activation element is mechanically actuated to the active configuration; and an electronic circuit electrically coupled to the activation element, wherein the electronic circuit is disposed in an off state when the activation element is in the inactive configuration and disposed in an on state when the activation element is in the activeconfiguration, wherein, in the on state, the electronic circuit generates an output indicative of the fall event of the user; a mechanical unit spaced apart from the electronic unit and comprising a mechanical structure configured to be coupled to the harness; a lost motion connector movably coupling the mechanical structure to the activation element and having a predetermined movement range, wherein the lost motion connector allows a movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element within the predetermined movement range, such that the activation element remains in the inactive configuration if the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element is within the predetermined movement range, the predetermined movement range corresponding to the fall event of the user, wherein the lost motion connector is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration when the movement of the mechanical structure relative to the activation element exceeds the predetermined movement range; and an elastomeric housing comprising a first portion enclosing the electronic unit, a second portion enclosing the mechanical unit, and a tearable portion enclosing the lost motion connector and connecting the first portion to the second portion, wherein the tearable portion is elastic and allows the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector, and wherein the tearable portion is configured to tear beyond the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the lost motion connector comprises a tab detachably connected to the activation element and an elongate element movably connecting the tab to the mechanical structure, wherein the tab is configured to mechanically actuate the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration upon detachment from the activation element, wherein the elongate element has a zig-zag portion that is normally in a zig-zag shape within the predetermined movement range of the lost motion connector, and wherein, beyond the predetermined movement range, the zig-zag portion straightens and detaches the tab from the activation element, thereby mechanically actuating the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a power source and an alarm unit configured to generate the output as an alarm indicative of the fall event of the user, and wherein the activation element electrically isolates the power source from the alarm unit in the inactive configuration and electrically connects the power source to the alarm unit in the active configuration.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the lost motion connector comprises a tab that detaches from the activation element beyond the predetermined movement range.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the activation element is a clamp comprising a pair of elastic tangs, wherein the tab is electrically insulating, wherein the tab is removably received between the elastic tangs and electrically isolates the elastic tangs in the inactive configuration of the activation element, and wherein, upon removal of the tab, the elastic tangs electrically connect to each other to mechanically actuate the activation element from the inactive configuration to the active configuration.21 . The system of claim 16, wherein the activation element is a reed switch, a hall effect switch, a magnetometer, or a vane sensor.

22. The system of claim 16, wherein the activation element comprises an imaging sensor configured to detect a speed of the user, and wherein, when the speed of the user exceeds beyond a threshold speed for a predetermined distance, the electronic circuit generates the output indicative of the fall event of the user.

23. A fall protection equipment comprising: a harness comprising a webbing, the webbing comprising a stitched portion that is normally in a folded configuration and extends to an unfolded configuration upon a fall event of a user using the harness, the stitched portion comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; and the system of claim 16, wherein the electronic unit is secured proximal to the first end of the stitched portion and the mechanical unit is secured to the second end of the stitched portion, such that the stitched portion is disposed between the electronic unit and the mechanical unit, and wherein the inactive configuration of the activation element corresponds to the folded configuration of the stitched portion and the active configuration of the activation element corresponds to the unfolded configuration of the stitched portion.

24. The fall protection equipment of claim 23, wherein the system is retrofitably attached to a Z- fold by one or more connectors or brackets.

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