Avalanche Airbag Inflation Device with Modular External Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing avalanche safety systems lack versatility and can be expensive, limiting their effectiveness in various environments.
Innovation Solution
An inflation device with a first opening for atmospheric air intake, a second opening connected to an airbag, an electronic control unit, and a power source to activate the airbag, which can also detect status and interface with external modules for customizable functionalities, including GPS and Bluetooth communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized inflation devices are used, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation device is designed with a universal interface that can connect to multiple external modules (GPS, Bluetooth, sensors), allowing a single base device to perform multiple functions. This reduces the need for multiple specialized devices and lowers overall system cost while maintaining high reliability through modular customization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external modules are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a base inflation device and separate external modules (GPS, Bluetooth, sensors). Each module can be independently selected and connected via a standardized interface, allowing users to customize their system based on specific needs without overwhelming complexity. Modules can be added or removed as required.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal interface is implemented that accepts various external modules with standardized connection protocols. This allows the same base device to work with different modules (GPS for location tracking, Bluetooth for communication, sensors for avalanche detection), improving adaptability without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are added, then functionality is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes automatic triggering mechanisms where sensors can detect avalanche conditions and automatically activate the inflation device without requiring electronic control or user intervention. This mechanical self-service approach ensures reliable operation even if electronic components fail, while still allowing electronic functionality when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention discloses an inflation device (1) for inflating an avalanche airbag (60) which has a first opening (12) for intake of atmospheric air, and a second opening (24) connected or connectable to an airbag (60). The device further comprises an electronic control (10, 18, 25) unit and a first power source (14). The power source (14) is adapted to at least power the electronic control unit (10, 18, 25). The electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) is further adapted to activate the inflation device (1) to inflate the airbag (60) and/or to detect a status of the inflation device (1). The electronic control unit (10, 18, 25) further comprises an interface (5), connected or connectable to an external module (100), and adapted to transmit a signal.