Breathing Apparatus RFID Tag Reader for Firefighter Group Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-contained breathing apparatuses for firefighters face challenges in group communication and data transport due to one-way wireless communication, interference, and entanglement hazards, limiting effective communication in hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader with wireless radio communication units for two-way wireless radio group communication, enabling identification of users and dynamic group parameterization, and using multiple wireless communication systems for audio and data transport, including Bluetooth and UWB technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If corded link is used to connect microphone and speaker to interface box, then communication function is provided, but cord becomes entangled in equipment or clothes and may loosen or detach, creating safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical cord connecting the microphone and speaker to the interface box, extracting the harmful element that causes entanglement and detachment. Wireless communication technology is implemented to replace the corded connection, eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cord connection is replaced with wireless communication technology. The physical mechanical link between components is substituted by electromagnetic signal transmission, eliminating the problems of entanglement, loosening, and detachment while providing reliable communication.
2Ease of operation
If push-to-talk microphone is used, then voice communication is enabled, but wearer must have one hand free which limits operational capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates communication automatically based on detected voice signals or motion patterns, eliminating the need for manual button pressing. The wearer does not need to consciously activate the microphone, allowing both hands to remain free for firefighting operations while maintaining communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical push-to-talk button operation is replaced with automatic voice-activated or motion-activated transmission. The manual mechanical activation is substituted by automated electronic detection and triggering, freeing the wearer's hands for other tasks.
3Speed
If analog voice signal amplification is used, then communication range is extended, but ambient noise interference is also amplified causing false triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from analog voice signal amplification to digital signal processing. By changing the signal parameter domain from analog to digital, the system can selectively amplify and process specific frequency ranges and patterns while filtering out ambient noise, preventing false triggering while maintaining communication range.
Solution Approach 2:
Digital signal processing acts as an intermediary between the microphone input and speaker output. Instead of directly amplifying the raw analog signal, the digital processor mediates by analyzing, filtering, and selectively amplifying only the relevant voice components, excluding ambient noise interference.
4Device complexity
If one-way wireless communication is used, then device complexity is reduced, but group communication and data transport capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication unit is designed to perform multiple functions including one-way communication, two-way communication, group communication, and data transport. By making the communication system universal and multi-functional, it can adapt to various operational requirements without increasing fundamental device complexity, supporting both simple and complex communication scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system dynamically adjusts its mode of operation based on requirements, switching between one-way and two-way communication, and between individual and group communication modes. This dynamic capability allows the system to provide enhanced functionality when needed while maintaining simplicity for basic operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates reliable, automated, and efficient two-way wireless communication among firefighters, reducing manual activation needs and entanglement hazards, with increased channel capacity and coverage, supporting up to 20-30 users within a 50-meter range, enhancing safety and communication effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency identification tag reader arranged to communicate with a radio frequency tag
Implementation Method 2
at least one wireless radio communications unit for two-way wireless radio group communication with a wireless radio communications unit of a second breathing apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-contained breathing apparatus (100) safety mask, a system and a method is disclosed providing radio frequency identification tag reader arranged to communicate with a radio frequency tag so that the breathing apparatus (100) can obtain an identification of the user for wireless radio group communication (102) with breathing apparatuses (100) of another users. The identifier contains information for establishing and changing the group communication (102) parameters. The system comprises also a remote speaker microphone in short range radio communication with the mask. The RSM may be connected to private mobile system.