Positioning Tag With Force-Activated Alert Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning tags face challenges in generating an alert signal during emergencies, particularly when the user is wearing protective gloves or mittens, as they require manual button pressing, which can be difficult or impossible.
Innovation Solution
A mobile data processing device with an attachment base that moves between normal and alert positions in response to external force, equipped with a detector system to trigger an alert signal, ensuring easy activation even with gloved hands, and featuring sleep mode circuitry to conserve battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push button is provided for triggering alert condition, then alert signal can be generated, but user cannot press button easily when wearing protective gloves or mittens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical push button system with a force-sensing system that detects applied force through a sensor. The sensor detects when a user pulls the positioning tag away from the attachment base, triggering the alert function. This substitution allows activation without direct manual contact, solving the problem of gloved hands inability to press small buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and responds to the force applied by the user through the attachment base mechanism. When the user pulls the tag, the force is automatically transmitted through the attachment base to the sensor, which then automatically triggers the alert signal without requiring the user to manually activate a button or interface.
2Volume of moving object
If alert button is made small for compact design, then device portability is improved, but difficulty in locating and pressing button increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the small push button entirely and replaces it with a force-sensing mechanism integrated into the attachment base. The sensor detects force application anywhere on the attachment base, eliminating the need for users to locate a specific small button while maintaining compact device design.
3Speed
If continuous monitoring is enabled for immediate alert detection, then response time is reduced, but battery life is depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by monitoring force application through the attachment base mechanism. The sensor continuously monitors for force changes, but the system can be configured to wake from low-power states when force is detected, balancing continuous monitoring capability with power conservation. The force-sensing mechanism allows the system to remain alert without requiring continuous high-power operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile data processing device configured to assist in locating a user. The device comprises an enclosure and an attachment base for attaching the device to a garment, lanyard or strap wearable by a user. The attachment base moves between a first (“normal”) position and a second (“alert”) position with respect to the enclosure in response to an external force acting on the enclosure. The device further comprises a detector system for detecting removal of the attachment base from the normal position, and an alert signal generator configured to send an alert signal in response to said detection. The alert signal can be generated quickly by grabbing the enclosure and pulling the device downwards.