G Tolerance Device Using Impedance Feedback for Pilot Physiology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional G tolerance improvement devices fail to recognize the pilot's state accurately, leading to inappropriate pressure application.
Innovation Solution
A G tolerance improvement device that includes an estimation unit to measure body fluid volume and change in the head using impedance between electrodes, and a pressurization unit that applies pressure based on these estimates to prevent hypoxic brain conditions during high acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional G tolerance improvement devices apply fixed pressure based on acceleration magnitude, then the device structure is simple, but the pressure application is inappropriate and fails to recognize the pilot's actual state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring impedance between electrodes placed on the pilot's body to detect body fluid volume changes in real-time. This impedance-based feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust pressure application based on the pilot's actual physiological state rather than relying solely on acceleration data, thereby improving pressure application appropriateness while adding measurable complexity to the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical pressure application (based on acceleration thresholds) with an electro-physiological monitoring system using impedance measurement. By substituting mechanical feedback with electrical impedance-based fluid volume detection, the system achieves more accurate and reliable pressure control that responds to the pilot's actual physiological condition.
2Measurement precision
If the device uses impedance measurement to estimate body fluid volume, then the pressure application becomes appropriate, but the device complexity increases due to additional electrode units and measurement systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the same electrode units for both impedance measurement (to detect body fluid volume) and as part of the pressure application system. The electrodes serve dual purposes: monitoring physiological state and delivering therapeutic pressure, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components and mitigating the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical or optical methods to electrical impedance measurement. This parameter change enables precise detection of body fluid volume through changes in electrical conductivity of tissues, achieving high measurement precision while using relatively simple electrical measurement circuits compared to other physiological sensing methods.
3Reliability
If the device continuously monitors body fluid volume and adjusts pressure dynamically, then the G tolerance improvement effectiveness increases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by continuously monitoring impedance and dynamically adjusting pressure in response to detected body fluid volume changes. This periodic feedback-driven pressure application ensures G tolerance improvement effectiveness is maintained during high-G maneuvers while allowing the system to reduce or suspend pressure application during normal conditions, thereby managing energy consumption more efficiently than continuous maximum pressure application.
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
Enables appropriate pressure application to the pilot, effectively preventing decreased visual acuity, loss of consciousness, and central nervous system disorders by accurately monitoring and responding to changes in body fluid volume and venous return.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode unit provided with a first electrode that makes contact with the head of the user; and a second electrode unit provided with a second electrode that makes contact with the user at a location different from the location where the first electrode makes contact, in which the estimation unit estimates either or both of the body fluid volume and the change amount based on the impedance between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a G tolerance improvement device provided with: an estimation unit that estimates either or both of a body fluid volume in the head of a user and a change amount of the body fluid volume; and a pressurization unit that applies pressure to the user on the basis of either or both of the body fluid volume and the change amount estimated by the estimation unit.