Haptic Smart Helmet with Gyro-Aligned Ultrasonic Obstacle Alerts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with hearing disabilities face limitations and safety concerns while cycling due to their reduced ability to perceive auditory cues, and conventional helmets do not address these specific needs.
Innovation Solution
A haptic-enabled smart helmet equipped with an ultrasonic sensing module, a haptic module, a positioning module with a 3-axis gyroscope, and a processor that dynamically aligns the ultrasonic sensors to provide haptic feedback based on the location of obstacles relative to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional helmets are used, then the helmet provides basic head protection, but it does not address the specific safety needs of individuals with hearing disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet system is segmented into distinct functional modules: ultrasonic sensing module for obstacle detection, positioning module with 3-axis gyroscope for orientation tracking, haptic module for tactile feedback, and processor for coordinating these components. This modular segmentation allows the helmet to address hearing disability safety needs through specialized sensors and actuators while maintaining basic head protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components that translate environmental information into haptic feedback: the ultrasonic sensor detects obstacles, the processor interprets this data, and the haptic actuator converts digital signals into tactile vibrations. This intermediary chain bridges the gap between visual/audio environmental cues and the tactile feedback channel accessible to hearing-impaired users.
2Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic sensing module is dynamically aligned using a positioning module with gyroscope and actuator, then the sensor maintains parallel alignment with the ground during head movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment mechanism transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic adjustable system. The positioning module continuously monitors helmet orientation via the 3-axis gyroscope, and the actuator dynamically adjusts the ultrasonic sensor's angle in real-time to maintain parallel alignment with the ground regardless of head tilt or rotation during cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control loop is implemented where the positioning module detects the current orientation of the helmet, compares it against the desired parallel-to-ground alignment, and sends correction signals to the actuator. This closed-loop feedback ensures precise and sustained sensor alignment even during dynamic cycling movements.
3Loss of information
If haptic feedback is provided based on obstacle location, then the user receives directional safety information, but the device complexity increases due to multiple haptic actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system employs spatially distributed actuators positioned at different locations on the helmet (e.g., left side, right side, front, back). Each actuator provides localized tactile feedback corresponding to obstacles detected in specific directional zones, allowing the user to perceive obstacle location through the spatial distribution of haptic cues rather than centralized feedback.
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
The smart helmet enhances the safety of deaf or hard-of-hearing cyclists by providing alternative sensory feedback, enabling them to navigate safely and avoid potential accidents.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensing module which comprises an ultrasonic sensor connected to and driven by an actuator motor
Implementation Method 2
a haptic module comprising a vibratory actuator
Implementation Method 3
a positioning module which comprises a 3-axis gyroscope
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to an apparatus comprising a sensing module comprising an ultrasonic sensor; a haptic module comprising a vibratory actuator; a positioning module comprising a gyroscope; an actuator motor, and a processor. The processor is configured to detect a position and an orientation of a body part of a user using the positioning module, dynamically align the ultrasonic sensing module parallel to the ground using the attached actuators based on the position and the orientation of the body part of the user, sense and obtain data from surroundings using the ultrasonic sensing module, detect a presence, a distance and a location of an obstacle with respect to the user by processing the data, and alert the user by providing haptic feedback using the haptic module comprising the vibratory actuator, based on the location of the obstacle. In an embodiment the apparatus is integrated into a smart helmet.