Head Protection Device with Optical Distance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rescue teams face challenges in navigating smoke-filled or dusty environments due to impaired visibility, leading to potential collisions, and existing solutions that rely on tactile feedback can increase stress levels.
Innovation Solution
A head protection device equipped with a distance-measuring device, light beam generation, and control unit that provides distance information through brightness modulation frequency, allowing for stress-free navigation without additional tactile information, and includes features for automatic switching and display of distance and rotational orientation information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If distance information is provided through tactile feedback (vibrations), then the user receives clear distance information, but the stress level of the user is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the tactile feedback mechanism (mechanical vibrations) with an optical feedback mechanism (light beam brightness modulation). The distance information is transmitted through variations in the brightness of the light beam rather than through tactile vibrations, thereby eliminating the excessive stress caused by tactile feedback while maintaining clear information transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for information transmission from vibration frequency (tactile domain) to light beam brightness (optical domain). By modulating the brightness of the light beam according to distance information, the system provides clear distance feedback without the stress-inducing tactile stimulation.
2Loss of information
If additional tactile information is provided to the user, then the distance information is enhanced, but the user burden and stress are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for additional tactile information by using optical brightness modulation to convey all necessary distance information. The light beam's brightness variations provide complete distance feedback without requiring the user to process additional tactile signals, thereby reducing user burden while maintaining information completeness.
3Reliability
If the light beam generation device is continuously on, then the user always has distance information available, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by automatically switching off the light beam generation device after a predefined duration of continuous operation. This allows the system to conserve energy while maintaining reliability during active use periods, balancing energy consumption with the need for continuous distance information availability when required.
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 solution enables stress-free navigation by providing distance information through brightness modulation, automatic switching, and display of distance and rotational orientation, enhancing safety and reducing user burden in low-visibility conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The light beam generation device (L) is configured to generate a light beam (LS) in the direction of the focusing range (FB1). The control unit (SE) provides a control signal (S1) for the light beam generation device (L) on the basis of the distance information (EI) in a first operating mode. The control signal (S1) indicates a request for a brightness modulation frequency of the light beam (LS) as a function of the distance information (EI). The light beam generation device (L) modulates the brightness of the light beam (LS) as a function of the indicated modulation frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
A head protection device has a distance-measuring device with a spatial directional characteristic, a light beam generation device as well as at least one control unit. The distance-measuring device is configured to determine distance information relative to a focusing range of the spatial directional characteristic and to provide the determined distance information to the control unit. The light beam generation device is configured to generate a light beam in the direction of the focusing range. The control unit provides a control signal, which indicates a request for a brightness modulation frequency of the light beam as a function of the distance information, to the light beam generation device on the basis of the distance information in a first operating mode.