Inflatable Riding Garment Mode Switching for Crash Detection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcyclist protective garments with inflatable devices face challenges in seamlessly switching between different operational modes for various riding conditions, requiring manual firmware updates and being overly sensitive or insensitive to specific movements, leading to suboptimal protection.
Innovation Solution
A garment with an inflatable protective device that includes a control unit capable of storing multiple setup parameter sets and firmwares, allowing automatic or manual switching between modes via a user interface or wireless connection, ensuring optimal protection based on riding conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control unit stores only one firmware for a specific riding condition, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different riding conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to store multiple firmware versions (first firmware for racing use, second firmware for street use) within a single device, enabling it to adapt to different riding conditions. The control unit can switch between firmwares based on detected riding conditions, making one device serve multiple functions rather than requiring separate devices for each riding type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different firmware versions based on the detected riding conditions. The control unit continuously monitors sensor data and automatically selects the appropriate firmware (racing or street) to process the data, allowing the device to adapt its behavior in real-time rather than being static.
2Ease of operation
If the firmware is updated by connecting to a personal computer, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs self-updating by automatically downloading new firmware versions and setting parameters from an external device (such as a smartphone or portable computer) via wireless communication. The system eliminates the need for manual connection to a personal computer through complex update procedures, allowing users to simply initiate the update process through a user interface while the control unit handles the entire update sequence autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical/connection-based firmware update method (physically connecting control unit to personal computer) is replaced with a wireless communication system. The control unit can receive firmware updates wirelessly through a user interface, substituting the mechanical connection process with electromagnetic communication, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing update time.
3Reliability
If the control unit is positioned in a protected area of the garment, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless communication module acts as an intermediary between the externally accessible user interface and the internally protected control unit. This intermediary enables data and firmware transmission without requiring physical access to the control unit, allowing users to update firmware and change parameters wirelessly while the control unit remains securely positioned within the protected area of the garment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the algorithm is updated by overwriting the installed firmware, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Before overwriting the installed firmware with a new version, the system performs preliminary actions including downloading the complete new firmware to a temporary storage area, verifying its integrity, and preparing the update process. This preliminary preparation ensures that the control unit is protected from potential damage during the update process, while still enabling firmware changes to adapt to different riding conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A garment comprising an inflatable protective device. The inflatable protective device includes at least one inflatable bag, an inflator unit designed for inflating the at least one inflatable bag, sensors designed for monitoring the user's body for detecting shocks or unexpected movements, and a control unit designed for processing the data provided by the sensors and for activating the inflator unit if, on the basis of the data received by the sensors, a danger situation is identified. The control unit includes storing means containing at least two different setup parameter sets and/or firmwares of the control unit for controlling the activation of the inflator unit. The control unit is further provided with selecting means for selecting one of the said at least two different setup parameter sets and/or firmwares. Also a method for adjusting the operational modes of the inflatable protective device of the garment.