Inflator Coupling Detection in Wearable Airbag Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable protection devices with inflatable members face safety risks during gas cartridge replacement due to potential accidental triggering and improper coupling, leading to compromised protection and user safety, and require costly authorized center visits for replacement.
Innovation Solution
A wearable protection device with a housing that includes detection means to ensure the inflator device is properly inserted and coupled, preventing activation if not correctly installed, and providing a reliable feedback mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gas cartridge is replaced by authorized centers with specific training, then safety during replacement is improved, but device complexity and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means enables the user to independently verify proper coupling of the inflator device to the inflatable member, eliminating the need for authorized centers to perform safety checks during replacement. The system self-verifies the connection status through detection means that provide feedback to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means provides feedback to the user about whether the inflator device is properly coupled to the inflatable member. This feedback mechanism guides the user through the replacement process and confirms successful installation, making the system safer and more accessible without requiring specialized training.
2Reliability
If detection means are added to verify proper coupling, then safety is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means acts as an intermediary between the inflator device and the user, providing verification of proper coupling without requiring complex control systems. The detection means includes simple indicators that show whether the connection is proper, serving as a mediator that translates mechanical coupling status into user-understandable feedback.
3Ease of operation
If the inflator device is allowed to be removed and reconnected, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of accidental triggering worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means verifies proper coupling before allowing system activation, preventing accidental triggering that could occur during removal and reconnection operations. The system checks the coupling status in advance and only permits operation when verification confirms safe connection, countering the potential harmful effect of improper handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable protection device including at least one inflatable member designed to move between a rest condition and an operating condition, at least one inflator device designed to be coupled to the at least one inflatable member for inflating the at least one inflatable member, and a housing designed for accommodating the at least one inflator device. Said housing includes detection means suitable for moving between a first configuration and a second configuration, the insertion of the at least one inflator device inside a holding seat of the housing causing the moving of the detection means from the first configuration to the second configuration. In addition, a method for safely activating the inflatable member of said wearable protection device.