Necklace Fall Sensor Two-Step Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing concern of elderly falls necessitates a simple and effective fall detection system to ensure timely medical intervention, as existing solutions are either too complex or inadequate in providing reliable two-step detection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fall sensor system comprising a necklace with a first sensing device to detect tension force changes, a controller to activate a second sensing device (such as a G-sensor) for confirmation, and a wireless module to send emergency messages, employing a two-step detection mechanism involving weightlessness, strike, and static states to determine falls accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple fall detection system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fall detection function is segmented into two distinct detection stages: first detection by the first sensing device (detecting tension force changes) and confirmation detection by the second sensing device (detecting impact force). This segmentation allows each sensing device to be optimized for its specific detection task, maintaining high reliability while keeping individual device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The first sensing device performs preliminary detection of tension force changes before the actual fall impact occurs. This preliminary action triggers the activation of the second sensing device, ensuring that the confirmation detection is initiated at the optimal moment, thereby improving overall detection reliability without requiring both devices to operate continuously.
2Measurement precision
If a two-step detection mechanism is implemented, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is divided into two precision-optimized stages: the first sensing device measures tension force changes with high precision during normal wear, and the second sensing device measures impact force with high precision during fall events. Each device is specialized for its measurement task, achieving high detection precision without requiring a single complex multi-functional device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles: the first sensing device continuously monitors tension force, and upon detecting a change, triggers the second sensing device for confirmation. This periodic activation pattern allows the system to maintain high detection precision while reducing the operational complexity compared to continuous dual-device monitoring.
3Speed
If continuous monitoring is performed, then detection speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first sensing device performs continuous preliminary monitoring of tension force changes at low power consumption. When a change is detected, it immediately triggers the second sensing device for confirmation. This preliminary action approach ensures rapid detection speed for the critical trigger event while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the second, more power-intensive sensing device inactive during normal periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic activation where the second sensing device is only activated when the first sensing device detects a tension force change. This periodic rather than continuous operation of the second device significantly reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining fast detection speed through the always-active first sensing device.
Data Source
AI summary
A fall sensor coupled to a necklace to detect a fall of a user is provided. The fall sensor includes a first sensing device, a second sensing device, a wireless module and a controller. The first sensing device is coupled to the necklace to detect a tension force of the necklace. The controller is coupled to the first sensing device, the second sensing device and the wireless module. When the first sensing device detects the tension force is changed, the controller activates the second sensing device to confirm whether the user is falling down, and when the user is determined to be fallen down, and the controller outputs an emergency message via the wireless module.