PPE Hose Location Signaling for Firefighter Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighters often struggle to locate a hose in smoky, dark, and dangerous environments during firefighting operations, which hinders their ability to reach a safe place or other firefighters in need of assistance.
Innovation Solution
A location system comprising location indicators on the hose that transmit signals to a detection circuit worn by the user, allowing the user to determine the hose's location through an output unit, and optionally involving an incident command server to track user locations relative to the hose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If firefighters rely on visual reference points and hose lines in smoky, dark environments, then they can navigate to safe places, but they cannot locate the hose line due to poor visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary signaling system consisting of illuminated markers attached to the hose and detection devices carried by firefighters. These intermediaries translate the invisible hose location into detectable signals (visual, auditory, or haptic), allowing firefighters to locate the hose without relying on direct visual observation in poor visibility conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual system of hose marking (relying on visual inspection of physical hose markers) with an electronic signaling system. The detection device uses sensors, processors, and output mechanisms to electronically detect and communicate hose location, substituting the need for direct visual observation with electronic signal processing
2Productivity
If firefighters search for reference points in dangerous environments, then they can reach safe places, but they lose time navigating without clear location information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the detection device continuously monitors signals from illuminated markers on the hose and provides real-time directional guidance to the firefighter. This feedback loop allows firefighters to immediately adjust their movement based on detected signal strength or direction, significantly reducing the time needed to locate the hose compared to random or visual searching
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminated markers are pre-attached to the hose before deployment, and the detection device is pre-configured with the appropriate detection algorithms and signal processing capabilities. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a firefighter enters a hazardous area, the location system is already in place and operational, eliminating setup time during emergency operations
Data Source
AI summary
A location system for locating a hose includes at least one location indicator coupled to the hose and configured to transmit an indicator signal indicative of a location of the at least one location indicator. The location system further includes a detection circuit associated with and carried by a user. The detection circuit includes a detection controller communicably coupled to the at least one location indicator. The detection controller is configured to determine a location signal based on the indicator signal. The location signal is indicative of a location of the hose relative to the user. The location system further includes an output unit carried by the user and communicably coupled to the detection controller. The output unit is configured to generate an output corresponding to the location signal. The output indicates the location of the hose relative to the user.