Reversible Detection Device Attachment for Protective Gear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective equipment systems are costly to maintain and energy-intensive due to continuous network communication, and they lack flexibility in using detection devices across different types of protective gear.

Innovation Solution

The protective equipment features a carrying unit that reversibly attaches a detection device with an identification means for providing protection type information, allowing for flexible use and economical operation, including contactless identification methods like RFID or Bluetooth, and enabling the same detection device to be used across various protection types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protective equipment is equipped with integrated detection devices, then functionality and safety are improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: a reusable detection device and protective equipment with a support unit. The detection device can be detached and attached to different protective equipment, avoiding permanent integration and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device is designed as a universal component that can be attached to multiple types of protective equipment through the support unit. This multi-functional approach allows one detection device to serve various protective equipment, reducing the total number of devices needed and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple detection devices are provided for different protective equipment types, then adaptability is improved, but costs and management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single detection device can be universally attached to different protective equipment types (helmets, shoes, clothing) via the support unit. The detection device adapts to different equipment through reversible attachment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment between detection device and protective equipment is dynamic and reversible rather than fixed. This allows the detection device to be moved between different protective equipment types as needed, providing adaptability without permanent configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If detection devices are permanently integrated into protective equipment, then reliability is improved, but flexibility and cost-effectiveness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the detection device from the protective equipment while maintaining a reliable connection through the support unit. This segmentation allows the detection device to be reliably attached when needed but easily removed or moved, providing both reliability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between detection device and protective equipment is designed to be dynamic - securely attached during use for reliability, but easily detachable for flexibility. The support unit enables this dynamic state change between attached and detached configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution provides a reliable, robust, and safe protective equipment system that is economical to produce and operate, allowing for flexible use of detection devices across different types of protective gear, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs, and enabling safe use in hazardous environments.

Implementation Method 1

the identification means can comprise an RFID transponder and/or a Bluetooth interface and/or a near-field communication interface for contactless transmission of information, in particular the identification information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3915100B1Item of personal protective equipment and detection device for determining usage data at the item of protective equipment
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 UVEX SAFETY GRP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3915100B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3915100B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3915100B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an item of personal protective equipment (2) comprising a protection unit (4) for providing a defined protection type, a carrier unit (5), connected to the protection unit (4), for reversible attachment of a detection device (3), and an identification means (7) for providing identification information, which identifies the protection type, on the detection device (3).