Wearable Sensor Retaining Strap with Quick-Release Buckle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighters and first responders face discomfort and difficulty in adjusting existing wearable sensor systems due to their bulkiness and inability to maintain a consistent, comfortable fit during hazardous conditions, which affects the accuracy and reliability of vital sign monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A wearable sensor retaining device featuring a strap with a length adjustment loop and a quick-release buckle that maintains a fixed length when connected or disconnected, allowing for customizable fit and secure positioning of biometric sensors without compromising comfort or range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wearable sensor system uses a traditional adjustable strap design, then it allows for size adjustment, but it cannot maintain a consistent fixed length when disconnected, leading to fitting inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is pre-adjusted to a specific length during manufacturing and then fixed in place using a locking mechanism. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field adjustments while maintaining consistent length, as the strap is set to the correct size before deployment and locked to prevent changes
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic adjustable design during manufacturing, then locks into a stable state during use. The locking mechanism allows the strap to be adjusted initially but then maintains a consistent fixed length during operational phases, providing temporal dynamics to the system
2Reliability
If a wearable sensor device is integrated into firefighter apparel, then it provides vital sign monitoring, but it creates bulkiness and discomfort that affects range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device utilizes thin, flexible strap materials that can conform to the contours of the firefighter's body without adding significant bulk. The flexible nature of the strap allows it to move with the wearer's body during strenuous activities, maintaining comfort and range of motion while still providing reliable sensor contact for vital sign monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor retaining device is nested within the firefighter's existing apparel structure, integrating the monitoring system into the uniform rather than adding external bulky equipment. The strap passes through channels in the shirt and connects to the sensor, allowing the device to be embedded within the layers of protective gear without compromising mobility
3Ease of operation
If a wearable sensor strap allows easy adjustment during use, then it improves comfort, but it alters the fixed length setting that ensures proper sensor positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is pre-adjusted to the correct length during manufacturing to ensure proper sensor positioning. This preliminary adjustment is then locked in place using a ratchet or locking mechanism, allowing easy donning and doffing without permitting adjustments during use that would compromise positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment function is segmented into two distinct phases: an initial adjustment phase during manufacturing where precision positioning occurs, and a locked phase during use where the setting is maintained. The locking mechanism separates these functions, allowing easy adjustment only when needed for sizing but preventing alterations once properly positioned
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable sensor retaining device and techniques for integrating a wearable sensor retaining device into a first responder's garment, such as a firefighter's shirt. The wearable sensor retaining device may include a strap having a rigid connector having a male portion and a female portion (e.g. a side-release buckle) for adjustably securing the strap around a wearer's torso to ensure proper location of the wearable sensor and proper fit for the wearer. The strap has a portion for coupling to a wearable sensor and having sufficient tension to retain the wearable monitor in the proper location, while maintaining wearer comfort so as not to impede the range of motion of the wearer. The strap may include a length adjustment loop that provides the wearer a customized fit and quick, consistent application.