Tactile Alarm Device with Segmented Spike Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alarm systems for hearing-impaired individuals are often bulky, unreliable, and disturb companions, with existing vibratory devices being uncomfortable and inefficient, and electrical stimulus devices being unpleasant and unadjustable.
Innovation Solution
A device generating mechanical stimuli, specifically vibratory or rotary stimuli, tailored for the sensitive soles of the feet, with adjustable parameters and a hygienic, comfortable design, including a convex surface with spikes or pins for optimal sensory feedback, and a removable module for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vibrating watch is tightened tightly to ensure permanent contact with the wrist, then the effectiveness of the awakening is guaranteed, but the gripping of the wrist throughout the night is particularly unpleasant and compromising the comfort and quality of sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is segmented into multiple discrete spikes or protrusions distributed across the sole of the foot. This segmentation allows the device to maintain reliable contact through multiple points while distributing the pressure and vibration across a larger area, preventing concentrated discomfort and improving sleep quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies local quality by concentrating vibratory stimulus at specific locations (spikes/protrusions) on the sole of the foot rather than uniformly across the entire contact surface. This localized approach ensures effective awakening while the surrounding areas remain comfortable and non-intrusive during sleep.
2Reliability
If a vibrating device is placed under or in a pillow, then it can wake the hearing-impaired person, but it can fall following uncontrolled movement of the sleeper or be subject to involuntary crushing and thus be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a modular construction with a removable vibratory module separate from the foot attachment component. This segmentation protects the delicate vibratory elements from crushing and damage while maintaining the wake-up capability, as the modular design allows the device to withstand normal sleep movements without permanent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates cushioning elements and protective structures that prevent the vibratory module from being crushed or damaged during sleep. The modular design with protected internal components provides beforehand cushioning against involuntary crushing forces that occur during sleep movements.
3Reliability
If an electrical stimulus is applied to the skin of the sole of the foot, then the alarm can be generated, but the perception of such a stimulus is brutal and inconvenient instead of being pleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the electrical stimulus system with a mechanical vibratory system. Instead of applying electrical current to the skin, the device uses mechanical vibrations generated by a vibratory module that contacts the sole of the foot. This substitution transforms the brutal electrical sensation into a pleasant mechanical vibration, improving comfort while maintaining alarm generation capability.
4Reliability
If a luminous alarm clock is used to wake the hearing-impaired person, then the alarm can be seen, but it generally causes an interruption of the sleep of the companion or companion of the hearing-impaired person
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the luminous alarm system with a mechanical vibratory system applied directly to the foot. This substitution eliminates the need for visible light emission, thereby preventing sleep disturbance to companions while maintaining reliable alarm generation through tactile vibration that is imperceptible to others.
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
The device provides efficient and comfortable wake-up without disturbing others, with adjustable stimulus intensity and frequency, ensuring effective and pleasant awakening while being portable and hygienic.
Implementation Method 1
A device generating mechanical stimuli, specifically vibratory or rotary stimuli
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for generating a tactile stimulus for emitting a silent alarm, characterised in comprising: a module (1) for producing at least one vibratory or rotatory stimulus with: a supply means (2), a processing unit (4), memory means (5) such as non-volatile memory (ROM) and/or volatile memory (RAM), a selection sub-module (6), comprising a display means (7), at least one selector (8) which allows the user to define the alarm parameters, a sub-module (3) for generating at least one vibratory or rotatory mechanical stimulus with at least one surface (9) with stimulus generation means (10), a fixing means (11) made up of an elastically deformable means which allows the fixing of said module (1) to the base and to position said surface (9) with stimulus generating means (10) facing any region of the base, the module (1) being removably connected to said fixing means (11), furthermore, said fixing means (11) and the conformation of the surface (9) with stimulus generating means (10) only allow a small part of said surface (9) to be directly in contact with said base region whilst at least one stimulus is generated.