Motorcycle Top Box RFID Helmet Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current helmet detection systems in cycle and motorcycle rental services, such as load cells and photocells, are not secure enough, leading to frequent helmet thefts as they can be deceived by objects of similar weight or size, failing to accurately verify the presence of helmets.

Innovation Solution

A top box equipped with a short-range wireless transceiver system, specifically using RFID or NFC technology, where one component is integrated into the top box and another into each helmet, transmitting a helmet-present signal to a processing unit when detected, ensuring accurate and secure detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If load cells or photocells are used to detect helmet presence, then the detection function is provided, but the system is vulnerable to deception by objects of similar weight or size, leading to false positive detections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidfalse positive detections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical detection systems (load cells that measure weight) and optical systems (photocells that detect presence) with a wireless communication-based identification system. RFID tags on helmets communicate with readers in the top box, allowing precise identification of authorized helmets without being deceived by objects of similar physical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary elements that carry unique identification information. These tags act as mediators between the helmet and the detection system, enabling secure verification of helmet identity through wireless communication rather than direct physical or optical interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If simple detection sensors are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the security against helmet theft is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoidtheft prevention capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical and optical sensor systems with a relatively simple wireless RFID communication system. The top box includes RFID readers that communicate with tags on helmets, providing secure identification without requiring complex mechanical sensors or optical detection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If RFID wireless transceiver system is implemented, then the security and accuracy of helmet detection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehelmet verification securityVSAvoidtransceiver system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the top box system multi-functional by integrating RFID readers that can both detect helmet presence and verify helmet identity. This single system performs multiple functions (detection, verification, and security) that would otherwise require separate complex systems, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability.

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

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 system effectively prevents helmet theft by ensuring only the presence of authorized helmets in the top box, allowing secure termination of rental services and accurate billing, while being user-friendly and minimizing electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

two first components (14, 14') of a pair of components (14-16, 14'-16') of a short-range wireless transceiver system, in particular a radio frequency system, are fastened in the top box body (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4284698B1Top box for helmets
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 GIVI SPA
  • EP4284698B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4284698B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4284698B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A top box for cycles or motorcycles comprises a compartment (12) suitable to accommodate at least two helmets (2, 21). The top box is provided, in the compartment, with at least two first components (14, 14') of a pair of components (14-16, 14'-16 ') of a short range wireless transceiver system, the second (16, 16') of said pair of components being fastened to a respective helmet. Each first component (14, 14') is configured to transmit a helmet- present signal to a processing unit when it detects the presence of a helmet (2; 21) provided with a second component (16; 16'). The first two components (14, 14') are operatively connected to each other and configured in such a way that only one at a time, alternately, can establish communication with a second component (16, 16').