Two-Piece Tracking Beacon Mount for PPE
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to securely attach tracking beacons to personal protection equipment (PPE) and other objects, as existing methods fail to provide a reliable and versatile solution for various types of PPE with limited surface area or that require non-invasive mounting to maintain their functionality and safety.
Innovation Solution
The development of tracking beacon mounts with a two-piece design, including a base and lid with a strap channel and clamp mechanisms, which securely wrap around and enclose straps or clamp onto PPE, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and a charging and storage system using magnetic leads for efficient battery management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tracking beacons are attached to PPE using existing methods, then the beacons can be mounted on the equipment, but the attachment is not secure and may be accidentally removed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into two separate components: a base that attaches to the PPE and a lid that secures the beacon. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling secure attachment through the interlocking mechanism between base and lid, resolving the contradiction between attachment security and operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon is nested within the enclosure formed by the base and lid, with the lid fitting over the base to create a secure housing. This nesting structure protects the beacon while maintaining a compact form factor that can be easily attached to PPE without excessive complexity
2Reliability
If tracking beacons are attached to PPE with limited surface area, then the beacons can be mounted, but existing methods do not provide reliable attachment on small or irregular surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The base incorporates a flexible strap that can wrap around and conform to PPE items with limited or irregular surface area. This flexible component allows reliable attachment to helmets, goggles, and other curved surfaces where rigid mounting methods would fail, effectively solving the contradiction between attachment reliability and mounting surface area constraints
3Reliability
If tracking beacons are mounted on PPE, then worker location can be tracked for safety, but the mounting process may damage PPE functionality or safety
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device replaces direct adhesive or mechanical attachment methods that could damage PPE with a clamp-based system that applies pressure without permanent modification. The clamp mechanism secures the beacon through friction and mechanical interlocking, eliminating the need for adhesives or drilling that could compromise PPE integrity and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device acts as an intermediary between the beacon and the PPE, providing a dedicated attachment structure that does not directly contact or modify the PPE. This intermediate component protects the PPE from damage while enabling reliable beacon attachment through its own structural features
4Reliability
If tracking beacons are securely attached to PPE, then accidental removal is prevented, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base and lid are designed to combine into a single enclosure that houses the beacon securely. This merging of components creates a unified structure that prevents accidental removal while maintaining simplicity in the overall attachment mechanism, as the two pieces work together through a straightforward interlocking action rather than requiring complex multi-step assembly
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 solution provides a secure, reusable, and aesthetically pleasing method to attach tracking beacons to diverse PPE items, ensuring accurate location tracking while preventing accidental removal and enhancing battery life through efficient charging and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic lead that both charges the beacon and secures it to the rack
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure presents various means for securing a tracking beacon to personal protection equipment. The tracking beacon mount is constructed of a cover, a base, a transmitter and a mounting mechanism, such as a strap. The transmitter has a unique identifier which is detected by a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is operably connected to a tracking system which can be used to detect the presence of the beacons. The system is programmed to recognize the types of items used and warn the user if something predetermined as required for the location or job type is missing.