Wearable Alarm Device Using Pulling Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal emergency response systems (PERS) devices require users to press a button to initiate an alarm, which can be difficult for individuals in distress due to panic or confusion, leading to potential failure in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device that activates an alarm by detecting a pulling force on a cord or strap attached to the body, using sensors like mechanical switches, stretch sensors, or piezo electric materials to change electrical characteristics, with a time filter to prevent false alarms and a mechanism for revoking the alarm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a button-pressing mechanism is used to initiate an alarm, then the device can send help requests to a professional alarm control center, but the person in distress may panic and be confused making it difficult to properly press the emergency push button
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional button-pressing interaction by using a pulling motion instead. The emergency device is attached to the person's body via a cord or strap, and pulling the device away from the body triggers the alarm. This inversion of the interaction mode (from pressing toward the device to pulling away from the body) makes the action more intuitive and easier to perform during panic situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically detects the pulling force and triggers the alarm without requiring the person to perform a precise manual operation. The force sensor detects when the pulling force exceeds a threshold, and the system self-activates the alarm function, reducing the cognitive and motor demands on the distressed person.
2Reliability
If the device is always operational and attached to the body for anytime-anywhere access, then assistance can be provided in case of emergency, but the device must be continuously monitored and maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic monitoring systems with a simple mechanical force detection mechanism. A force sensor or load cell detects the pulling force mechanically, converting it to an electrical signal to trigger the alarm. This mechanical substitution simplifies the device while maintaining continuous operational readiness.
3Ease of operation
If a pulling force mechanism is used to activate the alarm, then the process is simpler for a person in distress, but accidental pulling of the device may cause false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic characteristics of the pulling motion to distinguish between intentional and accidental activation. The system measures the magnitude, duration, and rate of change of the pulling force. Intentional pulling for emergency activation typically exhibits specific dynamic patterns (sudden, strong, sustained force) that differ from accidental pulling (weaker, shorter duration, or intermittent force), allowing the system to filter false alarms while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Simplifies the process of initiating an alarm for individuals in distress, reducing false alarms and ensuring timely assistance by using a more intuitive pulling mechanism and providing audible, visual, or tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the component has an electrical characteristic that depends on a shape, wherein the shape changes in response to the pulling force
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method and device (2) for providing an alarm (7) on request of a person (1). The person is wearing the device that is attached with attachment means (3, 4, 5) to the wrist or other part of the body. A pulling force (6) of the person acting on the device causes a change in an electrical characteristic of a component (301) included in the device. The change of the electrical characteristic is measured and when detected will result in an activation of the alarm.