Wearable Emergency Call Pod with Segmented Base Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emergency calling devices are inadequate for quickly and reliably summoning help in critical situations due to size, battery requirements, limited range, lack of audio communication, and high costs, often resulting in delays that can be life-threatening.
Innovation Solution
A wearable emergency calling device with a single button for direct access to national emergency numbers, featuring a base unit connected to a landline for Enhanced 911 capabilities, 2-way audio communication, and a secondary battery for backup power, allowing seamless operation without recharging and providing a network of authorized locations for emergency calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wearable emergency calling device is made small and portable, then ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but battery life and power availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two parts: a small wearable call pod containing only essential emergency calling components, and a stationary base unit that houses the power supply and communication infrastructure. This segmentation allows the wearable device to remain small while the base provides unlimited power and enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit acts as an intermediary between the wearable call pod and the emergency services network. The base provides power to the call pod and handles complex communication protocols, allowing the wearable device to remain simple while accessing sophisticated emergency response capabilities.
2Reliability
If direct landline connection is used for emergency calls, then reliability and response time are improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is pre-configured with landline connections and emergency service contact information before an emergency occurs. This preliminary setup ensures that when the wearable device activates, the connection path is already established, eliminating the need for complex real-time routing decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically establishes emergency calls without requiring the user to manually dial or navigate complex interfaces. The base unit self-manages the connection to emergency services, and the wearable device simply triggers the pre-configured emergency protocol.
3Loss of information
If audio communication capability is added to the emergency device, then information exchange and situational awareness are improved, but device size and power consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Audio communication functionality is extracted from the wearable call pod and relocated to the stationary base unit. This extraction allows the wearable device to remain small while still providing two-way audio communication capabilities through the base's speakers and microphones.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multi-location authorization is implemented, then adaptability and user flexibility are improved, but device complexity and security management worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable call pod is designed with universal authorization capability, allowing it to be recognized and authorized by multiple different base units at various locations. This multi-functionality enables the user to access emergency services at home, work, and other authorized locations without carrying multiple devices or managing complex credentials.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and continually wearable device for one-button emergency calling, direct to the local emergency responder, from anywhere worldwide where the user is within cordless phone range of their extensive, personally-tailored network of secure, pre-authorizing landline base units. In the U.S., the local emergency responder instantly receives the users' callback number and instant street address with on-site directions through Enhanced 911. The wearable device provides 2-way audio communication with the local emergency responder in either speakerphone, phone or monitor-only modes. The method of adding an emergency calling authorization to a users' network is for the user to place their call pod on the base unit to grant authorization, the base owner then enters his password and the call pod owners name and presses the ‘authorize’ button. An adjustable strap holds the device to the users' body, or the device may be incorporated into other items which are worn or carried.