Wearable Hazard Detector Jacket with Wireless Alert System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing garments with integrated hazard detectors and communication devices face issues with wire damage and detachment, requiring substantial maintenance and not being designed for daily operational use in hazardous environments.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes clothing items with integrated detectors, first and second warning devices, and transmission capabilities, where the first warning is a light-emitting diode for local hazards, the second is a light-emitting diode for colleague detections, and a system for maintaining communication through a microcontroller and radio devices, with wiring secured within seams to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If garments are equipped with integrated hazard detectors and communication devices, then operatives can detect and communicate environmental hazards, but the wires are prone to damage and detachment requiring substantial maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehazard detection and communication reliabilityVSAvoidwire maintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired communication systems with radio frequency communication between garments. Each garment includes a transmitter that sends hazard alerts wirelessly to other garments and a base station, eliminating the need for physical wire connections that are prone to damage and detachment in hazardous environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The garment integrates multiple functions including hazard detection sensors, wireless transmission capabilities, and visual alert systems (LED lights) into a single wearable unit. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate wired devices, reducing overall wire complexity and maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If existing hazard detector garments are used, then operatives can identify hazards, but the garments are not designed for daily operational use and require substantial maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehazard detection capabilityVSAvoidgarment operational duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fragile wired connections with robust wireless radio frequency communication, allowing the garment to withstand the rigors of daily operational use in hazardous environments without wire-related failures that would limit operational duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The garment design changes from laboratory-prototype parameters to operational-grade specifications, including durable wireless communication hardware, reinforced stitching, and weather-resistant materials that enable continuous daily use rather than limited test-phase operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If wired communication systems are used in hazard detector garments, then communication can be maintained, but wire damage and detachment occur frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication continuityVSAvoidwire damage from environmental exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical wire connections with electromagnetic radio frequency communication. Each garment contains a transmitter that wirelessly sends hazard alert information to other garments and a base station, completely eliminating wires that are vulnerable to environmental damage from chemicals, moisture, and physical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces radio frequency waves as an intermediary medium for communication between garments and the base station. This wireless electromagnetic intermediary replaces direct physical wire connections, allowing information transfer without exposed conductors that would be damaged by the hazardous environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively warns operatives of environmental hazards and maintains communication among team members, reducing the risk of wire damage and ensuring continuous operation in hazardous environments with enhanced visibility and communication reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the first warning device is a light emitting diode configured to emit light of a first predetermined color

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9922519B2Issuing alarm signal to operatives

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 BLACKLINE SAFETY CORP

AI summary

A jacket 101 has a detector, such as a gas detector, for detecting an environmental hazard. The jacket has a first warning device for issuing a first warning in response to detecting the environmental hazard. Furthermore, the jacket is provided with a transmission device for transmitting a warning signal to similar jackets worn by operatives within the environment. Each jacket includes a second warning device for issuing a second warning in response to receiving a warning signal from any other jackets or clothing.