Wearable Rear-Movement Detection Device for Runners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Walkers and runners are at risk of being approached unexpectedly from behind by faster-moving individuals or vehicles while wearing earphones, as existing technologies fail to effectively alert them to potential dangers in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A Bluetooth-enabled wearable device with proximity sensors (temperature, ultrasonic, infrared, etc.) attached to the back or side of the wearer, which detects movement from the rear and alerts the user through vibrations, sounds, or signals to their earphones or phone, providing customizable alerts based on settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If walkers and runners wear earphones and listen to music, then they enjoy entertainment and comfort, but they become unaware of their surroundings and vulnerable to approaching dangers from behind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wearable detection device as an intermediary between the wearer and the environment. This device includes sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, temperature) that detect approaching objects and a communication module that transmits alerts to earphones/headphones. The intermediary device allows the wearer to remain comfortable with earphones while still receiving environmental awareness through audio alerts, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort and safety awareness.
2Device complexity
If no detection device is used, then the system remains simple, but walkers and runners cannot detect approaching persons or vehicles from behind in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional wearable device that combines detection capabilities (ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, temperature sensors) with communication functions (Bluetooth module, alert transmission to earphones). This universal device performs multiple functions - environmental detection, signal processing, and user notification - within a single integrated system. The device can detect various types of approaching objects (persons, vehicles, animals) using multiple sensor types, providing comprehensive safety monitoring without requiring multiple separate devices, thus balancing complexity with reliability.
3Loss of time
If the detection range is extended to 20-50 feet, then early warning capability is improved, but the device requires more advanced sensors and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning and detection cycles rather than continuous monitoring at maximum power. The wearable device performs detection in periodic intervals, activating sensors only when needed to detect approaching objects within the extended range. This periodic action allows the system to achieve early warning capability over 20-50 feet while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous maximum-power operation, thus resolving the contradiction between detection range/early warning and energy consumption.
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
Effectively notifies wearers of approaching objects from behind, enhancing their safety by providing timely alerts and awareness, even when they are engaged with music or other activities, with a detection range of up to 20-50 feet.
Implementation Method 1
The unit contains a proximity sensor(s) (temperature, ultrasonic, infrared, laser, etc.) that detects movement or approaching person (person, person on vehicle, etc.) from the rear or sides of the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
Upon detection of movement or object, the device of the present invention can vibrate, emit a sound, or transmit another signal to a wearer's phone App and/or earbuds/headphones. Depending on settings and preferences, the device (or the App) can cause the device, or even a separate device, to vibrate, emit a custom alarm and/or send a tone to earbuds/earphones/headphones, either through the App or directly from the device, or send another signal. The technology described can also be built into and integrated directly within a cell phone if so desired potentially using the processor, sensor or battery already present within the cell phone. The device uses these communication methods as a means to notify the wearer of an object (person, car, bike, etc.) approaching or moving in the rear or side areas of the wearer.