Wearable Strap Proximity Alert System
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a common issue of people accidentally leaving or losing their electronic devices in public places due to distraction or theft, leading to loss of valuable data and inability to recover the devices.
Innovation Solution
A wearable strap with releasable connection means, a detector for wirelessly detecting electronic devices, and a controller that initiates alerts via speaker, vibrator, or signaling when the device is moved out of a predetermined distance, ensuring the user is reminded to retrieve their device and potentially alerting them to theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wearable strap with detector and alert means is used to monitor electronic device distance, then the reliability of device recovery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (detector, controller, alert means) into an integrated wearable strap system that monitors electronic device proximity and provides alerts, resolving the contradiction by merging these components into a single cohesive device that improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system automatically monitors device proximity and triggers alerts without requiring user intervention, with the controller programmed to detect when the electronic device exceeds predetermined distance thresholds and activate alert means accordingly, enabling self-service operation that improves reliability while maintaining manageable complexity
2Loss of time
If the controller is configured to suppress alerts when releasable connection means is unfastened, then the loss of time from false alerts is reduced, but the measurement precision of device presence detection may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The alert suppression feature dynamically adjusts system behavior based on the fastening state of the releasable connection means, allowing the controller to differentiate between intentional strap removal and actual device separation, thereby reducing false alerts while maintaining detection precision through conditional logic rather than fixed thresholds
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable strap 10 comprising releasable connection means 14 for securing the strap 10 around part of a person's body, a detector for wirelessly detecting an electronic device, a controller 16 programmed with at least one predetermined threshold for a distance between the strap 10 and electronic device, and at least one of: a) alert means 26a, 26b including at least a speaker or vibrator in the strap 10, and b) signalling means in the strap for sending a signal to a remote location, such as initiating an alert from the electronic device; the controller 16 being configured to use the detector to monitor the distance between the strap 10 and electronic device, and the controller 16 being configured to initiate the alert means 26a, 26b and/or signalling means to provide an audible or vibrating alert when the distance between the strap 10 and electronic device exceeds the predetermined threshold.