Wearable Child-Monitor Wristband with Security Screw and Fail Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable monitoring systems lack effective mechanisms for alerting authorities or users of critical conditions, such as physical detachment or environmental hazards, due to lack of reliable fail points and secure communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A wristband system with a designed fail point and two-way security screw mechanism that triggers alerts when a predetermined force is applied, combined with environmental sensors and communication means to notify a secondary mobile device, ensuring secure and timely alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wearable monitoring system is made secure and durable, then reliability is improved, but the ability to safely detach or fail in critical conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wristband is segmented into multiple components including adjustable sections with holes, a device holding end, and a tail end. This segmentation allows the system to be divided into functional zones where different properties can exist - secure attachment zones and controlled fail zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the wristband have different structural qualities. The main body uses security screws with non-standard drives for secure attachment, while specific designed fail points have reduced thickness or structural weaknesses to enable controlled breaking at predetermined forces.
2Device complexity
If security screws with non-standard drives are used, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is improved through secure fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The security screw uses a non-standard, asymmetric drive mechanism that is not compatible with common screwdrivers. This asymmetric design prevents unauthorized or accidental removal while requiring a specific proprietary tool for installation and removal.
3Reliability
If a designed fail point is implemented, then reliability is improved for safety, but strength of the wristband is reduced at the fail point
Solution Approach 1:
The fail point is pre-engineered during manufacturing with specific structural characteristics (reduced thickness, material properties) that cause it to fail at a predetermined force level. This preliminary preparation ensures that when critical force is applied, the wristband will fail at the designed location rather than randomly.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of wristband failure is converted into a benefit by designing a controlled fail point that breaks at predetermined forces. This transforms the weakness into a safety feature that prevents catastrophic failure and enables alert functionality when detachment occurs.
4Reliability
If environmental sensors and communication means are added, then reliability of monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as the monitoring platform, houses environmental sensors, provides communication means for alerts, and interfaces with the wristband's fail point detection system. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple components into a single device, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a personal safety monitoring system this disclosure include a wristband that includes a two-way security screw having a non-standard drive recess and sized for insertion into adjustment holes of the wristband; a security key having a non-standard drive configured for insertion into the non-standard drive recess of the two-way security screw; and a designed fail point located along at least one of the first and second lengths of the wristband, the designed fail point configured to fail at a predetermined pull force on the wristband. A monitor may receive signals from the wristband and sound an alert when the wristband exceeds a maximum allowable distance from the monitor.