SI26036A - Safety helmet and procedure for stopping driving or limiting driving speed based on the use of said safety helmet - Google Patents

Abstract

The safety helmet for driving motor vehicles consists of: at least one heart rate sensor to detect the presence of the helmet user's heart rate; at least one helmet tilt gyroscope; a sensor on the chin buckle buckle to monitor the appropriate fastening of said seat belt; battery; a central unit containing a microcontroller or microprocessor module on which the helmet program is implemented and takes care of capturing data from sensors and transferring data between the helmet and the means of transport; wireless transceiver module for vehicle and / or mobile application connection. According to the invention, the helmet enables the vehicle to be switched off when the predetermined speed limit of at least 5 km / h is exceeded. Up to this speed limit, the vehicle's propulsion system operates normally regardless of the condition of the safety helmet, mainly for the purpose of maneuvering the vehicle in the event of a roadworthiness test, service or parking. The invention also relates to a method of limiting the speed of driving or stopping driving with a vehicle on the basis of detected helmet wear.

Description

SAFETY HELMET AND PROCEDURE FOR STOPPING OR LIMITING DRIVING SPEED ON THE BASIS OF USING SAFETY HELMET

Field of technology

The present invention belongs to the field of human needs, namely helmets, more specifically to the field of safety helmets for use in traffic. It also touches on the areas of vehicles, especially speed control, and the areas of signaling and control based on sensors measured or determined values. The invention relates to a safety helmet for driving and to a method of stopping driving or limiting the speed of driving with electric or motor two-, three- or four-wheelers based on the use of said safety helmet.

Background of the invention and technical problem

Means of transport enable the mobility of people around the world and are widely accessible to the population from children to the elderly. Driving a vehicle with two, three or four wheels, such as a motorcycle, e-scooter, electric scooter, moped, tricycle, ATV, requires the use of a certified safety helmet to prevent serious head injuries or even death. However, there is often misuse of the helmet, which endangers the safety of the driver, as many hold it in their hand, hang it on the handlebars, store it in the trunk or basket, or wear it on the elbow instead of on the head.

The technical problem solved by the present invention is therefore the design of a safety helmet, which will enable reliable monitoring of the appropriate wearing of the helmet, and at the same time enable connection to the vehicle, the operation of which will depend on the detected wearing of the helmet. The purpose and object of the invention is consequently to reduce the number of injuries and to improve the safety of the drivers of said vehicles.

State of the art

Utility model CN209473673 (U) describes a helmet for firefighters having a system for monitoring the vital signs of a firefighter wearing a helmet and a means for connecting and sending data that allows tracking the condition of the firefighter. The helmet has a temperature and heart rate sensor to monitor the vitality of the firefighter, and a gyroscope to monitor the movement of the firefighter. Firefighter status data is sent via a microprocessor module and wireless connection to the control panel or any other unit. This solution is not adapted for use in traffic, and it is not possible to influence the condition or operation of an electric and / or motor vehicle.

Document CN110179195 refers to an electric bicycle helmet that can be connected to the electric bicycle speed control system via a communication module. The helmet also has a system to monitor the proper wearing of the helmet on the head. If the human body is properly detected, the signal travels through the communication module to the control system and the electric bike can be driven at any speed that the bike allows. This solution does not describe the exact implementation of the control system and the course of speed control.

Patent application EP0346300 describes helmets which include a power supply, sensors for normal helmet wear, a transmitter and an antenna to transmit signals to a normal helmet on a vehicle-like receiver such as an engine, which allows the engine to start and move and drive. If the sensors detect that the helmet is not properly fitted on the head, the vehicle cannot move, which is inconvenient if the vehicle only needs to be moved a few meters in the garage or brought to the service or inspection area.

The present invention differs from the above-mentioned prior art documents mainly in the components and method of connection to the vehicle whose driving is to be interrupted in the event of improper wearing of the helmet.

Description of the solution to the technical problem

The safety helmet according to the invention consists of a base mold that fits the head, a chin safety belt, suitable vibration absorbers located between the base mold and the head, and an optional visor and other conventional safety helmet components for use in traffic. The essence of the helmet according to the invention is that it further includes:

- at least one heart rate sensor to detect the presence of the helmet user's heart rate,

- at least one helmet tilt gyroscope,

- preferably a suitable sensor on the buckle of the chin strap for monitoring the appropriate fastening of said safety belt,

- a battery for the supply of said sensors and gyroscope, which can be recharged in any known manner and / or operates on replaceable batteries,

- a central unit containing a microcontroller or microprocessor module on which the helmet program is implemented and takes care of capturing data from sensors and switches and transferring data between the helmet and the means of transport

- an optional mobile application that monitors the data detected by the said sensors and the gyroscope and is adapted to trigger the shutdown of the vehicle drive based on them; in

- wireless transceiver module for connection to the vehicle and / or mobile application.

The helmet according to the invention makes it possible to switch off the operation of the vehicle when the predetermined speed limit of at least 5 km / h is exceeded, preferably 10 km / h or more. Alternatively, the helmet could also block the driving speed to a preset limit value, such as 5 km / h or 10 km / h, if worn inappropriately. Thus, the user would not be able to drive faster until he had properly fitted the helmet. It is easier to do this with e-powered vehicles, vehicles with automatic transmission, more difficult with internal combustion engines and manual / foot transmission, but also with the latter via the built-in potentiometer for reading the position of the pedal, which can be used to it regulates the speed with a suitable processor. Up to this pre-set speed limit, the vehicle's propulsion system operates normally regardless of the condition of the safety helmet and detected wear, mainly due to maneuvering with the vehicle in the event of a technical inspection, service or parking of the vehicle.

The built-in heart rate sensor is designed to ensure that the helmet is properly fitted and that it is mounted on the human body (head) and not attached to the trunk or seat of the vehicle. The sensor can operate on the principle of optical transmitting and receiving diodes or on the principle of detecting electrical pulses. The heart rate sensor can be any known to a person skilled in the art of sensors, and preferably optical sensors are used, which operate on the principle of emitting and receiving the reflected amount of light from the skin. Two or more heart rate sensors may also be present, with a higher number of measurements ensuring greater safety helmet reliability. The sensor (s) are located in the inner part of the helmet, preferably on the left and / or right shade. A pulse in the range of 30 to 200 beats per minute is permitted, while any deviation from this range is detected and communicated by the safety helmet to the vehicle whose drive circuit is subsequently interrupted if the engine electronics are interrupted if the driving speed exceeds the preset speed limit.

The gyroscope, which can preferably be a combination of a rotation and acceleration sensor, measures the tilt of the helmet and is responsible for signaling whether the helmet is fitted correctly. The gyroscope and the battery, which is charged via a charger or powered by a replaceable battery, are built into the helmet cover, preferably at the front at the front or at the rear at the top. The safety helmet determines that it is not correctly positioned if the gyroscope detects an inclination in each direction more than 90 degrees from the natural or upright position (i.e. the position when the helmet is correctly positioned on the head). Preferably, it can also allow a higher incline, which should not last longer than a few seconds, for example 5 seconds, which can happen in the case of extreme engine placement in a bend.

An additional, preferred part of the system for detecting the correct wearing of a helmet is the sensor on the buckle of the chin belt. This sensor can be either an electro-mechanical (switch, magnet) or opto-electric sensor. Any other type that can be installed in or next to the buckle can also be used and allows you to detect if both parts of the buckle are fastened or not. So, if the helmet is not fastened with a chin strap, the circuit is also interrupted and the propulsion system of the vehicle ceases to operate.

The central unit, which is part of the helmet, contains a microcontroller or microprocessor module, which runs the helmet program and takes care of capturing data from sensors and switches and transferring data between the helmet and the vehicle. The wireless transceiver module is intended for connection to a vehicle and / or mobile application and is installed in a central unit or as a separate unit. The antenna can be soldered to a printed circuit board or placed in a helmet frame. All currently known and future types of wireless connections and protocols can be used, for example standard connections such as Bluetooth, WiFI, ZigBee and the like. If a mobile application is used, it must be programmed to check the detected parameters with sensors, appropriate communication with the central unit of the helmet and the vehicle module that controls the electronics, based on which the operating status of the vehicle drive is adjusted.

The helmet is connected to the module in the vehicle or vehicle via a wireless connection, preferably Bluetooth, as the connection is made with a password and thus there is no interference between different connections, otherwise each engine and helmet should have its own frequency. . there was a crossover of signals. Preferably, said module is mounted on the handlebars or. on the dashboard of the vehicle. The module is powered in the vehicle via the vehicle's power supply system (accumulator, battery, ...) and no additional external charging is required. Alternatively, the helmet may be connected directly to an application adapted to operate the vehicle's propulsion system, such as an electric scooter or scooter, instead of a module on the vehicle.

The safety helmet switches off the motor circuit in case of driving above the limit value and detected incorrect wearing of the helmet via a wireless connection to a mobile application or to a vehicle module connected to the operation of the vehicle power unit, as if the user pressed the switch . Every electric vehicle already contains a microcontroller (or processor), which reads the position of the handle and, depending on its condition, gives a certain power to the electric motor via the controller. All that needs to be added to this system to be compatible with the helmet according to the invention is a wireless module through which communication with the helmet will be enabled and thus the impact on the state of operation of the vehicle according to the detected helmet wear. The receiver or module on the vehicle is connected to the control electronics of the vehicle and is easily interrupted in case of deviation from the predetermined parameters detected by the sensors (in the case of the engine shutdown version). Alternatively, the module can determine how much power to give the electric motor for speeds up to 10 km / h based on the data received from the helmet. CAN communication is used in most vehicles, including cars, but RS232, RS485, Ethernet and the like can also be used.

The process of interrupting or limiting the speed of driving on the basis of the use of said safety helmet according to the invention is carried out according to the following steps:

a) the helmet is connected wirelessly to the vehicle when it is switched on,

b) sensors and gyroscope detect the appropriate wearing of the helmet, where:

i. Improper wearing of the helmet allows at speeds lower than the pre-set speed limit, which is preferably 5 km / h, ii. Proper wearing of a helmet allows for normal driving, iii. Improper wearing of the helmet at speeds higher than the pre-set speed limit, which is preferably 5 km / h, triggers the shutdown of the vehicle by interrupting the vehicle module connected to the vehicle control electronics to interrupt the drive circuit; but iv. Improper wearing of the helmet at speeds higher than the pre-set speed limit, which is preferably 5 km / h, triggers a speed limit of the vehicle by containing a vehicle microcontroller (or processor) that reads the position of the handle and depending on its condition via the controller , gives a certain power to the electric motor and limits the driving speed to a maximum of 10 km / h, preferably a maximum of 5 km / h.

Points iii) and iv) are therefore alternatives in operation. Preferably, the vehicle starts smoothly after stopping, but in the case of an incorrectly fitted helmet, it does not allow driving faster than the pre-set speed limit. However, the vehicle may have an additional button to reset and restart the vehicle, but this would further complicate the operation of the present invention. In all cases, the wireless safety module in the vehicle decides which driving mode will be selected (normal mode, restricted mode, off mode).

The safety helmet according to the invention can be used when driving various vehicles, such as electric bicycles, scooters or scooters, mopeds, tricycles, quadricycles and similar vehicles, powered by a propulsion system such as an internal combustion engine, electric drive and all other drives. The helmet will thus prevent the vehicle from being driven at a speed higher than the pre-set speed limit, preferably 10 km / h, in the event that:

- helmet in the user's hand - no heartbeat, gyroscope shows inadmissible rotation,

- helmet half-mounted on the head - chin strap not fastened,

- helmet in the trunk - no heartbeat, or

- in any other case where one of the sensors detects a deviation from the preset permissible values.

This will significantly improve the safety of drivers, the safety of passers-by or other drivers in traffic.

The safety helmet and the procedure for limiting the speed of driving or stopping driving on the basis of the use of said safety helmet according to the invention will be described below with the aid of figures showing:

Figure 1 Diagram of the operation of the invention and the procedure for limiting the speed of driving or stopping driving based on the use of a helmet according to the invention

Figure 2 Block diagram of a possible implementation of electronics in a helmet

Figure 3 Block diagram of possible electronics in the vehicle

Figure 1 shows a diagram of the operation of the invention and the method of limiting the speed of driving or stopping driving based on the use of a helmet according to the invention, including a heart rate sensor, gyroscope and helmet buckle sensor on the seat belt, said components their condition is monitored by a central unit or microprocessor. If the heart rate is not detected and / or the gyroscope detects an inappropriate inclination and / or the seat belt buckle is not fastened, the helmet stops driving via wireless communication of the central unit with the vehicle module if the speed exceeds the preset speed limit of 5 km / h , or limit the driving speed to a maximum of 10 km / h, preferably to a maximum of 5 km / h. Even if the helmet has enabled the vehicle to operate normally, it is still possible to switch off the drive, for example if the gyroscope detects inappropriate values for too long, or if the seat belt buckle is unfastened.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a possible implementation of electronics in a helmet, and Figure 3 a block diagram of a possible implementation of electronics in a vehicle, where both wireless modules communicate with each other wirelessly.

Claims (11)

1. A safety helmet consisting of a base mold fitting to the head, a chin strap, suitable vibration absorbers located between the base mold and the head and an optional visor, further comprising: - at least one heart rate sensor to detect the presence of the helmet user's heart rate, - at least one helmet tilt gyroscope, - preferably a suitable sensor on the buckle of the chin strap for monitoring the appropriate fastening of said safety belt, - a battery for the supply of said sensors and gyroscope, which can be recharged in any known manner and / or operates on replaceable batteries, - a central unit containing a microcontroller or microprocessor module on which the helmet program is implemented and takes care of capturing data from sensors and switches and transferring data between the helmet and the means of transport, and - a wireless transceiver module for connection to the vehicle and / or mobile application, the helmet allowing the vehicle to be switched off when the predetermined speed limit of at least 5 km / h is exceeded, preferably 10 km / h or more, or the speed limit driving at a maximum of 10 km / h, preferably at a maximum of 5 km / h. Safety helmet according to claim 1, characterized in that it further includes a mobile application that monitors the data detected by said sensors and the gyroscope and is adapted to trigger the shutdown of the vehicle drive based on them. Safety helmet according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heart rate sensor is located in the inner part of the helmet and operates on the principle of optical transmitting and receiving diodes or on the principle of detecting electrical pulses, preferably optical sensors operating on the principle emitting and receiving reflected amounts of light from the skin, allowing a pulse in the range of 30 to 200 beats per minute. Safety helmet according to the preceding claim, characterized in that two or more heart rate sensors are present. Safety helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gyroscope is preferably a combination of rotation and acceleration sensor and has a limit inclination in each direction of more than 90 degrees from the natural or upright position when the helmet is correctly placed on the head. Safety helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor on the chin belt buckle is either an electromechanical (switch, magnet) or opto-electric sensor. Security helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central unit and the wireless transceiver module use any wireless connection and protocols, for example standard connections such as Bluetooth, WiFI, ZigBee and the like. Safety helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the helmet is adapted for wireless connection to a module in the vehicle, preferably via Bluetooth, since the connection is made with a password and thus does not interfere between different connections. Safety helmet according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the mobile application is programmed to perform verification of detected parameters with sensors, appropriate communication with the central helmet unit and the vehicle module that controls the electronics on the basis of which the operating state of the means of transport is adjusted. A method of interrupting or limiting the speed of driving a vehicle based on the use of said safety helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is performed according to the following steps: a) the helmet is connected wirelessly to the vehicle when it is switched on, b) sensors and gyroscope detect the appropriate wearing of the helmet, where: i. Improper wearing of the helmet allows at speeds lower than the preset speed limit, which is preferably 5 km / h, ii. Proper wearing of a helmet allows for normal driving, iii. Improper wearing of the helmet at speeds higher than the pre-set speed limit, which is preferably 5 km / h, triggers the shutdown of the vehicle by interrupting the vehicle module connected to the vehicle control electronics to interrupt the drive circuit; but iv. Improper wearing of the helmet at speeds higher than the pre-set speed limit, which is preferably 5 km / h, triggers a speed limit of the vehicle by containing a vehicle microcontroller (or processor) that reads the position of the handle and depending on its condition via the controller , gives a certain power to the electric motor and limits the driving speed to a maximum of 10 km / h, preferably a maximum of 5 km / h. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the vehicle is an electric bicycle, scooter or scooter, moped, tricycle, quadricycle and similar vehicles powered by a propulsion system such as an internal combustion engine, electric drive and all other drives.