Systems and methods for inflatable avalanche protection with system diagnostic

One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, diagnostic system and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber. The diagnostic system includes a at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter corresponding to the inflation system and a display configured to visually, audibly, and/or tactilely display the parameter.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to inflatable avalanche safety systems and methods of operation. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for efficient inflation of an avalanche safety chamber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One type of emergency life-preserving equipment is an inflatable safety system configured to inflate a chamber in response to an emergency event such as an impact or a potential impact. For example, automobile driver inflatable safety systems are designed to automatically inflate a chamber over the steering wheel in response to an impact between the automobile and another object so as to protect the driver from forceful impact with interior structures of the automobile. Likewise, avalanche inflatable safety systems are designed to manually inflate a chamber adjacent to the user in response to the user's triggering of an inflation mechanism. Inflatable safety systems generally include an inflatable chamber, an activation system, and an inflation system. The inflatable chamber is designed to expand from a compressed state to an inflated state so as to cushion the user or dampen potential impact. The inflatable chamber may also be used to encourage the user to elevate over a particular surface. The elevation of the inflatable chamber is achieved by the concept of inverse segregation, in which larger volume particles are sorted towards the top of a suspension of various sized particles in motion. The activation system enables manual or automatic activation of the inflation system. The inflation system transmits a fluid such as a gas into the inflatable chamber, thus increasing the internal pressure within the inflatable chamber and thereby transitioning the inflatable chamber from the compressed state to the inflated state.

Unfortunately, conventional inflatable avalanche safety systems fail to provide an efficient safety system. First, conventional systems are limited to single use in-field operation. The portable compressed gas canisters used in the conventional systems are generally configured to only contain a sufficient volume for a single deployment and therefore must be completely replaced to rearm the system. Therefore, if a user inadvertently deploys the system, it cannot be rearmed without replacing the canister. Second, conventional systems include one or more combustible or pressurized components that are not permitted on airplanes and helicopters, thus limiting the systems' use in travel situations. Third, conventional avalanche inflatable systems require a complex rearming procedure that includes replacing at least one component to enable repeated use. This may compromise user safety or system operation if performed incorrectly.

Another problem with conventional inflatable avalanche safety systems is the inability for a user to intuitively identify the status of the system without internal inspection. For example, an avalanche safety system may be inoperable thereby unable to provide any safety to the user. If a canister-based avalanche safety system is deployed and partially rearmed in the manner that conceals the inflatable chamber, the user may mistakenly assume the system is rearmed and capable of inflating the inflatable chamber. Likewise, if an internal critical portion of an inflatable avalanche safety system becomes detached or worn as a result wear, a user may also mistakenly assume the system is capable of protection during an avalanche.

Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an efficient and reliable inflatable avalanche safety system that overcomes the problems with conventional systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to inflatable avalanche safety systems and methods of operation. One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, a diagnostic system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from impact and/or provide inverse segregation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber. The diagnostic system includes at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter corresponding to the inflation system and a display configured to visually, audibly, and/or tactilely display the parameter. The harness may be a backpack that enables a user to transport the system while engaging in activities that may be exposed to avalanche risk. The harness may include hip straps, shoulder straps, internal compartments, etc.

Embodiments of the present invention represent a significant advance in the field of avalanche safety systems. Embodiments of the present invention avoid the limitations of conventional avalanche safety systems by using ambient air rather than a canister of compressed gas. The use of ambient air avoids the explosive dangers associated with compressed gas canisters and thereby is legal for air transportation. Likewise, ambient air is unlimited and therefore enables multiple inflations and/or inadvertent deployments. Finally, the procedure to rearm the system is simplified to enable intuitive user operation.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention overcome the lack of intuitive feedback as to the status and/or capability of the system to provide avalanche protection. Embodiments of the present invention include a diagnostic system configured to provide the user visual, audible, and/or tactile information corresponding to the status and configuration of the inflation system and/or the activation system. Therefore, a user may confirm the system is capable of providing avalanche protection prior to engaging in activities that include risk of avalanche danger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to inflatable avalanche safety systems and methods of operation. One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, a diagnostic system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from impact and/or provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber. The diagnostic system includes at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter corresponding to the inflation system and a display configured to visually, audibly, and/or tactilely display the parameter. The harness may be a backpack that enables a user to transport the system while engaging in activities that may be exposed to avalanche risk. The harness may include hip straps, shoulder straps, internal compartments, etc. Also, while embodiments are described in reference to an avalanche safety system it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to other areas including but not limited to non-avalanche impact safety systems.

Reference is initially made toFIG. 1, which illustrates a profile view of an avalanche safety system, designated generally at100. The illustrated system100includes an inflatable chamber140, an inflation system160, an activation system (not shown), and a harness120. The inflatable chamber140is a three dimensional, inflatable, partially enclosed structure. In particular, the inflatable chamber140includes an inlet (not shown) and a particular inflated shape. The inflatable chamber140is illustrated in the compressed state inFIG. 1. The compressed state includes substantially expelling air from within the inflatable chamber and compressing the external surface of the inflatable chamber upon itself.FIG. 7Cillustrates the inflated state of the inflatable chamber. The inflated state of the inflatable chamber includes expansion of the external surface away from the compressed state, substantially analogous to the inflation of a balloon. However, the inflatable chamber may include a particular three dimensional inflated shape such that upon inflation, the external surfaces are forced to form the shape. For example, the inflatable chamber may be configured to include multiple chambers, multiple regions, etc.FIG. 7Cillustrates on embodiment of an inflated shape including a substantially pillow-shaped form with two horn members. It will be appreciated that various other shapes may be practiced in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, the inflatable chamber140may be configured to wrap around the head and/or torso of the user.

The inflation system160is configured to transition the inflatable chamber140from the compressed state to the inflated state. The inflation system160may further include an air intake180, a fan164, a battery166, an internal airway channel168, a motor170, and a controller172. The air intake180provides an inlet for receiving ambient air. The illustrated air intake180includes an elongated vent structure through which ambient air may flow. The air intake180is coupled to the internal airway channel168such that ambient air may be transmitted through the air intake180to the internal airway channel with minimal loss. The components and operation of the air intake will be described in more detail with reference toFIG. 5below. The fan164, battery166, motor170, and controller172are the electrical components of the inflation system. The electrical components of the inflation system160are electrically coupled to the activation system as illustrated inFIG. 2. The fan164is a rotational member configured to generate a vacuum force in a particular orientation upon rotation. The fan is oriented in the system100to generate the vacuum force such that ambient air is pulled into the inflatable chamber140. It will be appreciated that fans in a variety of sizes may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The battery166may be any form of electrical storage device. The motor170converts electrical energy into mechanical rotation. The controller172may be any form of speed controller to facilitate particular inflation patterns such as a logarithmic increase in fan speed. The fan164, battery166, motor170, and controller172are selected to correspond with one another to facilitate optimal inflation characteristics. For example, the size of fan164dictates the necessary speed and time required to inflate the inflatable chamber140. The speed and time parameters thereby influence optimal selection of the remaining electrical components.

The activation system190is configured to activate the inflation system160to expand the inflatable chamber140to the inflated state. The activation system190is a user-input device configured to a user-triggered action intended to activate the system100. The particular user-triggered action depends on the specific type of activation system components. For example, the activation system190may include some form of physical switch configured to receive a physical switching motion from the user to activate the system100. The switch may be any type of switching mechanism including but not limited to a rip cord, push button, toggle, etc. The activation system190is electrically coupled to the inflation system160so as to engage the inflation system upon receipt of the user-triggered action. Alternatively or in addition, the activation system190may include other sensors designed to activate the system without a user-triggered action. In addition, the activation may include a deactivation switch. The deactivation switch may be used to deactivate the system in the event of an inadvertent activation.

The harness120couples the system100to the user200as illustrated inFIGS. 7A-7C. The illustrated harness120inFIGS. 1-7is a backpack-style unit, including a hip strap124and a shoulder strap122. The backpack configuration provides an internal chamber separate from the inflatable chamber140within which the user may store items. The internal chamber is disposed between the user and the inflatable chamber140such that the inflatable chamber is distally disposed with respect to the remainder of the harness/backpack120and the user. Therefore, upon activation the inflatable chamber will be able to inflate without obstruction. The inflation system160is distal to the inflatable chamber140in the illustrated embodiment. The inflation system160may be disposed within a region configured to break away or articulate upon the inflation of the inflatable chamber140, as illustrated inFIGS. 7A-C. The backpack or harness may further include various other straps and compartments in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Alternatively, the harness may be any form of simple strapping apparatus configured to couple the system to the user.

Reference is next made toFIG. 2, which illustrates a schematic of the avalanche safety system illustrated inFIG. 1. The schematic diagram illustrates the operational relationship between various components of the system100. The activation system190includes a switch192. As discussed above, the activation system190is configured to receive a user-triggered action intended to activate the avalanche safety system100and inflate the inflatable chamber140. The switch192is electrically coupled to the inflation system160between the battery166and the controller172. As described above, the battery166stores electrical energy for use in inflating the inflatable chamber140. The controller172is electrically coupled between the battery166and the motor170. The controller172may provide a particular electrical inflation profile including modulation of current with respect to time. The motor170is electrically coupled to the controller172and fan164such that the modulated current from the controller172may be converted into mechanical rotation of the fan164. The fan164is mechanically disposed between the air intake180and the inflatable chamber140. In particular, an internal airway channel168connects the air intake180, fan164, and inflatable chamber140so as to minimize air loss. As discussed above, upon activation, the fan164generates a rotational force that creates a vacuum aligned with the illustrated arrows. The vacuum pulls external ambient air through the air intake180, through the fan164, and into the inflatable chamber140.

Reference is next made toFIGS. 3A-D, which illustrate perspective views of the inflation system components. The battery166may be any type of electrical storage device including but not limited to a direct current battery of the type illustrated. The fan164may be a circular fan that facilitates engagement with the internal airway channel168. The motor170may be any type of motor170configured to correspond to the battery166and controller172parameters. Likewise, the controller172may be configured according the inflation objectives for the inflatable chamber140.

Reference is next made toFIG. 4, which illustrates a perspective view of the air intake frame182, internal airway channel168, and fan164. The air intake frame182is part of the air intake180. Various other air intakes may also be incorporated including but not limited to the sides, bottom and front of the system100. Increasing the number of air intake regions increases reliability of the air intake system during operation. The air intake frame182is a partially rigid member with a lateral vent structure as illustrated. In particular, the lateral vent structure includes a channel to the internal airway channel168. Therefore, air/gas transmitted through the lateral vents may be routed to the internal airway channel168. The air intake frame182includes rigid internal structure members in order to maintain the channel. The illustrated internal airway channel168is a cylindrical member coupled between the air intake frame182and the fan164. The internal airway channel168substantially encloses the coupling so as to minimize air leakage between the air intake frame182and the fan164. The fan164is coupled to the internal airway channel164. The inflatable chamber140(not shown inFIG. 4) is coupled to the fan164either directly or via another internal airway channel member (not shown).

Reference is next made toFIG. 5, which illustrates an exploded view of the air intake180with respect to the remainder of the avalanche safety system. The air intake180includes the air intake frame182(illustrated inFIG. 4), a battery compartment186, and a cover184. The battery compartment186is configured to be disposed within the air intake frame182. The positioning of the battery compartment186and the battery (not shown) with respect to the user is important because of the relative weight of most batteries. Therefore, positioning the battery164in a central region enables the shoulder122and hip straps124of the backpack (harness120) to efficiently support the battery during operation. In addition, the battery164must be kept above a certain temperature for proper operation, and therefore positioning adjacent to the user ensures some amount of thermal insulation from the ambient temperature. The cover184includes padded regions and mesh regions. The padded regions facilitate user comfort and are disposed between the user and the air intake frame182. The mesh regions are oriented to align with the lateral venting structure of the air intake frame182. Therefore, ambient air may transmit through the mesh regions and into the air intake frame182as discussed above. Likewise, the mesh regions prevent debris from obstructing the vent structure of the air intake frame182.

FIG. 5further illustrates a frame126member of the backpack or harness120. The frame126may include a rigid support region for further supporting the system with respect to the user. The exploded view illustrates the positioning of the air intake180and the frame126with respect to the remainder of the system100. The hip/waist straps124and the shoulder straps122are also illustrated in the exploded view for positional reference.

Reference is next made toFIG. 6, which illustrates a flow chart of a method in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The method for inflating an inflatable chamber within an avalanche safety system comprises a plurality of acts. The illustrated method may be performed using the avalanche safety system100described above or in correlation with an alternative avalanche safety system. The method includes receiving a user-triggered action intended to activate the avalanche safety system,210. The user-triggered action may include receiving a physical operation or gesture such as pulling a ripcord or depressing a button. Alternatively, the act of receiving a user-triggered action may include receiving a non-physical operation. Upon receipt of the user-triggered action, the method transmits ambient air to the inflatable chamber,220. The act of transmitting ambient air to the inflatable chamber may include generating a vacuum that transmits ambient air through an internal airway channel to the inflatable chamber. The act of generating a vacuum may include using a fan and/or other electrical components. The inflatable chamber is inflated, act230. The act of inflating the inflatable chamber may include inflation entirely with ambient air. The act of inflating the inflatable chamber may also include forming a particular three dimensional shape and internal pressure of the inflatable chamber. The inflation of the inflatable chamber thereby protects the user from an avalanche, act240. The act of protecting the user from an avalanche may include cushioning the user from impact during the avalanche debris, elevating the user above the avalanche, and/or providing a breathing receptacle of ambient air.

Reference is next made toFIGS. 7A-7C, which illustrate an operational sequence of the system inFIG. 1and the method ofFIG. 6.FIG. 7Aillustrates a user200with an avalanche safety system100in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the user200is wearing the system100via a backpack harness structure including a set of hip/waist straps124and shoulder straps122. The system includes an activation system190(not shown), inflation system160and inflatable chamber140as described above.FIG. 7Aillustrates the inflatable chamber140in the compressed state so as to be contained within a region of the backpack. In addition, the system illustrated inFIG. 7Ahas not been activated and therefore the user has not performed any type of user-triggered action upon the activation system190. Prior toFIG. 7B, the user performs a particular user-triggered action such as pulling a ripcord or pressing a button to activate the system100. As described above, the activation system includes an electrical coupling that activates the components of the inflation system160. For example, activation of the activation system190may include switching a switch so as to remove electrical resistance between a battery and other electrical components. Upon activation, the inflation system160transmits ambient air to the inflatable chamber140.FIG. 7Brepresents the transition from the compressed state to the inflated state of the inflatable chamber140. The inflatable chamber140is partially filled with ambient air directed through an air intake180, internal airway channel168, and fan164. A controller172may be used to inflate the inflatable chamber140according to a particular inflation profile. The inflation system160automatically translates in response to the inflation of the inflatable chamber140. In the illustrated embodiment, the inflation system160is disposed within a region that is translating to the right as the inflatable chamber140is expanding. The inflation system160may be housed within a region with a releasable coupling (such as VELCRO) to the remainder of the system, thereby enabling automatic displacement in response to inflation.FIG. 7Cillustrates complete transition to the inflated state of the inflatable chamber140. The inflatable chamber140thereby forms a particular three dimensional shape and has a particular pressure. The particular three dimensional shape and pressure of the inflatable chamber are specifically selected to protect the user200from impact and provide flotation during an avalanche. Various alternative shapes and pressures may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The pressure within the inflatable chamber may be maintained for a particular time using a one way valve that seals the inlet from transmitting air out from the inflatable chamber140. Likewise, the controller172may be configured to shut off and/or restart the fan164after a certain amount of time corresponding to complete inflation of the inflatable chamber140.

Reference is next made toFIG. 8, which illustrates a schematic of one embodiment of a printed circuit board, designated generally at400. The printed circuit board may include electrical components of the inflation system, activation system, and diagnostic system. The printed circuit board400may include various resistors, capacitors, etc. configured to be electrically coupled between the fan and battery of the inflation system. The printed circuit board400may also include various resistors, transistors, integrated circuits, capacitors, switches, etc. electrically coupled between the inflation system and a user input device of the activation system. The printed circuit400may also include sensors and other electrical components coupled to both the inflation system/chamber and a display. The diagnostic system will be described in more detail with reference to the figures below.

Reference is next made toFIG. 9, which illustrates a schematic component diagram of electrical components of one embodiment of an avalanche safety system including a diagnostic system, designated generally at500. The illustrated electrical components500of the avalanche safety system perform particular functions which are categorized as independent systems, including an inflation system, an activation system, and a diagnostic system. As described above, the inflation system includes the fan540and battery530to inflate the inflatable chamber from the compressed state to the inflated state. The activation system includes a user input device510and a controller520to activate the inflation system in response to receiving a user triggering action. The diagnostic system includes a sensor570to measure a parameter corresponding to the inflation system and a display550to visually, audibly, and/or tactilely display the parameter to the user. The electrical components of each system may be intercoupled to provide the particular functionality.

The illustrated inflation system components may include a fan540, battery530, and controller520. The fan540may be any electrical fan configured to rotate a blade in response to an electrical current. The rate at which the fan540rotates the blade corresponds to the battery530and controller520. The battery530may be a direct current battery with at least 500 mAh capacity. The illustrated battery530is electrically coupled to the fan540via the controller520. The battery530may also include a charging coupler560to enable a user to recharge the battery530. The controller520may include electrical components pertaining to the inflation system, such as resistors, capacitors, etc.

The illustrated activation system components may include the user input device510, and controller520. The illustrated user input device510is a mechanical rip-cord with a set of electrical couplers512. The mechanical rip-cord receives the user triggering action of pulling the rip-cord to indicate the user intends to activate the inflation system and inflate the inflatable chamber. The electrical couplers512are electrically coupled to the controller520(not shown). The electrical couplers512may be configured to electrically decouple from corresponding male couplers coupled to the controller520. The controller520therefore receives the user triggering action via the electrical decoupling of the electrical couplers512from the pulling action of the user. The illustrated configuration with electrical couplers512corresponds to a mechanical activation via a user pulling type triggering action. Alternatively, the system may incorporate an entirely electrical activation such as a button type user triggering action. The controller520includes logic components including but not limited to processors, integrated circuits, etc. to selectively activate the inflation system (i.e. electrically couple the battery530to the fan540) in response to the user triggering action. The controller520may also include additional algorithms corresponding to the inflation system including periodic testing, cycling, reinflation, deflation, etc. The illustrated activation system further includes a power switch552disposed on the display550of the diagnostic system. Various other types of electrical switches including but not limited to mechanical, pushbutton, and/or magnetic switches may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The activation system may alternatively include a user input device disposed substantially adjacent to the display of the diagnostic system such as the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10.

The illustrated diagnostic system components may include the controller520, battery temperature sensor570, and display550. The controller520may include further logic components, including but not limited to processors, integrated circuits, etc. in order to measure at least one parameter of the inflation system. The illustrated battery includes a temperature sensor570which is electrically coupled to the controller520to enable the controller to measure the battery temperature. The controller's520logic components may monitor whether the battery temperature sensor indicates that the battery530is above a particular temperature corresponding to the minimum temperature necessary to provide sufficient power to the fan540to inflate the inflatable chamber from the compressed state to the inflated state. The particular minimum temperature may be predetermined or calculated via an automatic testing algorithm. The diagnostic system may include various other sensors related to the inflation system or the inflatable chamber. For example, the diagnostic system may also measure the battery power to determine if sufficient power is available to power the fan540to inflate the inflatable chamber from the compressed state to the inflated state. The diagnostic system may also include a sensor to measure if the inflatable chamber is in the compressed state and thereby capable of inflation. The controller520may include various algorithms pertaining to each sensor to provide feedback to the user and/or automatically perform functions. The display550is electrically coupled to the controller520and configured to display the parameter(s) measured by the controller520. The illustrated display550includes a power button552, a visual quantity indicator554, and visual color indicator556. The visual quantity indicator554may display a bar with a length corresponding to the measured power of the battery. The length of the bar may be configured such that a zero length corresponds to the battery power being under the minimum power necessary to power the fan540so as to inflate the inflatable chamber from the compressed state to the inflated state. Alternatively, the length of the bar may correspond to the temperature of the battery. The visual color indicator system556includes red, yellow, and green indicators. The illumination of the corresponding colored indicators may correspond to the temperature of the battery530measured by the controller520and temperature sensor570. For example, the yellow and green indicators may indicate the battery530is above the minimum temperature to power the fan530to inflate the inflatable chamber from the compressed state to the inflated state. In addition, the visual color indicator may simultaneously or independently correspond to a measurement of whether the inflatable chamber is in the compressed state and capable of inflation. Alternatively or in addition, the visual color indicator may correspond to the power of the battery. The power switch552may receive a user input to turn on and off the diagnostic system for purposes of conserving battery530power.

Reference is next made toFIG. 10, which illustrates a perspective view of a diagnostic display and user input device, designated generally at600. As described above, the activation system includes a user input device610designed to receive a user triggering action from the user. The illustrated user input device610is a rip-cord type handle configured to transmit a mechanical pulling force from the user to an electrical signal, indicating that the user intends to activate the inflation system and inflate the inflatable chamber from the compressed state to the inflated state. The illustrated embodiment of the user input device610also includes the display652of the diagnostic system. Therefore, the user input device610and the display652are substantially proximal to one another, or otherwise correspondingly positioned. The illustrated display652includes a plurality of LED indicators. The LED indicators may visually display both colors and/or a series to indicate a quantity. Therefore, the LED indicators may display multiple measurements or parameters pertaining to the inflation system and/or the inflatable chamber. Various other types of displays may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, various audible displays may display information via pitch, tone, or volume. Likewise, various tactile displays may create various tactile modifications corresponding to the parameter or measurements.

Additional non-illustrated embodiments of the present invention may include transmitting one or more parameters to a wireless computing device. For example, the display and/or the user input device may be configured to send and receive data via a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth, Zigby, wireless USB, etc.

It should be noted that various alternative system designs may be practiced in accordance with the present invention, including one or more portions or concepts of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1or described above. Various other embodiments have been contemplated, including combinations in whole or in part of the embodiments described above.