BLAST SENSOR WITH RELATED HOUSING

Systems and methods to positively retain an attachment cord to a housing of a blast sensor comprising top and bottom portions are disclosed. The top portion is coupled to the bottom portion in a closed configuration and at least partially separated from the bottom portion in an open configuration. The bottom portion of the housing comprises grooves at first and second ends configured to engage an attachment cord in the open configuration, and to positively retain the attachment cord to the housing of the blast sensor in the closed configuration.

BACKGROUND

Unwanted or excessive sound can have deleterious effects on human health. Sounds having sound pressure levels (SPLs) above 85 decibels (dB) for extended periods of time can damage structures of the inner ear, leading to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the employers implement hearing conservation programs when noise exposure is at or above 85 decibels averaged over 8 working hours, or an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Exposure to sound events at more than 105 dB average (dBA) can cause some amount of permanent hearing loss.

Exposure to impulse events, such as blast exposure, can produce high intensity overexposures, often referred to as blast overpressure (BOP), which can pose both a risk of NIHL and a risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with one or more cumulative exposures. Impulse events include impulse noise events, such as gunshots, explosions, or other sound events having fast initial rise times, such as 50 μs or less (e.g., frequencies of 20 kHz or higher), often with SPLs above 140 dB (depending on distance from the event).

Blast sensors can be configured to detect or monitor impulse noise or shock wave events and can be worn by a person to monitor impulse noise or shock wave event exposure of the person or attached to one or more objects (e.g., protective equipment, accessories, stationary objects, vehicles, etc.) to monitor impulse noise or shock wave event exposure to people or associated with or near the one or more objects.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods to positively retain an attachment cord to a housing of a blast sensor comprising top and bottom portions are disclosed. The top portion is coupled to the bottom portion in a closed configuration and at least partially separated from the bottom portion in an open configuration. The bottom portion of the housing comprises grooves at first and second ends configured to engage an attachment cord in the open configuration, and to positively retain the attachment cord to the housing of the blast sensor in the closed configuration.

This summary is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the disclosure. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application. Other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which are not to be taken in a limiting sense.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Blast sensors can include one or more stationary or ambulatory sensors (e.g., each including one or more pressure, acoustic, or other sensing element) configured to detect and monitor exposure to impulse noise or shock wave events. Most blast sensors, even stationary blast sensors, include a replaceable power source, such as a battery.

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, a positive retention device and method for secure attachment of a blast sensor to a variety of objects, positions, or locations (e.g., webbing, straps, rails, etc.) that reduces accidental detachment from prying forces and allows replacement of the replaceable power source without detachment.

FIG.1illustrates a front perspective of an example prior art blast gauge100configured to detect impulse noise or shock wave events using a sensing element under a sensor dome103of mesh material at an upper surface101of a housing102of the blast gauge. The sensing element can include a pressure sensor, such as a silicon-based piezoresistive pressure sensor. The sensor dome103can be configured to reduce dirt and debris collection over the pressure sensor while still allowing detection of impulse noise or shock wave events by the sensing element.

The blast gauge100includes an attachment cord104(e.g., bungee, etc.) that engages mechanical features, including grooves111and protrusions112, etc., at one or both ends of the housing102. The blast gauge100additionally includes a button108, and different first, second, and third indicators105,106,107.

FIG.2illustrates a top perspectives of an example prior art blast gauge200, such as that illustrated inFIG.1. The attachment cord104is retained using a mechanical groove111and protrusions112at a first end of the housing102. To position the blast gauge200a bottom of the housing is placed against an attachment surface or feature, and the attachment cord104is directed around the attachment surface or feature and secured to a groove111at a second end of the housing102. The attachment cord104can be removed from mechanical groove111and protrusions112at the first end of the housing102for replacement, to attach cords of different lengths, etc.

FIG.3illustrates a bottom perspective of an example prior art blast gauge300, such as that illustrated inFIG.1. The bottom of the housing102includes channels114to more securely attach the attachment cord104around attachment features, such as straps, etc.

FIG.4illustrates an example improved blast gauge housing400with positive retention features, including a mechanical groove411at first and second ends of a first housing portion401configured to engage an attachment cord404while the first housing portion401is separate from a corresponding second housing portion402, in an open configuration, but that secures the attachment cord404in the mechanical groove411when the second housing portion402is closed over the first housing portion401.

The improved blast gauge housing400can have a split-shell configuration with separate first and second portions401,402(e.g., top and bottom portions, etc.). One or both of the first and second portions401,402can include a groove411at first and second ends configured to engage an attachment cord404. The attachment cord404can be placed into or removed from the grooves411when the first and second portions401,402are in an open configuration. When the first and second portions401,402are in a closed configuration, the attachment cord404is secured in the grooves411, maintaining positive retention of the attachment cord404and the improved blast gauge housing to any engaged attachment surface or feature while the integrity of the attachment cord remains, or until the first and second portions401,402are transitioned to an open configuration. Even in the open configuration, the improved blast gauge housing400retains the attachment features of the prior art blast gauges.

In an example, the first portion401is coupled to the second portion402at one side by a hinge405or other mechanical mechanism configured to retain connection between the first and second portions401,402when open, and is configured to engage a second opposite second side using one or more mechanical engagement features, such as male and female mating joints, cantilever hook, snap fit components, etc. In other examples, the second portion402can be coupled to the first portion401at multiple sides using one or more mechanical features (with or without hinges or other retention features), or can be secured once coupled in a closed configuration using a clasp, latch, or other mechanical locking mechanism. In an example, the first portion401can include keepers407and a second portion402can include corresponding latches406configured to engage the keepers407to secure the first portion401to the second portion402.

The split-shell configuration allows for replacement of a replaceable power source (e.g., replaceable batteries) in the open configuration without removing the attachment cord or re-securing the improved blast gauge housing to a previously engaged attachment surface or feature. In addition, the hinge405or other mechanical mechanism configured to retain connection between the first and second portions401,402when open can reduce accidental loss of parts of the blast housing gauge400. It certain examples it can be advantageous to secure electronics and batteries to the second portion402when in an open configuration, such as to ease replacement of a malfunctioning sensor without having to detach the first portion401from the existing attachment point.

FIGS.5-7illustrate example improved blast gauge housings500,600,700attached to an attachment feature410, such as a strap, a belt, a belt loop, or one or more other attachment features, etc., in open and closed configurations.

FIG.5illustrates a top view of the blast gauge housing500in an open configuration where an attachment cord404is engaged in grooves411at first and second ends of a first portion401of the blast gauge housing500, but not secured. In the open configuration, the attachment cord404can be lifted out of the grooves411to detach the blast gauge housing500from the attachment feature410.

FIG.6illustrates a bottom view of the blast gauge housing600, including an attachment of the attachment cord404to the attachment feature410, such as a nylon strap, etc. The blast gauge housing600additionally illustrates an opening configured to contain a pressure sensor or one or more other sensing elements configured to detect impulse noise or shock wave events. The blast gauge housing600can additionally include one or more buttons408for operation or indicators to provide visual indicators of operation or exposure, etc.

FIG.7illustrates a top view of the blast gauge housing700in closed configuration. In contrast to that illustrated inFIG.5, where the attachment cord404is engaged but not secured, inFIG.7, the attachment cord404is secured in grooves411by closing the second portion402over the first portion401of the blast gauge housing700, trapping the attachment cord404in the grooves411, holding it in place until the second portion402is moved from the closed configuration to an open configuration.

In certain examples, the grooves411can be configured such that the attachment cord404is not even visible from the top view. In this example, the likelihood of the attachment cord404being sheered or snagged is reduced, such as in contrast to the configuration illustrated inFIGS.1-3. In certain examples, the blast gauge housing700is securely fixed to the attachment feature410, and will remain so until the blast gauge housing700is opened, the attachment cord404is cut, or the attachment feature410breaks or is severed, providing substantial benefit to the configuration illustrated and described inFIGS.1-3.

FIG.8illustrates an example system800including a dosimeter810. The dosimeter810can include a blast sensor801, such as one or more of the previous blast sensors or pressure sensors disclosed and described herein and additional components configured to enable the blast sensor801to operate as a networked or stand-alone dosimeter device. The dosimeter810can include a dosimeter circuit811(or one or more other processors or control circuits) configured to receive information from the blast sensor801(e.g., a pressure sensor, etc.) and to measure or monitor exposure to time-aggregate impulse noise or shock wave events, determine the magnitude of and count individual events, etc. The dosimeter810can include a telemetry circuit812configured to provide communication (wired or wireless) into or out of the dosimeter810according to one or more communication protocols. In certain examples, the telemetry circuit812can be configured for one or both of wired and wireless communication, in certain examples, separately selectable by a user, etc.

In an example, the dosimeter810can include a housing (e.g., a wearable housing configured to be worn by a user, a non-wearable housing configured to be fixed to a specific location, etc.) configured to house the blast sensor801, the dosimeter circuit811, the telemetry circuit812, and a power source813configured to provide power to the system800. In certain examples, the dosimeter810can include one or more audible or visual indicators814configured to provide one or more indications to a user (e.g., lights, speakers, a display screen, etc.), and one or more inputs815(e.g., button interfaces, a touch-screen interface, etc.) configured to receive user input, commands, etc. In certain examples, the dosimeter810can include one or more elastic cords or other physical attachments to enable secure attachment to the body or one or more other pieces of equipment, etc.

In an example, the power source813can include a rechargeable battery. In other examples, the power source813can specifically include a non-rechargeable battery configured to provide power for the components of the dosimeter810for a substantial time period, such as up to 1-year or more, and the remaining components of the dosimeter810can be configured for such long-term use (e.g., wired telemetry, etc.). In an example, the power source813can be a replaceable battery, rechargeable or non-rechargeable.

In an example, the dosimeter circuit811can include an ADC, or one or more amplifiers, pre-amplifiers, filter circuits, etc., configured to process an attenuated output signal from the blast sensor801. The dosimeter circuit811can be configured to detect and record event information, such as impulse noise or shock wave event signatures in real time. The dosimeter circuit811can be configured to distinguish between shock wave (e.g., blast overpressure (BOP)) and other impulse events, such as by using a detected rise time, frequency, event signature, etc., and separately account for such event types, and distinguish separate harms to the user, including between NIHL and TBI, etc. In addition, the dosimeter circuit811can be configured to identify and reject mechanical impulse or mechanical shock events, such as due to motion or physical touching or contact of the dosimeter810, separate from an impulse noise or shock wave events, using signal characteristics, such as rise time, frequency, event signature, etc.

In addition, the dosimeter circuit811can be configured to measure or determine exposure to adverse impulse noise or shock wave events over various time periods, such as over a 24-hour period, an 8-hour period, or longer or shorter time periods, to avoid deleterious effects to a user exposed to such adverse events. In an example, using information from the dosimeter circuit811or information received from one or more other control circuits or processors, such as through the telemetry circuit812, the one or more audible or visual indicators814can be configured to alert a user that one more harmful exposure levels is approaching or has been exceeded. In other examples, the one or more audible or visual indicators814can notify a user that no harmful events or levels have been detected or exceeded.

In certain examples, the dosimeter810can include one or more location sensors, such as GPS, cellular, or other location-based sensors. The dosimeter810can further include one or more other atmospheric or environmental sensors (e.g., temperature, atmospheric pressure, etc.). In certain examples, the dosimeter circuit811can be configured to adjust the measurement or monitoring of impulse noise or shock wave events or exposure using the received atmospheric or environmental information. In certain examples, the dosimeter circuit811can include a clock and can be configured to store a log of timestamped events, such as having SPLs above a certain level, specific signatures, etc.

In an example, the system800can include one or more additional dosimeters820, including one or more components illustrated in the dosimeter810, additional sensors, etc., or one or more additional stationary housings, sensors, or sensor systems. The system800can further include a central processing device830including one or more circuits or processors configured to provide information to or receive information from one or multiple sensors, such as one or more sensors associated with a single user, sensors associated with multiple users, one or more stationary sensors, or combinations thereof. The central processing device830can store information from the dosimeter810or the one or more additional dosimeters820or stationary housings, sensors, or sensor systems. In an example, the central processing device830can include a portable or non-portable computer hub, such as a tablet or a personal computer, configured to collect data from one or more sensors, dosimeters, etc., and store information for analysis, such as with respect to one or more sensors, dosimeters, users, groups of users, geographic area, etc., in a database.

The machine (e.g., computer system)900may include a hardware processor902(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory904, a static memory (e.g., memory or storage for firmware, microcode, a basic-input-output (BIOS), unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI), etc.)906, and mass storage908(e.g., hard drive, tape drive, flash storage, or other block devices) some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interlink (e.g., bus)930. The machine900may further include a display unit910, an alphanumeric input device912(e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device914(e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display unit910, input device912, and UI navigation device914may be a touch screen display. The machine900may additionally include a signal generation device918(e.g., a speaker), a network interface device920, and one or more sensors916, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or one or more other sensors. The machine900may include an output controller928, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader, etc.).

Registers of the processor902, the main memory904, the static memory906, or the mass storage908may be, or include, a machine-readable medium922on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions924(e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions924may also reside, completely or at least partially, within any of registers of the processor902, the main memory904, the static memory906, or the mass storage908during execution thereof by the machine900. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor902, the main memory904, the static memory906, or the mass storage908may constitute the machine-readable medium922. While the machine-readable medium922is illustrated as a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) configured to store the one or more instructions924.

Various embodiments are illustrated in the figures above. One or more features from one or more of these embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments. Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples may include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device or system to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code can form portions of computer program products. Further, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile or non-volatile computer-readable media during execution or at other times.

Example 1 is a blast sensor system, comprising: a housing comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion is coupled to the bottom portion in a closed configuration and at least partially separated from the bottom portion in an open configuration, wherein the bottom portion of the housing comprises grooves at first and second ends configured to engage an attachment cord in the open configuration, and wherein the housing is configured to positively retain the attachment cord in the closed configuration.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 includes, wherein the top portion includes a first mechanical feature configured to mechanically engage a second mechanical feature of the bottom portion in the closed configuration.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 includes, wherein the attachment cord is configured to attach the bottom portion of the housing to an attachment feature.

In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 includes, wherein the top portion of the housing is configured to disengage from the bottom portion of the housing for replacement when the blast sensor system is in the open configuration, without the attachment cord detaching from the attachment feature.

In Example 5, the subject matter of Examples 2-4 includes, a hinge configured to movably affix a first side of the top portion of the housing to a first side of the bottom portion of the housing, wherein the first and second mechanical features are located on a second side of the top and bottom portions of the housing opposite the first side.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 includes, wherein the attachment cord is configured to attach the bottom portion of the housing to an attachment feature, and wherein the top portion of the housing is configured to disengage from the bottom portion of the housing at the hinge for replacement when the blast sensor system is in the open configuration, without the attachment cord detaching from the attachment feature.

In Example 7, the subject matter of Examples 1-6 includes, a blast sensor proximate an upper surface of the top portion of the housing configured to detect or monitor impulse noise or shock wave events at the upper surface.

In Example 8, the subject matter of Examples 1-7 includes, wherein the grooves in the bottom portion are configured to retain the attachment cord within a footprint of the top portion of the housing in the closed configuration.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Examples 1-8 includes, wherein the top portion of the housing is configured to contain electronics of the blast sensor system and to engage and retain a replaceable battery of the blast sensor system.

Example 10 is a method, comprising: engaging an attachment cord to a bottom portion of a housing of a blast sensor system using grooves at first and second ends of the bottom portion of the housing in an open configuration; and positively retaining the attachment cord to the housing of the blast sensor system using a top portion of the housing and the bottom portion of the housing in a closed configuration, wherein the top portion is coupled to the bottom portion in the closed configuration and at least partially separated from the bottom portion in the open configuration.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 includes, mechanically engaging, using a first mechanical feature of the top portion of the housing, a second mechanical feature of the bottom portion in the closed configuration.

In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 includes, attaching the bottom portion of the housing to an attachment feature using the attachment cord.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 includes, disengaging the top portion of the housing from the bottom portion of the housing for replacement in the open configuration, without the attachment cord detaching from the attachment feature.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Examples 11-13 includes, movably affixing a first side of the top portion of the housing to a first side of the bottom portion of the housing using a hinge, wherein the first and second mechanical features are located on a second side of the top and bottom portions of the housing opposite the first side.

In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 includes, attaching the bottom portion of the housing to an attachment feature, and disengaging the top portion of the housing from the bottom portion of the housing at the hinge for replacement when the blast sensor system is in the open configuration, without the attachment cord detaching from the attachment feature.

In Example 16, the subject matter of Examples 10-15 includes, detecting or monitoring impulse noise or shock wave events at the upper surface using a blast sensor proximate an upper surface of the top portion of the housing.

In Example 17, the subject matter of Examples 10-16 includes, retaining the attachment cord within a footprint of the top portion of the housing using the grooves in the bottom portion of the housing.

In Example 18, the subject matter of Examples 10-17 includes, retaining electronics of the blast sensor system and engaging and retaining a replaceable battery of the blast sensor system in the top portion of the housing in the open configuration.

Example 19 is a blast sensor system, comprising: means for engaging an attachment cord to a bottom portion of a housing of a blast sensor system in an open configuration; and means for positively retaining the attachment cord to the housing of the blast sensor system in a closed configuration, wherein the top portion is coupled to the bottom portion in the closed configuration and at least partially separated from the bottom portion in the open configuration.

In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 includes, means for movably affixing a first side of the top portion of the housing to a first side of the bottom portion of the housing, means for attaching the bottom portion of the housing to an attachment feature, and means for disengaging the top portion of the housing from the bottom portion of the housing for replacement when the blast sensor system is in the open configuration, without the attachment cord detaching from the attachment feature.