WO2019239182A1 - Intelligent helmets for mines - Google Patents

Abstract

Undoubtedly, working in a mine (mining) is found to be one of the most demanding and difficult jobs that require special difficult work privileges; In addition to the specific physical conditions prevalent in mining sites, the frequent exposure of workers to minerals and inhalation of toxic gases can result in various diseases. In order to prevent the mentioned issues, a helmet is specially designed for mine workers in which some gadgets have been embedded to alleviate adverse consequences of mining works. The first feature of this hamlet is its potential and ability to monitor gas, temperature and light through the sensors embedded in it. If the worker is in a place with toxic and dangerous gas, the helmet sensors detect gases and alert them in various ways.

Description

Intelligent H elmets for M ines

Description

T echnical F ield

The technical field of the present invention is related to protective personal equipment of mine workers.

T echnical Problem

Undoubtedly, working in a mine (mining) is found to be one of the most demanding and difficult jobs that require special difficult work privileges; In addition to the specific physical conditions prevalent in mining sites, the frequent exposure of workers to minerals and inhalation of toxic gases can result in various diseases.

The collapse of tunnels, the emission of toxic gases, mine explosion due to the accumulation of flammable gases, suffocation because of dust and hazards of mining equipment altogether have made mining among the most dangerous and hazardous fields of work.

Complying safety principles and using modern equipment can alleviates damages caused by mine accidents and disasters. Respiratory disorders are the most important diseases that inflict mine workers. It is estimated that mine working accounts for about 15 to 20% adult asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease among others.

Background of A rt

Pub. No.: W 0/2014/066983, Title: MINING H E L M ET

Disclosed is a helmet for mining. The helmet includes: a breastplate; a shell integrated with the breastplate; and a transparent face shield that abuts the breastplate and shell. The shell surrounds a portion of a wearer's head and comprises f onward directed light emitting elements, whereas the transparent face shield surrounds the remaining portion of the wearer's head. A lso disclosed is a personal protection system that includes the helmet and ear protection for limiting the amount of ambient noise that the wearer hears.

Publication Number: 205512572, Title: Safety helmet for mine Abstract: The utility model discloses a safety helmet for mine belongs to the mine apparatus. The utility model discloses a brim of a hat (1) and the cap body, voice broadcast ware (3) that are equipped with light (2) on the brim of a hat (1) and inlay the locator, the cap body is including metal protection layer (6) and inner liner (12), inner liner (12) and the brim of a hat (1 ) fixed connection, the one end of metal protection layer (6) is articulated with the brim of a hat (1), and the other end of metal protection layer (6) can be dismantled with inner liner (12) and be connected, the inner wal l of metal protection layer (6) is equipped with strengthening rib (8), fixed set up miniature electric fan (7) in strengthening rib (8) bottom, fixed set up hot plate (9) of outer wall of inner liner (12), hot plate (9) and inner liner (12) are provided with a plurality of ventilative hole (5) with miniature electric fan (7) corresponding position, hot plate (9) are gone up to fix respectively through wedge (11 ) and are set up storage tank (10) and battery jar (4).

Description of the Invention

In order to prevent the mentioned issues, a helmet is specially designed for mine workers in which some gadgets have been embedded to alleviate adverse consequences of mining works. The first feature of this hamlet is its potential and ability to monitor gas, temperature and light through the sensors embedded in it If the worker is in a place with toxic and dangerous gas, the helmet sensors detect gases and alert them in various ways.

The sound of a beep alarm, the illumination of helmet lights and helmet shake are methods used to inform the worker. The higher the amount of gas in the air, the faster the alert will go, the worker will be notified of the danger. In order to keep the energy of the helmet, the helmet light bul b is adj usted to the darkness of the envi ronment

On the other hand, i n order to i nform other workers of each other, if the hel met receives warni ng signs, it will alert other helmets. This system can inform them of each other. Also, if one of the workers feels at risk, they can press a special button to notify emergency conditions to other helmets.

Another issue that may arise for workers is that when a part of the mine tunnel collapses, they lose contact with the outside. In this helmet, a G PS system is installed that reports the worker's position to people outside the tunnel. This way it will be easier to find them after the accident Drawings

1. T emperature Sensor

2. Front Light (auto)

3. GAS Sensor

4. OF / OFF and programming SW

5. Light Sensor

6. Warning LED

7. Front Light Driving Circuit

8. Arduino Lilypad

9. Charge Controller

10. Rechargeable Battery

11. FT DI to USB Board

12. Buzzer

13. Program /Charge Sensor function:

One of the most popular sensors is the MQ series semiconductor gas sensor, which incorporated small internal heater with electrochemical sensors. Such sensors are sensitive to various gases.

MQ2: The sensor module (MQ2) is applied to detect the gas leakage (both in domestic and industry). Atthe same time it lends itself to detect H2, LP, CH4, CO, alcohol, smoke or propane. Given its high sensitivity and quick response time measurement can be carry out as soon as possible. Sensor sensitivity can be set with a potentiometer. This sensor is characterized with wide detection range, the fast response time and high sensitivity. The DS18B20 digital thermometer prov i des 9- bi t to 12- bi t C el si us temperature measurements. Its temperature range i s from 55 to 125 e C, and its accuracy is in the range of 10 to 85 e C, 5.2 e C. and has an alarm function with nonvolatile user- programmable upper and lower trigger points. The DS18B20 communicates over a 1-Wire bus that by definition requires only one data line (and ground) for communication with a central microprocessor. In addition, the DS18B20 can derive power directly from the data line, eliminating the need for an external power supply. Each DS18B20 has a unique 64-bit serial code, which allows multiple DS18B20s to function on the same 1 -Wire bus. Thus, it is simple to use one microprocessor to control many DS18B20s distributed over a large area. Applications that can benefit from this feature include HVAC environmental controls, temperature monitoring systems inside buildings, equipment, or machinery, and process monitoring and control systems.

The core functionality of the DS18B20 is its direct-to digital temperature sensor. The resolution of the temperature sensor is user-configurable to 9, 10, 11, or 12 bits, corresponding to increments of 0.5eC, 0.25eC, 0.125eC, and 0.0625eC, respectively. The default resolution at power-up is 12-bit. The DS18B20 powers up in a low power idle state. T o initiate a temperature measurement and A-to-D conversion, the master must issue a Convert T [44h] command. Following the conversion, the resulting thermal data is stored in the 2-byte temperature register in the scratchpad memory and the DS18B20 returns to its idle state. If the DS18B20 is powered by an external supply, the master can issue ^'read time slots_ (see the 1 -Wire Bus System section) after the Convert T command and the DS18B20 will respond by transmitting 0 while the temperature conversion is in progress and 1 when the conversion is done. If the DS18B20 is powered with parasite power, this notification technique cannot be used since the bus must be pulled high by a strong pull-up during the entire temperature conversion. The bus requirements for parasite power are explained in detail in the Powering the DS18B20 section.

Advantages of Invention:

1. T o i nform workers presence of toxic gases

2. T o i nform workers the high temperature of the envi ronment

3. Ability to notify special conditions to others automatically and un- automatically

4. Possi bility of fi ndi ng the I ost workers

5. A utomati c L E D I i ghti ng setti ng A ppl i cati on of Inventi on

The major application of the present invention is for mines, by which workers will be benefited much more safeties.

Claims

Intelligent Helmets for Mines Claims

1. Intelligent Helmets for Mines which is consisted of following components:

a. Sensors

b. Lights

c. Arduino Lilypad

d. FTDI to USB Board

e. Buzzer

2. If the worker is in a place with toxic and dangerous gas, the helmet sensors detect gases and alert them in various ways.

3. According to Claim 2, the sound of a beep alarm, the illumination of helmet lights and helmet shake are methods used to inform the worker.

4. According to Claim 3, the higher the amount of gas in the air, the faster the alert will go, the worker will be notified of the danger.

5. According to Claim 4, in order to keep the energy of the helmet, the helmet light bulb is adjusted to the darkness of the environment.

6. In order to inform other workers of each other, if the helmet receives warning signs, it will alert other helmets.

7. If one of the workers feels at risk, they can press a special button to notify emergency conditions to other helmets.

8. A GPS system is installed that reports the worker's position to people outside the tunnel.