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Publication Number
US-12478324-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
Featured are impact detection sensors that include a nonconductive layer disposed between two conductive layers. Each conductive layer includes an electrical circuit configured to generate a signal in response to an impact. Also featured are devices (e.g., a wearable device or device configured for use with a piece of equipment, such as a vehicle) including a plurality of impact detection sensors. The device having sensors can receive and process data from the sensors and provide situational awareness for users in adverse conditions, such as during combat or wartime. The wearable device may further include one or more inflatable bladders configured to apply pressure to a wound site for treatment.
Core Innovation
An impact detection sensor is provided for wearable and equipment use, including a nonconductive layer disposed between two conductive layers. Each conductive layer comprises an interdigitated pattern or a substantially concentric pattern and forms an electrical circuit configured to generate a signal in response to an impact. The sensor is configured to generate the signal upon breakage of the electrical circuit following the impact.
The system includes a microcontroller, a counter, and a clock connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller uses the impact signal to generate impact-related outputs, including timestamps for conductive layers, time between timestamps, and metrics derived from the timestamps and circuit structure. The document describes enabling velocity and directionality based on impact timing and impact location relative to the conductive layers.
In the disclosed implementations, the impact detection sensor is deployed within a wearable device such as a garment and can communicate impact metrics to a peripheral device for display via a graphical user interface (GUI). The document further describes integrating the impact detection signal with automated hemorrhage control using inflatable bladders that activate in response to the impact signal to apply pressure at an impact site and reduce fluid loss, including blood.
Claims Coverage
The document identifies one independent claim. The claim covers an impact detection system that combines an impact detection sensor with a microcontroller, a counter, and a clock; the sensor generates a signal in response to impact by breakage of an electrical circuit.
Impact detection sensor with nonconductive interlayer between patterned conductive layers
An impact detection sensor includes a nonconductive layer disposed between two conductive layers, where each conductive layer comprises an interdigitated pattern or a substantially concentric pattern. The conductive layers form an electrical circuit configured to generate a signal in response to an impact, and the sensor generates the signal upon breakage of the electrical circuit following the impact.
Microcontroller with counter and clock for impact event signaling
A system includes a microcontroller, a counter, and a clock connected to the microcontroller. The impact detection sensor is connected to the microcontroller such that the microcontroller receives the impact signal generated upon breakage of the electrical circuit following the impact.
Overall, the independent claim centers on the combination of a patterned conductive-layer impact detection sensor separated by a nonconductive layer, with a microcontroller-based system using a counter and clock to operate from the impact/breakage signal.
Stated Advantages
Enables generating an impact signal upon breakage of an electrical circuit following an impact.
Enables impact-related metrics such as timestamp, time between timestamps, velocity, and directionality.
Provides automated hemorrhage control by activating inflatable bladders in response to an impact signal to apply pressure and reduce fluid loss at an impact site.
Documented Applications
Wearable device use, including garment implementations of an impact detection sensor and automated hemorrhage control with inflatable bladders activated by an impact signal to apply pressure and reduce fluid loss.
Equipment under duress, including vehicle/equipment impact sensing with impact metrics communicated to a peripheral device with a GUI.
Remote alert and triage workflow described at a high level, including integration of the impact detection with additional biometric/physiological sensors and emergency alerting.
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