AU2014313844B2

AU2014313844B2 - Activation device for triggering an automatic rescue means

Info

Publication number: AU2014313844B2
Application number: AU2014313844A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Philip Maechler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-28
Filing date: 2014-08-27
Publication date: 2018-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-27
Also published as: EP3038897B1; AU2018203110A1; EP3038897A1; CH708495A1; WO2015028947A1; AU2014313844A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an activation device (1) for triggering an outflow of a gas from a storage tank into a life vest (A) fillable with said gas, wherein the activation device (1) comprises a detection element (2) for determining the instant of triggering, and a trigger element (3) for the sudden opening of the storage tank. According to the invention the detection element (2) is controlled by a microprocessor and selectively comprises at least one of the following sensors (12): a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a humidity sensor, the activation device (1) having an adapter element (16) for adaptive mounting on life vests (A).

Description

Activation device for triggering an automatic rescue means

Technical field

The invention relates to an activation device for triggering an outflow of a gas from a storage container into a rescue means finable with the gas, wherein the activation device has a detection element for determining the instant of triggering and a trigger element for immediately opening the storage container.

Definitions A rescue means can be a lifejacket which provides a person situated in water, in particular, with additional buoyancy. Preferably, this is a piece of clothing embodied like a vest. In general, this piece of clothing has holes for the arms, through which the arms can be inserted, with the remaining body parts, namely back, chest and stomach, being covered by the vest. Closure elements, such as a zipper, buckles or the like, keep the lifejacket in the necessary position on the body.

Colloquially, the term life vest is known. However, this should in fact also be understood to mean the lifejacket. Buoyancy aids can also be mistaken for lifejackets in respect of their look. Compared to lifejackets, buoyancy aids have less buoyancy.

Lifejackets are known in different embodiments and with different buoyancy properties.

Within the scope of the particular specification, the lifejacket is able to rotate even an unconscious person into a safe swimming position and/or keep them there.

Here, the fitting size is dependent upon the required buoyancy volume of the lifejacket. This is calculated from the overall weight of the wearer, including his clothing and equipment, and the body of water traveled on. Here, the following classifications are provided: - 50 N buoyancy: buoyancy aid - only for competent swimmers near the shore or when accompanied by a rescue vehicle; not safe for the unconscious; - 100 N buoyancy: lifejacket for inland waters and protected territories; limited safety for the unconscious; - 150 N buoyancy: lifejacket for all waters, safe for the unconscious, but only to a limited extent for wearers with heavy waterproof clothing; - 275 N buoyancy: lifejacket for the high seas and extreme conditions, safe for the unconscious in almost all cases despite heavy clothing.

Within the current meaning, rescue means can also be devices which, for example, are fastened to an object in order to prevent said objects, provided they fall into a body of water, from sinking to the bed and no longer being retrievable.

Prior art

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Various embodiments of rescue means for rescuing persons and animals who, for example, involuntarily come into contact with deep water are known. Lifejackets are known as rescue means.

On the basis of the buoyancy systems thereof, the lifejackets can be subdivided into solid body vests and inflatable lifejackets. Solid body vests have securely worked-in buoyancy means, as result of which the vests have a relatively large volume.

This lifejacket is intended to prevent the person or the animal from drowning and at least keep them on the water's surface. Such lifejackets are designed in a jacket-like manner (without sleeves) and are affixable to the body of the wearer using one or more closure elements. In order to ensure that the lifejacket lies on the body appropriately, additional leg or crotch strap elements are provided, which keep the lifejacket in position, even in the case of contact with water. Preferably, these lifejackets have an appropriate signal color. In order to provide a safe position on the water, even if the wearer is unconscious, provision is made for the arrangement of a collar element on the lifejacket such that the person on the water's surface comes to a stable position lying on the back in such a way that the head region is supported and thus the airways are kept free.

Inflatable lifejackets are generally worn in a small, folded-together state. In the case of use, inflation is triggered manually or by way of an automated mechanism. This embodiment provides for providing a lifejacket in such a way that it does not keep any static buoyancy bodies available outside of the water. Rather, the buoyancy bodies are only generated once there is corresponding contact with water. Triggering is generally carried out by type of sensor element which, for example, is provided by a salt tablet (or any of the material which changes the properties thereof in connection with water). This salt tablet releases a mechanism which enables an immediate outflow of CO2, which is stored in a container, into a body element. The body element is arranged in a tube-like manner around the neck. A suspenders-like structure (life belt) secures the tube-like structure to the body of the wearer, particularly once the gaseous means has flowed into the body element.

Buoyancy aids (so-called regatta, kayak, rower vests, etc.) have a similar design. However, in order to provide the wearer with a greater freedom of movement, these have smaller buoyancy bodies made of solid bodies (approximate buoyancy 50 N) . Moreover, a corresponding head support safe for the unconscious, namely a collar element, generally is lacking.

Lifejackets or buoyancy aids (often also known as regatta or kayak vests) fitted to the person are prescribed by law as personal safety eguipment, in particular for water sportsmen such as e.g. sailors or kayakers .

Here, a key distinction is made between safety equipment which, on the one hand, is safe for the unconscious and, on the other hand, is not safe for the unconscious; that is to say, the latter are unable to keep the head of the person securely afloat and keep the airways free when said person is unconscious. Therefore, such buoyancy aids, such as e.g. regatta vests, are predominantly used in sports, where aid can generally be provided quickly.

Furthermore, the prior art has disclosed an inflatable apparatus which is worn by persons directly on the body. Here, the rescue apparatus can be tied in a beltlike manner both around the hip region and the stomach region, with said rescue apparatus accordingly filling with gas in the case of contact with water. To this end, body elements are provided, which are arranged on the system in a belt-like manner and which are filled with the gas-like element.

Developments provide for the rescue means to have electronic assistance elements.

The assistance elements are embodied in such a way that, for example, the water pressure is measured. Triggering or inflating of the body elements only occurs at a specific water pressure. By way of example, this device is known from US 6,246,329 Bl.

However, in order to be able to operate such a device, the arrangement of an electrical unit is necessary. These electrical units which, inter alia, also contain a power supply and a timer (time measurement instrument) are arranged separately from the rescue means. The connections must be formed in such a way that they are waterproof and function over a long period of time, since, in general, rescue means of the aforementioned type either are stored in rooms or boxes for relatively long periods of time or else are in daily use and then need to provide their function in the case of an emergency.

If a person at sea or in water finds themselves in an emergency, it is necessary that they have a lifejacket arranged on the body. If the person can keep afloat by their own power, lifejackets with a buoyancy of up to 100 N are sufficient. However, if said person becomes unconscious, the rescue means must provide enough buoyancy that the body, including the water-soaked clothing, is kept afloat. Lifejackets with a buoyancy of up to 100 N can no longer satisfy this demand. The person would sink. To wear lifejackets with the appropriate buoyancy in advance is uncomfortable and unconventional, particularly in sports. Alternatively, use can be made of so-called automatic lifejackets.

The aforementioned rescue means do not indicate to the user as to whether they actually function. By way of example, if a salt tablet, which is responsible for triggering the outflow of the gas stored in a container into the body elements, does not completely dissolve in the automatic lifejackets, no gas flows into the body element and inflation does not take place. Therefore, the rescue means has no function. Nevertheless, it is very clear to the observer that, by specifying the green indicators which only confirm a partial function (e.g. a tensioned spring), the function is provided. Therefore, reliability and absolute security are not provided. In the case of solid body lifejackets, there are only tactile and visual checks.

Activation devices for triggering an outflow of a gas from a storage container into a lifejacket tillable with gas are already known from the prior art. They are used in the so-called automatic lifejackets. This device has a detection element and a trigger element. The detection element serves to determine the status as to whether or not the rescue means has come into contact with water. The use of so-called salt tablets is a very simple and currently conventional solution. These salt tablets dissolve in the case of contact with water and provide the pulse predetermined by a spring to a trigger element. The trigger element, in turn, is provided to punch an opening into a cartridge (of the order of 20g to 40g) filled with gas so that this cartridge immediately enters the stored gas into the body elements of the lifejacket, which act as a buoyancy bodies, in the case of emergency, i.e. in the case of contact with water. Should the detection mechanism fail or if there should be a faster activation of the lifejacket, provision is also made for a manual actuation means which bypasses the detection mechanism and immediately activates the trigger mechanism.

Such devices are used in many and varied in such lifejackets. The salt tablet should have the property of always, i.e. invariably dissolving in the case of contact with water and of then correspondingly activating the trigger mechanism such that gas can flow out. In order to ensure this, regular checks are always necessary, at least in commercial shipping. These checks are also prescribed because it is not possible to tell by looking at the device whether or not it still is, in fact, in good working order. Then, dry triggering is carried out - at least at regular intervals - such that use must be made of a new detection means and a new trigger mechanism.

An alternative embodiment is known from EP 1 961 654

Al. Here, a piece of clothing which provides a buoyancy body is proposed, said buoyancy body being inflated in an emergency of the user. The emergency is determined by parameters such as saltwater or freshwater, length of stay in the water, orientation in the water. Provided that the emergency is determined by undershooting one or more parameters, a time measurement in the embodiment of a countdown is started. If the countdown is completed without a change in the parameters, the triggering and hence the inflation of the buoyancy body is carried out. Various adjustment switches allow the countdown timer to be adjusted, as well as the depth which, in the case of being exceeded, leads to the triggering. US 2010/0167608 Al and US 2013/0109260 Al have also disclosed a device which provides buoyancy if the water pressure increases. Here, it is possible to adjust the depth at which a timer (countdown) is activated, after the completion of which the buoyancy is provided.

However, some devices also provide for the detection mechanism to be able to be switched off. This measure is resorted to if it is necessary for the automatic vest not to be able to be triggered precisely by spray or foam. This is carried out in the form of a splint which shuts down the detection mechanism. The splints are generally characterized in color such that the user is already able to identify from the outside in an unavoidable unmissable manner that the detection mechanism is out of operation. This is carried out, in particular, if work is carried out in the region of water, for example in the region of spray water, and a popcorn-like explosion is not wanted in the case of each contact.

Disadvantages of the prior art

However, it is a need of the user always to have the certainty in any situation that such lifejackets also in fact work. However, this is only provided to a restricted extent in the present known systems.

Automatic lifejackets have the significant disadvantage that they cannot reliably provide the certainty, particularly in the case of a relatively long storage time. The user cannot be assured and rely on the rescue means in fact being ready for use in an emergency. The aforementioned rescue means do not indicate to the user whether they actually work. By way of example, if a salt tablet, which is responsible for triggering the output of the gas stored in a container into the body elements, does not dissolve completely, no gas flows into the body element and inflation does not take place. Therefore, the rescue means has no function. Nevertheless, it is very clear to the observer that, by specifying the green indicators which only confirm a partial function (e.g. a tensioned spring), the function is provided. Therefore, reliability and absolute security are not provided. In the case of solid body lifejackets, there are only tactile and visual checks.

However, on the other hand, it is desirable for the automatic vests not to trigger necessarily in the case of each direct contact with water, for example spray water, which passes over the boat as result of foam, or in the case of a short contact with water in which there is no danger to life (sailing dinghies or trapeze sailing). However, since this is a purely mechanical system, in which the detection means is dissolved in the case of appropriate water contact, this process cannot be adapted to the individual requirements.

However, for many types of sports, such as rowing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, jet skiing, etc., or else for bathing children, contact with water is not an emergency situation but part of physical exercise. However, the automatic lifejackets known from the prior art cannot detect these situational differences, and so the lifejackets are not worn when carrying out such sports.

Therefore, no automatically inflatable lifejackets which are worn in the aforementioned water sports or water activities are known. Only vests with a low buoyancy of 50 N, so-called kayak or regatta vests, are known, but these, in turn, do not cover an emergency situation .

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

Advantageously, at least one embodiment of the invention provides a device in which automatic vests reliably provide the rescue means function depending on individual use and requirements.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an individually adjustable activation device for triggering an outflow of a gas from a storage container into a rescue means tillable with the gas, wherein the activation device has a detection element for determining the instant of triggering and a trigger element for immediately opening the storage container, wherein the detection element is under microprocessor control and comprises at least one sensor, namely a pressure sensor, wherein one of the following sensors is optionally provided in Addition movement thereto, namely sensor, humidity temperature sensor, sensor, which installed in the detection element, wherein the sensors have adjustable threshold parameters, the values of which are stored in the detection element, the detection element is a closed system which is formed in a watertight capsule-like embodiment, wherein the region in which the sensors are arranged is embodied in such a way that it is floodable with water, wherein • the detection element immediately adjoins the trigger element, • the activation device provides an adapter element for adaptive attachment to rescue means, • these threshold parameters are defined depending on the type of sport or case of application carried out with the activation device, with this definition in turn being adjustable by the user, • wherein the threshold parameters of the sensors are adjusted by way of a smartphone or tablet PC, with electronic aids for transferring the data from the smartphone or tablet PC to the detection element being provided, • a light sensor is provided as electronic aid in such a way that the detection element comprises a light sensor which records the light pulses transferred to the light sensor, with the detection element light pulses which serve to decoding these configure the threshold parameters of the sensors .

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of an activation device for triggering an outflow of a gas from a storage container into a rescue means tillable with a gas, wherein the activation device has a detection element for determining the instant of triggering and a trigger element for immediately opening the storage container, for adaptive attachment to inflatable automatic rescue means, a. the detection element immediately adjoins the trigger element, b. wherein the activation device provides an adapter element for adaptive attachment to rescue means, c. the detection element is a closed system which is formed in a watertight capsule-like embodiment, wherein the region in which the sensors are arranged is embodied in such a way that it is floodable with water, wherein the sensors have adjustable threshold parameters which are adjustable by the user to the respective case of application of the respective type of sport, d. wherein the threshold parameters of the sensors are adjusted by way of a smartphone or tablet PC, with electronic aids for transferring the data from the smartphone or tablet PC to the detection element being provided, wherein a light sensor is provided as electronic aid in such a way that the detection element comprises a light sensor which records the light pulses transferred to the light sensor, with the detection element decoding these light pulses which serve to configure the threshold parameters of the sensors.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Advantages of the invention

The basic fundamental concept of the invention consists in adaptively replacing previous systems which enable the triggering or inflation of automatic rescue means. In the process, a reliable system in the embodiment of a device should be provided, which the user of the rescue means can rely on. This is achieved by virtue of an activation device having a detection apparatus under microprocessor control being provided. The controller provides for one sensor or for different sensors being able to determine physical variables (in an alternative or additive manner), such as e.g. water contact, movement, pressure, temperature, etc., which then, after a corresponding evaluation and comparison with one or more predetermined tables or individually programmed threshold parameters or individually set threshold parameters, trigger the trigger element for opening the storage containers filled with gas. In one exemplary embodiment, provision is made for only one or a few physical variables to be measured, which are subsequently compared to a table stored in the microprocessor control. If one or more of the values (threshold parameters of the sensors) are undershot, the detection apparatus signals the trigger process, namely starting the opening up of the storage container for the outflow of the gas into the provided means of the rescue means, to the trigger element. These threshold parameters are set depending on the sport performed with the activation device. These can be set individually or in a sport-specific manner, without needing to operate the activation device.

Therefore, the activation device does not have any operating elements (except for a touch function for checking the functionality) either, and so erroneous operation prior to, or else during, the application, in particular during sport, is precluded. A lifejacket can be provided as rescue means. With the device according to the invention, the life jacket brings about the possibility of being worn in all types of sports which come into contact with water. Then, when necessary, the lifejacket provides the buoyancy of at least 150 N, required in an emergency, and provides the necessary collar function for safety for the unconscious .

The activation device according to the invention can be attached as a so-called OEM product, or else it can be retrofitted to automatic lifejackets. It can be operated by means of a smartphone or a comparable device by way of an interface arranged at the device in such a way that the trigger parameters (threshold parameters of the sensors) themselves can be modified or selected for the corresponding application (child, type of sport, etc.) in a simple manner by way of an application (app). The wearer of the lifejacket is not impeded when carrying out sports by way of the vest designed like a buoyancy aid and nevertheless has a full-value rescue system available should an emergency arise . A preferred embodiment provides for the user to be warmed by way of an acoustic signal about the fact that the rescue means will be inflated in an explosion-like manner in a few seconds. A touch element provided at the device gives the user the option of stopping the triggering process before the storage container is opened. This may be the case if the sensors have established corresponding humidity or water but the user is not at all at such risk that the rescue means would in fact be necessary.

The device itself consists essentially of two components, namely the detection apparatus and the trigger element. The detection apparatus is a preferably closed system which is worked into a capsule-like embodiment in a waterproof manner, for example with a cylindrical design. Only one or a few touch elements serve to accordingly control the process. Signal elements assure the user about the actual current state. The sensor elements of the detection apparatus are likewise worked into the latter. As result, they are substantially protected from mechanical loads. Nevertheless, these can be flooded by water due to the special design of the housing which, specifically, has a slit-like embodiment. As result, it is accordingly possible to detect not only amounts of water but also the water temperature and also the movement in a corresponding manner.

The trigger mechanism itself directly adjoins the detection apparatus, preferably likewise in the cylindrical manner. Corresponding ignition mechanisms, which provide an electrical connection to the detection means, are likewise part of the trigger mechanism. The connection mechanism, in turn, provides for driving a bolt-like element over a short path at a high velocity, which then opens up a corresponding hole in the storage container such that the gas stored in the storage container can flow into the provided regions of the lifejacket in an explosion-like manner. After an ignition process, it is only necessary to newly interchange the trigger mechanism and the storage container must likewise be replaced, the latter then once again containing corresponding gas.

The device is configured in such a way that it provides corresponding adapter elements such that an assembly on virtually any conventional automatic lifejacket is possible. These connecting elements differ from each type of automatic lifejacket. In order to ensure a large adaptability, the device is configured in such a way that any connecting element can be received in a very simple manner. A further advantageous embodiment provides for the users themselves to be able to adjust the predetermined values which predetermine when a corresponding triggering mechanism takes place. This adjustment can be carried out by way of electronic aids, such as e.g. a USB cable on a computer, or else by way of Bluetooth interfaces with smartphones, tablet PCs or the like.

However, since the power of the device should be provided for a relatively long period of time, care has to be taken that the energy is not affected too strongly by the data transfer. To this end, provision is made according to the invention for use of e.g. light-flash freguencies, as are known, for example, in current electronic banking, as an interface instead of the conventional transfer techniques. A corresponding smartphone or tablet PC is held against the device and the data are to be transferred by way of a corresponding flash technique, which is received by a light sensor within the activation device. The data contain the threshold parameters, set in advance or defined for the respective type of sport, which are necessary for triggering the activation device if the actual values are undershot.

However, if critical values are adjusted, which may be life threatening, the user is warned against selecting such values. A system apparatus can provide for the values to automatically be reset to normal values. On the other hand, the users must clearly and unequivocally acknowledge by another confirmation that they want precisely these value settings.

In this way it is possible to provide an individually adjustable automatic vest which builds on the many years of experience with automatic vests known from the prior art. Therefore, an individually adjustable lifejacket which can be employed for different demands is provided by way of an adaptive means which replaces the conventional triggering mechanism. Thus, it is also conceivable to use such lifejackets for dinghy sailing and for these only to become active when a life-threatening situation is also in fact present.

Alternative embodiments can also provide for the situation to be analyzed on the basis of the detection of the physical data and for only so much gas to be let into the chambers of the lifejacket that buoyancy is just reached, as it is unnecessary in many situations to provide buoyancy of the order of more than 200 N. In many cases, the provision of buoyancy between 50 N and 75 N or 100 N is sufficient.

In contrast to conventional devices known from the prior art, the device according to the invention only provides the rescue function if an emergency is in fact present.

The device has a power supply, for example embodied as a lithium ion battery which reliably provides energy over several years without maintenance. Preferably, the device switches itself on independently when necessary and switches itself off again - after a defined period of time of non-use. In the case of a manual query, a clear acoustic and optical communication connection confirms the readiness of the device by confirming a test switch. This comprises a self-test, by virtue of the system state, the readiness of the battery, the sensors and the correct installation of the pyrotechnic trigger being checked.

In the case of a life-threatening situation, the device initiates a pyrotechnic action which is based on the airbag triggering technology from vehicles, which has proven its worth millions of times. This device releases a spring mechanism which in turn pierces the C02 cartridge with a spike, and hence this C02 flows into the rescue means and automatically inflates the latter and therefore provides a buoyancy body.

The device can be returned to operational readiness by simple replacement of the pyrotechnic trigger.

Therefore, the device substantially has the following advantages : - Continuous calculation of the risk of drowning: the installed microcomputer continuously evaluates the data from various contactless sensors and thereby calculates the current risk of drowning for the wearer. - Autonomous learning capacity by interaction with the wearer: the system announces an upcoming rescue action by clear sound signals. The user can now abort the rescue action by pushing a button or by getting out of the water. Such interactions are taken into account, as a result of which the system adapts itself to the abilities of the wearer . - Robust airbag technology from the motor vehicle industry: the trigger unit consists of a simple and replaceable system which is based on the airbag technology of vehicles which has proven its worth. - Configuring lifejackets with smartphones corresponds to the current trends: even though the device can be used and operated without further operation, specific customer adjustments are nevertheless possible by way of a smartphone. - Adaptation of trialed and robust technology for the data transfer: the data transfer of the configuration data from the smartphone to the device is preferably carried out by way of optical flash signals from the display of a smartphone or web portal. This old and rudimentary technology (comparable to IR remote control of televisions) was adapted accordingly for connecting two high-tech instruments and enables a very robust and simple communication. There is no need for cables, additional instruments or even settings on the instruments. The connection is intuitive, independent of the smartphone type and can even be carried out by all conventional computer monitors (CRT or LCD) by way of a webpage.

All further operating options were dispensed with on purpose in order to avoid incorrect manipulation and increase the acceptance by the user. As a consequence, the system does not have a main switch. Activation and deactivation is carried out automatically.

However, the invention is not restricted only to the application in automatic lifejackets. Rather, it is suitable wherever trigger mechanisms need to be provided in a simple but reliable manner, wherein the triggering takes place in a manner dependent on set or selectable physical variables.

By way of example, such rescue means can be attached to luggage. If the latter becomes wet, conventional rescue means trigger. However, by way of the application, the device according to the invention is set in such a way that spray water, rain etc., or else carrying through water (e.g. a river), does not lead to triggering. Triggering is carried out if sinking of the goods to be protected is imminent or has occurred and therefore the goods per se would be lost in a non-retrievable manner. As result of triggering, the goods float back to the water's surface and can be retrieved therefrom. It is precisely important objects, such as e.g. flare guns, binoculars, tracking systems, means of defense, which can thus be protected from a non-retrievable loss, even though they are exposed to the weather, i.e. rain, spray water, or else to permanent water contact, at all times .

Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the following description, the claims and the drawings:

Drawings :

In detail: figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention; figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device according to the invention in accordance with figure 1, but in an exploded illustration; figure 3 shows a perspective illustration of the device according to the invention in accordance with figure 1, in an application situation (with a storage container); figure 4 shows a perspective illustration of a second embodiment of the activation device, but without a gas cartridge; figure 5 shows a perspective exploded illustration of the embodiment in accordance with figure 4; figure 6 shows a further perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention; figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of the application and the activation device together with an automatic lifejacket and a smartphone; and figure 8 shows a schematic illustration of a further application of the activation device according to the invention.

Description of an exemplary embodiment

Figures 1 to 6 depict the activation device 1 according to the invention in two embodiments. It consists essentially of the detection element 2 and the trigger element 3. Both elements, namely the detection element 2 and the trigger element 3, have a substantially cylindrical design in these exemplary embodiments and are arranged on a common axis 4. Indication elements 5, in the embodiment of display elements such as e.g. LED lights or something comparable, show the status of the activation device 1. Here, the user can identify whether the activation device 1 is operating reliably and actuates the corresponding trigger mechanism in the case of an emergency or whether malfunctions are present.

Additionally, provision is made for an actuation element 6 in the form of a pushbutton. The trigger mechanism is interrupted if this actuation element 6 is actuated. On the basis of a sounding signal, the users identify that triggering will take place within a very short period of time and they are thus able to interrupt the latter by way of this actuation.

The activation device 1 has neither a main switch nor other switching elements. It is constantly in use and can only be switched off by removing the battery, which guarantees a long-term duration. Alternatively, provision is made for a sensor which determines the use. By way of example, if the device is in a cupboard, the activation device 1 autonomously switches itself off.

Figures 2 and 5 substantially depict the housing 7 of the detection element 2.

The housing 7 of the detection element 2 preferably consists of impact-resistant plastic. It is an integral component which can be sealed in a waterproof manner after introduction of the electronics into the cavity 8 provided in the housing 7. Sealing is preferably brought about by way of adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding. Hence, the housing is completely waterproof and then can also only be replaced as a whole component.

Openings 10, arranged in such a way that fluid, in particular water, can flow therethrough, are provided in the housing wall 9. This brings about the provision of, in turn, a further cavity 11 behind the openings 10, at which further cavity the corresponding sensors 12, which are required for the detection element 2, are arranged. Thus, sensors are protected correspondingly well against mechanical damage.

Figures 3 and 6 additionally depict the trigger element 3. It has a housing 15, on which an adapter element 16 and a detonator 17 with a firing pin 18 (depicted in figures 2 and 5) are arranged. On one end face 19 thereof, the housing 15 is connected to the detection element 2, whereas, by way of the coupling element 13, it is screwed onto a lifejacket via the adapter element 16 on the other end face 20.

The screwing is configured in such a way that the firing pin 18 lies at least indirectly against the opening of a storage container 14, which is filled with gas, or it accordingly releases a pre-tensioned firing pin.

The coupling element 13 per se is a component which is coupled to the lifejacket. This is a typical component which, in principle, also finds use if there is a conventional form of the trigger, for example a salt tablet. Hence, this coupling element 13 is producer-dependent and, firstly, serves to bring about an opening of the storage container 14 filled with gas and secondly serves to allow manual triggering of the lifejacket by way of a grip element connected to the coupling element 13. Therefore, it is also an object of the activation device 1 to be adaptable by way of the corresponding adapter element 16 to any embodiment of coupling element 13, independently of the manufacturer of the latter.

Figures 2 and 5 also depict the arrangement of part of the trigger element 3 in relation to the detection element 2. The corresponding adapter element 16 has a different design, depending on the design of the connection element on the lifejacket. At least, the internal design of the cavity 11 of the detection element 2 is depicted schematically. A further cavity 8 of the detection element 2 is occupied by a circuit board 21. This circuit board 21 constitutes the microprocessor-controlled trigger system for lifejackets. The sensors 12 are connected directly to the circuit board 21 such that these can be inserted together into the cavity 8 as an assembly. A battery 23 ensures a reliable voltage, even over a relatively long period of time.

As a result of the relatively high short-circuit current required for the ignition, i.e. the opening up of an opening in the storage container, use can only be made of so-called wound batteries or the circuit is developed in a corresponding manner such that high discharging currents are available. These embodiments can provide a typical discharging current of 1000 mA. Since these are also obtainable in the region of 3 V, the voltage can also be used to operate the microprocessor. Thus, a service life of approximately 2 to 3 years is guaranteed in any case.

The indication elements 5 are likewise connected directly to the circuit board 21. These are alignable in such a way that these are then contactable with a housing end side. The confirmation element 6 is also a constituent of the circuit board 21.

The cavity 8 is predominantly occupied by the circuit board 21 with the battery 23. However, as already described above, part of the extent of the housing 9 has openings 10, within which the sensors 12 then are arranged. A corresponding grating serves to protect the sensors 12 from corresponding mechanical damage. As a result, the already mentioned further cavity 11 is created within the cavity 8. The cavity 8 and the cavity 11 are completely separated from one another in terms of fluids such that the sensor 12 is correspondingly exposed to the water whereas the cavity 8 has a completely fluid-tight embodiment.

Furthermore, a contact pin 24 extends away from the circuit board 21. Said contact pin serves to provide an electrical connection to the trigger element. The electrical connection takes place between the contact pin 24 and the detonating cap 18. If the thresholds are correspondingly exceeded, there is an electrical pulse on the detonating cap which then explodes in turn and immediately drives a pin-like embodiment into the opening of the storage container 14 with the gas.

The connection between the detection element 2 and the trigger element 3 preferably likewise has a fluid-tight design .

The embodiment in accordance with figures 4 to 6 provides for a retaining ring 25 to be provided in the region of the detection element 2, said retaining ring being suitable for the indication element 5 being visible to the user and for the retaining ring 25 enclosing the material provided by the rescue means, e.g. cloth, in a positionally secured manner between itself and the detection element 2.

Figure 7 shows the application of the activation device 1. The activation device 1 is arranged on an automatic vest A. It is affixed by way of appropriate adapter elements, which will still be described in more detail below, to the automatic vest A. The user who wears the automatic vest can identify whether the activation device 1 is functioning reliably by way of the indicators 5. Additionally, said user can download data from the activation device 1 by way of an appropriate transfer technology U using, for example, a smartphone S or comparable devices. By way of example, data can include the operating state, charge state of the battery or the like. Additionally, it is possible to adjust the trigger parameters, depending on the embodiment.

The depicted activation device 1 is simply screwed onto the provided location on the automatic vest A. It replaces the previous conventional trigger mechanism and can replace the latter without further aids.

The actuation element 6 can also be provided for manually actuating the trigger mechanism if the sensors 12 have not yet detected the corresponding data or the thresholds of the present data have not yet been exceeded. Alternatively, the manual trigger mechanism can be arranged - as previously - on the coupling element 13. A further application of the activation device 1 is depicted in figure 8. The activation device 1 is embodied as depicted in, for example, figures 1 to 7, but with the difference that said activation device 1 is fastened with a buoyancy body 30 onto an object by means of a belt element 31. The activation device 1, belt element 31 and buoyancy body 30 form one unit. The activation device 1 triggers the inflation of the buoyancy bodies 30 if at least one threshold parameter of a sensor 12 is undershot. This means that in the case where the object G is underwater, the latter returns to the water's surface as a result of the buoyancy body 30. However, the activation device 1 is preferably defined in such a way that there is no triggering in the case of spray water, rain, or else when carried through a river or swimming on the water's surface. Predetermined applications (software apps) offer a corresponding selection for the application such that a simple configuration of the activation device 1 is possible.

Preferably, the activation device 1 is embodied as a belt together with the buoyancy body 30 such that said activation device can easily be attached to an object G. Since the activation device 1 and the buoyancy body 30 are scalable in terms of the dimensions thereof, attachment to different objects - also with different dimensions - is possible. Therefore, figure 8 only shows one possible exemplary embodiment.

In principle, the device is delivered in a completely configured and operational manner. This configuration consists of the generally valid pre-adjustment of the parameters. That is to say, the users need not configure their instrument themselves but can rely upon the system being ready for use from the outset and at all times.

However, so that users active in multiple sports or users for securing objects can accordingly optimize their activation device to application-specific boundary conditions, the system provides a wireless configuration option, configurable by way of a smartphone (or commercially available laptop). The use of a personal smartphone allows a specific configuration of the device and offers the following technical and commercial advantages:

The device can be adapted to specific sports applications and user profiles by personalizing the trigger parameters. For example: surfers are regularly dragged to several meters depth by waves, but this in itself does not constitute a reason for rescue action. The surfers use the light to orient themselves and swim to the water's surface. The situation only becomes critical when a surfer becomes disoriented and swims downward or else does not move towards the water's surface. This dangerous situation can be identified by the device by way of a specific configuration and, when necessary, the latter can initiate a rescue action.

The device has a software application which can run on tablets, smartphones or else computers. An enticing design invites a download and said application also offers certain useful functions without the device, such as e.g. medical information in respect of water sports accidents, emergency numbers, first aid measures, information about lifejackets (also from competitors), and also e.g. links to qualified shops and other subject-related websites.

The shop function of the software allows replacement parts for the device and also for other automatic rescue vests to be ordered at the push of a button.

Direct communication with the customer or the "community" is likewise envisaged.

This software is offered as an application (app) for various platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.).

The configuration adjustment of the device can be carried out, for example, by way of a data transfer protocol. NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN or similar can be provided as data protocols. However, so that the device requires as little current as possible, a light sensor is provided on the activation device, said light sensor recording light pulses transferred to the light sensor. The device decodes these light pulses which serve to configure the device (for example adjusting thresholds in relation to the trigger time).

Since the device is configured by way of deviceindependent light pulses on the screen, programming can be carried out from all platforms and by way of a web portal/web shop by means of a screen. To this end, it is only necessary for the device with a sensor to be held so close to the screen that the light pulses are transferred.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

Activation device for triggering an automatic rescue means 1 Activation device 2 Detection element 3 Trigger element 4 Axis 5 Indication element 6 Actuation element 7 Housing 8 Cavity 9 Housing wall 10 Openings 11 Cavity 12 Sensors 13 Coupling element 14 Storage container (gas cartridge) 15 Housing 16 Adapter element 17 Detonator cap 18 Firing pin 19 End side 20 End side 21 Circuit board 22 --- 23 Battery 24 Contact pin 25 Retaining ring 30 Buoyancy body 31 Belt element G Object A Automatic vest S Smartphone U Transfer technology

Claims

1. An individually adjustable activation device for triggering an outflow of a gas from a storage container into a rescue means tillable with the gas, wherein the activation device has a detection element for determining the instant of triggering and a trigger element for immediately opening the storage container, wherein the detection element is under microprocessor control and comprises at least one sensor, namely a pressure sensor, wherein one of the following sensors is optionally provided in addition thereto, namely temperature sensor, movement sensor, humidity sensor, which are installed in the detection element, wherein the sensors have adjustable threshold parameters, the values of which are stored in the detection element, the detection element is a closed system which is formed in a watertight capsulelike embodiment, wherein the region in which the sensors are arranged is embodied in such a way that it is floodable with water, wherein a. the detection element immediately adjoins the trigger element, b. the activation device provides an adapter element for adaptive attachment to rescue means, c. these threshold parameters are defined depending on the type of sport or case of application carried out with the activation device, with this definition in turn being adjustable by the user, d. wherein the threshold parameters of the sensors are adjusted by way of a smartphone or tablet PC, with electronic aids for transferring the data from the smartphone or tablet PC to the detection element being provided, e. a light sensor is provided as electronic aid in such a way that the detection element comprises a light sensor which records the light pulses transferred to the light sensor, with the detection element light pulses which serve to decoding these configure the threshold parameters of the sensors .

2. The activation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic aid is a Bluetooth interface .

3. The activation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection element and the trigger element are arranged in a manner detachable from one another.

4. The activation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the process is terminable by means of an actuation element immediately after determining the instant of triggering by way of the detection element.

5. The use of an activation device for triggering an outflow of a gas from a storage container into a rescue means fillable with a gas, wherein the activation device has a detection element for determining the instant of triggering and a trigger element for immediately opening the storage container, for adaptive attachment to inflatable automatic rescue means, a. the detection element immediately adjoins the trigger element, b. wherein the activation device provides an adapter element for adaptive attachment to rescue means, c. the detection element is a closed system which is formed in a watertight capsule-like embodiment, wherein the region in which the sensors are arranged is embodied in such a way that it is floodable with water, wherein the sensors have adjustable threshold parameters which are adjustable by the user to the respective case of application of the respective type of sport, d. wherein the threshold parameters of the sensors are adjusted by way of a smartphone or tablet PC, with electronic aids for transferring the data from the smartphone or tablet PC to the detection element being provided, wherein a light sensor is provided as electronic aid in such a way that the detection element comprises a light sensor which records the light pulses transferred to the light sensor, with the detection element decoding these light pulses which serve to configure the threshold parameters of the sensors.

6. The use of the activation device as claimed in claim 1 for an automatic lifejacket.

7. The use of the activation device, together with an inflatable buoyancy aid embodied as a rescue means by the activation device, according to claim 1 for attachment to an object for securing against unwanted sinking in a body of water.