DETACHABLE PROTECTIVE COVERINGS AND PROTECTION METHODS

• US 20160138913A1
• Filed: 11/17/2014
• Published: 05/19/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: DeStories, Jason G., Estevo, Curtis R. Jr., Penuelas, Basilio
• Granted Patent: US 9,915,527 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 19/026 Acoustical sensing devices
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 19/027 Electromagnetic sensing devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 21/16 for measuring distance of clearance between spaced objects

Abstract

A detachable hazard detection device includes a protective covering configured to detachably couple to an article. A plurality of proximity sensors are coupled to the protective covering. Each of the plurality of proximity sensors is configured to gather proximity information. Electronics are embedded in the protective covering, and the electronics include a controller coupled to the plurality of proximity sensors. The controller is configured to determine a proximity of the article to an object based on the proximity information. The controller is further configured to initiate a notification based on the proximity.

Claims

1. A detachable hazard detection device, comprising:

a protective covering, the protective covering configured to detachably couple to an article;

a plurality of proximity sensors coupled to the protective covering, each of the plurality of proximity sensors configured to gather proximity information; and

electronics embedded in the protective covering, the electronics including a controller coupled to the plurality of proximity sensors, wherein the controller is configured to determine a proximity of the article to an object based on the proximity information, and wherein the controller is further configured to initiate a notification based on the proximity.

2. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 1, further comprising an alarm device embedded in the protective covering, a power source embedded in the protective covering, or both.

3. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 1, wherein the protective covering comprises a protective sleeve.

4. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 1, wherein a first detection region of a first of the plurality of proximity sensors and a second detection region of a second of the plurality of proximity sensors are not co-planar, and wherein a composite detection region of the plurality of proximity sensors is substantially hemispherical.

5. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 1, wherein the protective covering is padded to absorb impact energy in an event of a collision with the object.

6. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the notification when the proximity satisfies a threshold.

7. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 1, further comprising an impact sensor embedded in the protective covering.

8. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 7, further comprising a transmitter coupled to one or more of the controller or the impact sensor, wherein the transmitter is embedded in the protective covering.

9. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to transmit one or more signals corresponding to impact information from the impact sensor, the proximity information, or both, to a computer.

10. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 1, wherein the protective covering is configured to detachably couple to the article by friction contact.

11. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 1, wherein the notification is audible, visual, or both.

12. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 1, wherein the notification indicates proximity of the article to the object.

13. The detachable hazard detection device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to output a first graduated notification signal when the controller determines that the article is within a first distance range from an object, and to output a second graduated notification signal when the controller determines that the article is within a second distance range from the object that is less than the first distance range.

14. A method, comprising:

while a protective covering is detachably coupled to a first article, gathering proximity information by using proximity sensors coupled to the protective covering and by using electronics embedded in the protective covering;

determining a proximity of the first article to an object based on the proximity information; and

initiating a notification based on the proximity.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

removing the protective covering from the first article; and

detachably coupling the protective covering to a second article.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the protective covering is detachably coupled to the article using a clip, a clamp, or a magnet.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein initiating the notification includes initiating an audible notification, a visual notification, a haptic notification, or a combination thereof.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein initiating the notification comprises, while the protective covering is detachably coupled to the first article, transmitting one or more signals corresponding to proximity information, impact information from an impact sensor embedded in the protective covering, or position information of the first article to a computer.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising adjusting a first course of a transportation device while moving the first article, wherein the first course is adjusted based on the proximity information gathered while the protective covering is detachably coupled to the first article.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first course is adjusted responsive to a control signal received from the computer.