ES2999537T3 - Activation system for wearable airbag - Google Patents

Abstract

An airbag system is provided for protecting a body part of a user (3) in the event of an accident, comprising an airbag (15) arranged as a collar (10). The collar (10) comprises a first fixing body (31) and a second fixing body (32). The first fixing body (31) comprises at least one magnet (35) arranged proximate to the at least one sensor (36), and the second fixing body (32) comprises a shield (34) operable to magnetically shield the at least one sensor (36) from the at least one magnet (35). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Wearable airbag activation system

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to a system for protecting a user's head in the event of an abnormal movement, such as a fall or collision. The present invention relates more specifically to a wearable airbag for protecting a cyclist's head in the event of an accident while riding a bicycle.

Background

Airbags for protecting a person's head are known in the art, for example, from document WO2012044245. Unlike vehicle airbags, the airbag of document WO2012044245 is designed to inflate within a complex head protection structure. The airbag described in the prior art reference is designed as a double-bag construction, in which the inflated helmet shape of the inner plastic bag is formed by the finger-shaped construction of the outer bag.

The airbag mentioned in WO2012044245 is designed to detect if the user is exposed to an abnormal movement, such as a fall or collision, for a specific activity, for example, cycling. For the airbag to protect the user during an accident, the user must be properly dressed during the specific activity. During the activity, the wearable airbag is activated, constantly monitoring the user's movements. Since inflation is controlled by comparing the current movement with reference movements for the specific activity type, it is important to deactivate the wearable airbag once the activity type changes, for example, from cycling to walking or running. WO 2019/004918 discloses a similar airbag collar system in which an inactive and an active state are switched on and off by interlocking means comprising a pair of mutually cooperating clamping bodies mounted on the collar.

Compared to traditional helmets, the wearable airbag is positioned so delicately around the neck that a user may not want to remove it when engaging in an activity other than the one intended. Thus, there is a need for an airbag that eliminates or at least mitigates the problems that arise from this situation.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above and other objects of the invention are achieved, in whole or in part, by an airbag system for protecting a portion of a user's body in the event of an accident, comprising an airbag arranged as a neck brace. The neck brace comprises a first gripping body and a second gripping body. The first gripping body comprises at least one magnet disposed proximate the at least one sensor, and the second gripping body comprises a shield operable to magnetically shield the at least one sensor from the at least one magnet.

The clamping bodies are easier to use and less prone to magnetic disturbances compared to prior art systems.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises a control unit configured to: place the airbag system in an inactive state when said at least one sensor detects a magnetic field from said at least one magnet; and place the airbag system in an active state when said at least one sensor does not detect said magnetic fields.

The control unit has the advantage of allowing the system user to configure it according to their needs. The state definitions are advantageous because they are less susceptible to external magnetic fields.

When the system is in the inactive state, the control unit can be configured to prevent the airbag from inflating.

The inactive state is advantageous because it prevents accidental inflation of the airbag when it is not needed.

In a second embodiment, the system further comprises interlocking means arranged to connect the ends of the collar, wherein said interlocking means comprise at least one of said clamping bodies.

Interlocking means are advantageous because they have the dual functionality of allowing the collar to be comfortably positioned around a user's neck and acting as a carrier for the restraint body. This also has the advantage of making it easier for a user to remember to activate the system when applying the collar and deactivate the system when removing it.

In another embodiment, the second clamping body is operable to engage with said first clamping body.

Coupling is advantageous in that it allows the holding bodies to cooperate with each other in a desired manner. It also has benefits in that it makes a clear distinction between a coupled and an uncoupled state, which can correspond to the active and inactive states of the system.

When said holding bodies are coupled, said shield may be arranged to magnetically shield said at least one sensor.

This arrangement is advantageous in that the shield will properly protect the sensor(s) for the entire duration of the coupling.

Said first clamping body may further comprise locking means for keeping said second clamping body coupled.

Locking means are advantageous because they ensure that the clamping bodies are arranged in cooperation with each other correctly and do not accidentally disengage.

Said locking means may be configured to engage with said protection.

This is advantageous because the guard is usually the part of the second clamping body that needs to be secured inside. Furthermore, the guard is usually solid and therefore convenient for interacting with said locking means.

Said locking means may comprise at least one spring-loaded protuberance arranged to engage with at least one receiving hole in said second clamping body.

The spring-loaded protrusion is advantageous because it allows the locking means to be easily engaged and disengaged, but not accidentally disengaged. Furthermore, the spring-loaded protrusion has a clearly differentiated engaged state from the disengaged state. The spring-loaded nature of the protrusion also has the advantage that it typically generates an audible response.

In another embodiment, the system comprises at least two magnets arranged on different sides of the sensor.

Having at least two magnets is advantageous because it allows for smaller, less powerful magnets compared to fewer magnets while still maintaining a clear signal. This arrangement is advantageous because it reduces the impact of magnetic interference.

In another embodiment, said protection is shaped like a cup or cylinder.

The shield's shape provides good protection from all relevant directions and is easy to grasp and position correctly as a user. These shapes are also rotationally symmetrical, making them particularly easy to position.

In another embodiment, said shield comprises metal.

Metal is advantageous in that it is easy to shape and is magnetically protective like a Faraday cage.

In another embodiment, said at least one sensor is a Hall sensor.

The Hall sensor is advantageous because it is a simple and efficient way to detect magnetic radiation.

In another embodiment, said first clamping body is a female connector and said second clamping body is a male connector.

The female/male connection is advantageous in that it is easy to align and use.

In another embodiment, said first holding body further comprises an LED indicator.

The LED indicator is advantageous because it can display a bright and energy-efficient light.

Said LED indicator may have a first light color when the airbag system is in an activated state and a second light color to indicate an error.

The different colors make for a simple and intuitive user interface for a user to understand.

Said second clamping body may be operable to engage with said first clamping body; said shield further comprising a transparent portion; and when said clamping bodies are engaged, said transparent portion is arranged to cover said LED indicator.

The transparent portion is advantageous because it allows the LED indicator to be protected and aligned with the rest of the clamping body components.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure, the appended claims, and the drawings. It should be noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. All terms used in the claims should be construed in accordance with their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "an/an [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" should be construed as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Brief description of the drawings

By way of example, embodiments of the present invention will now be described by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1a is a side view of a user wearing an inflatable helmet, including an airbag system according to some embodiments;

Fig. 1b is a side view of a user wearing an inflatable helmet, including an airbag system according to some embodiments;

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an airbag system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows an example of the above material;

FIGS. 4a-c show front views of an airbag system according to different embodiments;

FIGS. 5a-b show schematic illustrations of a first and second holding body according to one embodiment; and

FIGS. 6a-b show schematic illustrations of locking means according to different embodiments.

Detailed description

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like elements.

The airbag system described herein is configured to be used to detect an accident, such as a fall or collision, for example, when a user is riding a bicycle. The airbag system is thus configured for the specific use of bicycle riding; that is, cycling is the intended activity for the airbag system. For the airbag system to protect the user during an accident, the user must be properly fitted with the airbag system and have it activated. Thus, it would be preferable to provide a system that has an improved locking device to ensure proper adjustment of the airbag to the user and a clear indicator if the system is activated.

Furthermore, having the airbag system in the activated state when the user is not engaged in the intended activity, for example, not riding a bicycle, results in an unwanted loss of power, as the airbag system is in the activated state using battery power to power one or more sensors and to process the motion data collected from them, even when there is no risk of a fall or collision. It may also result in a false reading of an abnormal movement, such as a fall or collision, that activates the airbag while the user is, for example, walking.

Thus, it would be beneficial if the computationally demanding determination of whether a user is about to fall or collide while performing the desired activity, e.g., cycling, is disabled when not needed, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of the system. The system can determine whether the airbag system is necessary, specifically whether a user is actually performing the intended activity or not. This information can, for example, be used to change the mode of the airbag system 100.

Additionally, or alternatively, to have a system that determines whether the airbag system should be in an activated (ON) state or an inactive (OFF) state, it is beneficial that no external force can interfere with the state of the system, as this can cause unnecessary airbag deployment or, worse, failure to deploy the airbag when needed.

Fig. 1a shows an airbag system 100 according to one embodiment in its uninflated state. The airbag system 100 forms a garment in the form of a collar 10, which is worn around the neck 2 of a user 3.

When inflated, the garment transforms into an air bag. When inflated, the garment transforms into an inflated helmet.

The collar 10 is placed around the neck 2 of the user 3 and has for this purpose a sealable opening, usually at the front of the collar 10. Alternatively, the opening may be provided at the rear of the collar 10 or at the shoulder portion of the collar 10. Furthermore, the opening may be fully or partially divisible. The opening is sealed using interlocking means 30 for connecting the ends of the collar 10, for example, adjacent to the throat or neck region of the user 3. The interlocking means 30 facilitates donning and doffing of the collar 10 on the activated user 3. Furthermore, the position of different parts of the interlocking means 30 determines whether the airbag system 100 is activated (i.e., energized) or deactivated.

The interlocking means 30 and the active state will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4-6.

The collar 10 may be made to be of any type of flexible material, such as any convenient fabric.

The neck brace 10 comprises a folded airbag 15 which is inflated to form a helmet to protect the head of the user 3 in case of an abnormal movement, for example during a cycling accident.

An inflated helmet is shown schematically in Fig. 1b. Here, the neck 10 is opened to release the airbag 15 previously enclosed therein. The airbag 15 surrounds the neck 2 and head 4 of the user 3, providing effective protection.

The airbag 15 is formed from a flexible material that allows it to be folded and stored within the collar 10 prior to inflation. The airbag 15 may comprise, for example, an inflatable inner bag surrounded by an outer bag. Inflation of the inner bag leads to expansion of the outer bag, and the structure of the outer bag defines the shape of the airbag when the inner bag is inflated. Although not shown in Fig. 1a and b, the airbag system may also be a single-bag construction.

The inner bag may be made of a fluid-impermeable material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane film. Since fluid cannot readily escape from a fluid-impermeable bag, a person wearing an airbag 15 according to the invention will be protected by said airbag 15 for some time after the airbag 15 has been expanded, thereby protecting the user's head throughout the duration of the accident. The inner bag may be flexible and expandable such that it can expand the outer bag upon inflating it to an elevated pressure. Thus, the inner bag may be inflated to result in a relatively high internal pressure that is preferably maintained for a required time.

As an example of how the inner and outer bags can be configured, it is described in document WO2012044245 of the same applicant.

As shown in Fig. 2, the airbag system 100 further comprises at least one sensor 80 for detecting movement of the collar 10, i.e., movement of the user 3 during use, and a control unit 50 configured to, in response to information obtained by the sensor 80, determine whether the movement corresponds to an accident situation. If an accident situation is determined, the control unit 50 will activate inflation of the airbag 15 by means of an inflating device 60. The airbag system 100 further comprises a power source 70, for example a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery, in order to provide electricity to the parts of the system 100. The different parts will now be described in more detail.

The inflator 60 may be any suitable type of airbag inflator, such as a hybrid generator utilizing a combination of compressed gas and solid fuel, a pyrotechnic airbag inflator utilizing hot gases formed from powder, a heated gas inflator, or an inflator utilizing solid fuel. In one embodiment, the inflator 60 is a cold gas inflator.

Furthermore, the inflating device 60 may be provided with a gas guide 65, for directing the gas into the airbag. The inflating device 60 is captured, screwed, glued, sewn, or the like into the textile bag, and the gas guide 65 is positioned within the textile bag to direct the gas into the bag to inflate the airbag in a suitable manner. The gas guide 65 may be T-shaped in order to be able to guide the gas into the airbag in a convenient, stable manner. Alternatively, the gas guide 65 may be Y-shaped, I-shaped, arrow-shaped, multi-part cylindrical, or the like.

The inflation of the airbag 15 is controlled by the control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls the inflation of the airbag in the event of abnormal movement and prevents the airbag system from inflating in an unintended event. The control unit 50 may be implemented by instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by the use of computer program instructions executable on a general-purpose or special-purpose processor that can be stored on a computer-readable medium (disk, memory, etc.) 52 to be executed by said processor. The control unit 50 may be configured to read instructions from the memory 52 and execute these instructions to control the operation of the airbag system 100. The control unit 50 may be implemented using any suitable and publicly available processor or programmable logic circuit (PLC). The memory 52 may be implemented using any commonly known technology for computer-readable memories such as ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM,<f>L<a>SH, DDR, SDRAM or some other memory technology.

The control unit 50 may be a dedicated control unit or the control unit 50 may also be configured to control other functions.

The at least one sensor 80 collects data related to the movement of the collar 10. The sensor 80 may be, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an airborne ultrasonic transducer, a radar, and/or a laser. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor 80 is an accelerometer that measures acceleration in three dimensions and/or the sensor 80 is a gyroscope that detects angular velocity in three dimensions. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one sensor 80 may be an airborne ultrasonic transducer, or any device that utilizes electromagnetic waves, that measures the distance from the ground to the collar.

Document EP2313814, filed by the same applicant, discloses a method for detecting a bicycle accident without falsely classifying any data samples from normal cycling activities as an accident. The system classifies the detected motion into a "normal class" related to motion patterns that represent cycling or the performance of related activities, or into an "action class" related to motion patterns that represent a bicycle accident.

The motion data collected from the at least one sensor 80 is transmitted to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 processes the data and analyzes it in order to evaluate whether the processed data corresponds to an accident situation. If the data corresponds to pre-stored data indicating an accident situation, the control unit 50 transmits an activation signal to the inflator 60 to activate inflation of the airbag 15. The airbag 15 will consequently inflate when the inflator 60 receives the activation signal.

The process is paired with memory 52, which stores the measured and processed data. The stored data can be used to review and analyze the airbag system's activity history. This is particularly useful if the airbag system has been deflated and technicians want to verify that it was functioning properly.

If user 3 wears the airbag system 100 when performing an activity for which the airbag system 100 was not intended, such as climbing or riding in an elevator, there is a slight risk that the control unit 50 will incorrectly detect the movement as an accident and activate inflation.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to directly determine between when a user 3 is performing the intended activity, for example cycling, and when the user is performing an unanticipated activity, such as climbing or running, and to subsequently alarm the user 3 if they are performing an unanticipated activity with the airbag system 100 and that the airbag system 100 should be turned off.

In the following, the first activity state of user 3 is user 3 performing an unanticipated activity. If the intended activity for the airbag system is cycling, the first activity state is user 3 performing an activity other than cycling. The determination may be made by determining whether the user is performing the intended activity (e.g., cycling), determining whether the user is performing an unanticipated activity (e.g., an activity other than cycling), and/or by both determining whether the user is performing the intended activity or an unanticipated activity.

The determination of when a user 3 is in a first activity state is preferably made by motion data collected by the airbag system 100. The motion data used to determine the user's activity state (e.g., walking or cycling) may be retrieved from the at least one sensor 80 and/or from at least one additional sensor 85. The control unit 50 is configured to receive the motion signal(s) and process the signal(s) to determine whether they correspond to a predetermined pattern indicative of the first activity state.

In addition, the additional sensor 85 may be an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an airborne ultrasonic transducer, a radar, and/or a laser, or any other suitable sensor. The motion signals used to determine the user's activity status may comprise information relating to acceleration, angular velocity, and/or distance from the ground to the collar.

Therefore, when the airbag system is in an activated ON state, the control unit 50 is configured to determine whether the user 3 is in a first activity state that does not correspond to the intended activity by processing the output of at least one sensor 80, 85. If the control unit 50 detects that the user 3 is in a first activity state, the control unit 50 is configured to alert the user 3.

The airbag system 100 may further comprise a user interface 95. The user interface 95 produces a user-detectable signal, thereby alerting the user 3 with various information. The user interface 95 may be configured to alert the user 3 to either place the airbag system 100 into an active state or turn it off.

The user interface 95 may also be configured to indicate the status of the airbag system, i.e., the battery level, whether the battery needs to be changed or charged, whether the interior elements of the helmet are intact or not, and whether the system 100 is activated. As will be further described with reference to the interlocking means 30 shown in FIG. 4, the user interface 95 may be used to alert the user 3 that the airbag system 100 is switched on in an active state in response to the changing position of portions of the interlocking means 30.

The alert signal could be in the form of an audible signal such as a siren, a haptic signal such as a vibration, a visual signal such as a strobe light or a color indication, or other sensory alarm that could be arranged on a user in the form of an airbag system 100.

The user interface 95 may comprise one or a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which indicate information using light signal(s). Different colors of light or flashing signals may, for example, indicate different information. The user interface 95 may also comprise a speaker that sends an audible signal, such as a buzzer, or a device that sends a vibrating signal or a spoken phrase.

FIG. 3 shows locking means 30 for an airbag system 100 according to an example of the prior art. The airbag system 100 forms a garment in the form of a neck brace 10 that is worn around the neck 2 of a user 3. Upon inflation, the garment transforms into a neck brace.

The collar 10 is placed around the neck 2 of the user 3 and has for this purpose a sealable opening, normally at the front of the collar 10. The opening is sealed using interlocking means 30 to connect the ends of the collar 10. The interlocking means 30 facilitates putting on and taking off the collar 10 on the activated user 3.

The interlocking means 30 further comprises a male connector of a metal push-button 33. The female connector of the button 33 is disposed at the front of the collar 10 and is operably connected to electronic components. When the male connector of the button 33 is inserted into the female connector, a circuit is closed and the airbag system 100 is placed in an active state.

One problem with this prior art solution is that external forces can accidentally close the circuit, activating system 100 at an inopportune time. Another problem is that the metal snap buttons 33 can be difficult to operate, especially when pressed firmly on a neck area. In addition, further improvements are needed.

Fig. 4a shows a front view of an airbag system 100. The system 100 forms a garment having the shape of a collar 10 that is worn around the neck 2 of a user 3. Upon inflation, the garment transforms into an airbag. Upon inflation, the garment transforms into an inflated helmet.

The collar 10 is placed around the neck 2 of the user 3 and has for this purpose a sealable opening, usually at the front of the collar 10. The opening is sealed using interlocking means 30 to connect the ends of the collar 10. The interlocking means 30 is, for example, a zipper that facilitates easy putting on and taking off of the collar 10 on the user 3.

The collar 10 comprises a first clamping body 31 and a second clamping body 32 arranged separately from the locking means 30. The first clamping body 31 is arranged as an assembly of components joined directly onto the collar 10. The second clamping body 32 is arranged as a flap joined to the collar 10 at an edge closest to the locking means 30, the flap 32 being foldable via the locking means 30 to engage the first clamping body 31.

The first clamping body 31 comprises two magnets 35 disposed on different sides of a sensor 36. The second clamping body 32 comprises a shield 34 operable to magnetically shield the sensor 36 from the two magnets 35. The first clamping body 31 is a female connector and the second clamping body 32 is a male connector operable to mate with the first clamping body 31. The second clamping body 32 is a male connector operable to mate with the first. This coupling will be further discussed in FIGS. 5a-b.

Shield 34 may be cup-shaped or cylindrical. Shield 34 may comprise any material suitable for shielding from magnetic fields. Examples of suitable materials include any conductor arranged in a Faraday cage, such as metals like copper, silver, and gold; or conductive carbon structures such as graphene or carbon nanotubes.

The first holding body 31 further comprises an LED indicator 95. The LED indicator 95 displays a first light color when the airbag system 100 is in an active state and a second light color to indicate an error. The LED indicator 95 may also display the battery level of the system 100.

Fig. 4B shows a front view of an alternative airbag system 100. The collar 10 comprises a first clamping body 31, and a second clamping body 32 arranged as part of the locking means 30.

The first clamping body 31 is arranged as an assembly of components directly attached to the collar 10. First, the clamping body 31 comprises a single magnet 35. The second clamping body 32 is arranged as a flap attached to the locking means 30. When the locking means 30 is fully closed, the second clamping body 32 is at a convenient distance to engage with the first clamping body 31.

Fig. 4c shows a front view of an alternative airbag system 100. The collar 10 comprises a first clamping body 31 and a second clamping body 32, both of which are arranged as part of the locking means 30.

The first fastening body 31 is arranged as an assembly of components directly attached to the collar 10. The second fastening body 32 is arranged as a flap having interlocking means 30. The flap 32 comprises a shield 34 and a plurality of buttons 33 arranged to engage buttons fixed directly to the collar 10 to connect the ends of the collar 10. The first fastening body 31 and the shield 34 of the second fastening body 32 are arranged in series with the buttons 33 and operable to engage each other in a similar manner.

Fig. 5a shows a schematic illustration of the first holding body 31. The first holding body 31 comprises a circuit board with two sensors 36 and an LED 95 mounted on the board and acting as a user interface. The first holding body 31 may comprise any number of sensors 36 and LEDs 95, including zero.

The first holding body 31 further comprises two magnets 35 arranged on either side of the sensors 36. Preferably, the two magnets 35 are arranged at the same radius from the circuit board, but spaced from each other by an angle, such as in the range of 90-270°. The first holding body 31 may comprise any number of magnets 35 and the magnets 35 may be aligned in any manner. The alignment shown with two aligned magnets 35 has proven to be beneficial, since a high but shieldable magnetic field is generated.

The sensors 36 are arranged on either side of the LED 95. The sensors 36 may be Hall sensors configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the magnets 35. The sensors 36 may be arranged in various ways. The configuration shown has proven beneficial, as they are less prone to inadvertent activation due to external magnetic fields.

The airbag system 100 of Fig. 5a is in an inactive state. The at least one sensor 36 detects a magnetic field of the at least one magnet 35. A controller 50 is operably connected to at least the sensors 36. The controller 50 is configured to put the airbag system 100 into an inactive state whenever the sensors 36 detect the magnetic field of the magnets 35. When the system 100 is in an inactive state, the airbag 15 is prevented from inflating.

FIG. 5B shows a schematic illustration of the clamping bodies 31, 32 coupled together. When the clamping bodies 31, 32 are coupled, the shield 34 is arranged to magnetically shield the at least one sensor 36 from the magnet(s) 35.

The airbag system 100 of FIG. 5B is in an activated state. The at least one sensor 36 does not detect a magnetic field from the at least one magnet 35. A controller 50 is configured to place the airbag system 100 in an active state whenever the sensors 36 do not detect the magnetic field. When the system 100 is in an active state, the airbag 15 will inflate upon detecting abnormal motion.

The shield 34 of FIG. 5B comprises a transparent portion 34a. When the clamping bodies 31, 32 are coupled, the transparent portion 34a is arranged to cover the LED indicator 95. This allows the LED indicator 95 to be visible while the clamping bodies 31, 32 are coupled, which in this embodiment also means while the airbag system 100 is in an active state.

The transparent portion 34a may comprise glass, plastic, or gas. The transparent portion 34a may be arranged to face the LED indicator 95 or to surround it. In another embodiment, the shield 34 is hollow, such that the transparent portion 34a is formed by a void, or a lack of material.

Fig. 6a is a schematic illustration of the locking means 37. The clamping bodies 31, 32 are coupled to each other and the shield 34 is arranged to magnetically shield the at least one sensor 36. The shield 34 is arranged as two separate units, although any number of units is possible.

The locking means 37 are arranged to keep the clamping bodies 31, 32 coupled together. The locking means 37 comprise at least one spring-loaded protuberance 38 arranged to engage with at least one receiving hole 39 in the second clamping body 32.

The spring-loaded protrusions 38 are protrusions with inclined edges and spring means. When the second clamping body 32 is inserted into the first clamping body 31, the second clamping body 32 pushes the spring-loaded protrusions 38 and compresses the spring means. Once the receiving holes 39 are aligned with the protrusions 38, the spring means will push the protrusions into the holes 39 and keep the clamping bodies 31, 32 coupled together.

The locking means 37 are arranged on the collar 10 and have a spring-loaded protuberance 38 on each side of the shield 34. The shield 34 comprises a receiving hole 39 on each side arranged to engage the protuberances 38.

FIG. 6b is a schematic illustration of the locking means 37 according to an alternative embodiment. The first clamping body 31 comprises the locking means 37 for keeping said second clamping body 32 engaged.

The locking means 37 are configured to engage the shield 34. The locking means 37 comprise spring-loaded protrusions 38 arranged to engage the receiving holes 39 in the shield 34 from within the shield 34.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the inventions should not be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and/or functions other than those explicitly described above are also contemplated, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits, and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily to all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, required, or essential for all embodiments or for what is claimed herein. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (15)

1. An airbag system for protecting a part of a user's body (3) in the event of an accident, comprising an airbag (15) arranged as a collar (10), wherein said collar (10) comprises a first securing body (31) and a second securing body (32); and characterized because said first holding body (31) comprises at least one magnet (35) arranged near at least one sensor (36), and said second holding body (32) comprises a shield (34) operable to magnetically shield said at least one sensor (36) from said at least one magnet (35). 2. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a control unit (50) configured to: placing the airbag system (100) in an inactive state when said at least one sensor (36) detects a magnetic field of said at least one magnet (35); and placing the airbag system (100) in an active state when said at least one sensor (36) does not detect said magnetic field. 3. The airbag system according to claim 2, wherein when the system (100) is in an inactive state, the control unit (50) is configured to prevent the airbag (15) from being inflated, and/or wherein when the system (100) is in an active state, the control unit (50) is configured to allow the airbag (15) to be inflated. 4. The airbag system according to any of the preceding claims, consequently comprising locking means (30) arranged to connect the ends of the collar (10), wherein said locking means (30) comprise at least one of said fastening bodies (31, 32). 5. The airbag system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second holding body (32) is operable to engage with said first holding body (31). 6. The airbag system according to claim 5, wherein when said holding bodies (31, 32) are coupled, said shield (34) is arranged to magnetically shield said at least one sensor (36). 7. The airbag system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said first clamping body (31) further comprises locking means (37) for keeping said second clamping body (32) coupled. 8. The airbag system according to claim 7, wherein said locking means (37) are configured to engage with said shield (34). 9. The airbag system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said locking means (37) comprises at least one spring-loaded protuberance (38) arranged to engage with at least one receiving hole (39) in said second holding body (32). 10. The airbag system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least two magnets (35) arranged on different sides of the sensor (36). 11. The airbag system according to any of the previous claims, wherein said shield (34) is cup-shaped or cylinder-shaped, and/or wherein said shield (34) comprises metal. 12. The airbag system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one sensor (36) is a Hall sensor. 13. The airbag system according to any of the previous claims, wherein said first holding body (31) is a female connector and said second holding body (32) is a male connector, and/or wherein said first holding body (31) consequently comprises an LED indicator (95). 14. The airbag system according to claim 13, wherein said LED indicator (95) carries a first color of light when the airbag system (100) is in an active state and a second color of light to indicate an error. 15. The airbag system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said second holding body (32) is operable to engage with said first holding body (31); wherein said shield (34) further comprises a transparent portion (34a); and wherein when said holding bodies (31, 32) are coupled, said transparent portion (34a) is arranged to cover said LED indicator (95).