Developed by the German Fraunhofer Institute, the helmet looks ordinary at first glance. But a flexible piezoelectric sensor built into the headband is hidden inside. This thin film made of aluminum-coated polypropylene foam uses the piezoelectric effect. Simply put, it produces a measurable electrical signal when bent or deformed. The larger the deformation, the stronger the signal.
When struck or shaken, the sensor records these movements and transmits the voltage and frequency data to a module worn on the body. This information is then transferred to a computer for analysis. This is where the magic happens. The software analyzes the data and raises an alarm if shaking exceeds safe limits. This important warning allows workers to take a break and possibly correct the problem, such as using shock-absorbing seats.
The benefits don’t end with real-time monitoring. Sensor data can also be used to improve future construction machine designs. By identifying and eliminating excessive vibration at the design stage, engineers can create smoother-running machines to keep workers safe.
Source: Ferra
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