Elderly protective clothing with airbag

At the annual youth science and technology innovation contest in Hefei, held at the Hefei Science and Technology Museum, young inventors showcased their creative solutions to real-world problems. One of the highlights was a remote-controlled gas valve system that can be managed via a mobile phone, offering greater safety for households. Another project involved a protective suit with built-in airbags designed specifically for the elderly to prevent injuries from falls.

One team from Wangzhong, Hefei, focused on addressing the issue of flooded low-lying roads during heavy rain. Their idea was to create an early warning system that detects rising water levels in these areas. Using a water level sensor, control circuit, LED display, and audible alarm, the system automatically alerts drivers when water accumulates. "We use float switches to manage the power supply, so there's no need for manual operation," explained Wang Kenan, one of the students. This innovation aims to improve traffic safety in urban areas prone to flooding.

Another student presented a smart gas leak detection system that goes beyond traditional loud alarms. The system sends text messages to users' phones when a gas leak is detected, allowing them to remotely shut off the gas valve. This feature ensures that even when no one is at home, the risk of a dangerous situation is minimized.

Wang Yifan’s invention was a high-tech protective suit for the elderly. Equipped with motion and acceleration sensors, the suit can detect if the wearer falls and automatically inflate an airbag. In addition, the suit triggers a flashing light, dials 120 (the emergency number in China), and activates GPS to provide the user’s location. This device offers peace of mind for families concerned about the safety of their elderly relatives.