Modular, retroreflective rescue balloon with high visibility

Abstract

Inflatable signal balloon for emergency location tracking with a balloon envelope at least 50 µm thick, made of metallized BoPET film. This extends the float time and minimizes helium loss. The outer surface is completely covered with reflective tiles arranged according to a Fibonacci spherical grid.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for optical signaling in emergency situations, particularly for use in remote areas, at sea, or in difficult terrain. This invention combines the principles of optical reflection with a modular design and the possibility of balloon-supported positioning. In this way, the device can ensure maximum visibility regardless of direction. State of the art

[0002] The use of reflective surfaces such as emergency mirrors or solar panels, as well as helium balloons for observation purposes, is known. However, these known solutions have disadvantages regarding their visibility under varying light conditions and their adaptability to emergency situations. No known solution exists that combines an optically optimized microstructure with retroreflective properties, modularly integrated emergency functions, and a rapidly deployable, portable design in a single rescue system to enable effective passive (daylight) location tracking. Description of the invention

[0003] The invention describes an inflatable balloon body, preferably fillable with helium or another suitable gas, and having a diameter of 2 m. The outer surface of the balloon has a plurality of reflective individual surfaces, which are hexagonal. These individual surfaces are arranged on the spherical surface according to a Fibonacci-based pattern in order to achieve the most uniform and omnidirectional reflection possible.

[0004] Helium is supplied via external disposable cartridges, which are designed together with the balloon as a portable emergency kit.

[0005] The balloon can optionally be supplemented modularly with: • GPS-based emergency call technology (e.g. Iridium module for transmitting position data), • a holding module with cable guide and fastening system,

[0006] The entire unit is portable and modular, can be activated within minutes and serves as a visual emergency signal through passive (daylight reflection) signaling. Object of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to provide a signal balloon with the following properties: • Visual signal effect from all directions in daylight due to sun reflection • Long float time due to minimized helium loss • Lightweight and compact • No need for internal power supply • Simple and safe handling with integrated leash guide Advantages of the invention • Extremely high visibility during the day and in limited light conditions thanks to optimized reflection. • All-round reflection through geometrically optimized mirror distribution ensures visibility from every direction. • Modular, transportable and quick to assemble for flexible applications. • Versatile use on water, in mountains, deserts, forests or in arctic regions. • Compatible with existing sea rescue systems and other tracking methods.

Claims

[1] Inflatable signal balloon for emergency location with a balloon envelope at least 50 µm thick made of metallized BoPET film. This extends the float time and minimizes helium loss. The outer surface is completely covered with reflective tiles arranged according to a Fibonacci sphere grid. [2] The rescue device according to claim 1, characterized by that the reflective surfaces contain microstructured facets (e.g. prisms, micromirrors, lens arrays). [3] Signal balloon according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that each individual mirrored tile is hexagonal and has an area of ​​approximately 2 cm². 2 exhibits. [4] Signal balloon according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a Dyneema (UHMWPE) mooring line with a diameter of approximately 1 mm and a breaking load of at least 100 kg. [5] Signal balloon according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized byan integrated retraction mechanism for the mooring line, consisting of a crank-operated spindle with a sufficiently large core diameter and a locking mechanism for fixing the line length. [6] Signal balloon according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the provision of an external helium supply for the one-time filling of the balloon. [7] The rescue device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the individual reflective surfaces are mechanically designed so that their inclination can vary due to wind or movement in order to optimize reflection performance. [8] The rescue device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the sphere has a maximum diameter between 1 m and 2 m. [9] Signal balloon according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized byan overall pack size and weight that allows for easy transport in a personal emergency kit.

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