Capsule device, system including the capsule device, and method of using the capsule device

Abstract

Provided are a capsule device capable of assisting the formation of ice crystals in cumulonimbus clouds by being dropped from the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus clouds, a system including the capsule device, and a method of using the capsule device. 【Means for solving the problem】 The capsule device 20 includes a first capsule 22, a second capsule 26 that forms a sealed space portion 21 inside, and a binding portion 30 that binds to maintain the capsule shape. An ice crystal formation assisting material 27 for assisting the formation of ice crystals is stored in the sealed space portion. Further, when the capsule device 20 is dropped from the stratosphere, the pressure inside the sealed space portion 21 is higher than the pressure outside the first capsule and the second capsule, and at least a part of the binding portion 30 is formed of a polymer material having a functional property of reducing strength by absorbing water in a predetermined wet environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsule device, a system including the capsule device, and a method of using the capsule device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, there has been known a technique of launching a rain-inducing rocket, spraying fine particles of dry ice into the cloud by the rain-inducing rocket, and forming raindrops with the fine particles of dry ice as nuclei to form rain clouds and lead to rainfall.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, as shown in Patent Document 1, launching a rainfall rocket or flying an airplane to carry dry ice has a problem that the financial burden of fuel is very large and it is difficult to use.

[0005] In addition, when trying to apply such a technique to developing or developed cumulonimbus clouds, there is a problem that the vicinity of the cumulonimbus cloud is dangerous to approach due to wind, rain, thunder, etc. On the other hand, when spraying a powdery or liquid rain-inducing material from a distant part, the powdery powder is blown away by the influence of the wind, resulting in problems such as reduced effect or decreased certainty of execution. Furthermore, in recent years, with global warming, extremely large and developed cumulonimbus clouds that reach the tropopause interface are formed, and there is a case where it is assumed that if they reach an urban area while maintaining their strength, they may cause a major disaster. In such a case, there is a problem that it is desired to weaken the power of the cumulonimbus cloud as much as possible and reduce the damage.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and it is possible to assist the formation of ice crystals in cumulonimbus clouds by being dropped from the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus clouds, and to accelerate the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus clouds. An object is to provide a capsule device, a system including the capsule device, and a method of using the capsule device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a capsule device that assists the formation of ice crystals in cumulonimbus clouds by being dropped from the stratosphere above the developing cumulonimbus clouds, the capsule device including: a first capsule part that forms a part of the capsule; a second capsule part that forms a sealed space part inside in combination with the first capsule part; and a binding part that binds the first capsule part and the second capsule part so as to maintain the combined capsule shape. An ice crystal formation assisting material for assisting the formation of ice crystals is stored in the sealed space part. Further, when the capsule device is dropped from the stratosphere, the pressure in the sealed space part is higher than the pressure outside the first capsule part and the second capsule part, and at least a part of the binding part is formed of a polymer material having a functional property that the strength decreases by absorbing water in a predetermined wet environment. As a result, when the capsule device dropped from the stratosphere absorbs water in a predetermined wet environment in the cumulonimbus cloud, the strength of the binding part that holds the combined shape of the capsule device decreases, and the pressure in the sealed space part is higher than the pressure outside the first capsule part and the second capsule part. Thus, the first capsule part and the second capsule part can be cracked (half-cracked), and the ice crystal formation assisting material can be released to the surroundings together with the internal gas. Therefore, by being dropped from the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud, it is possible to assist the formation of ice crystals in the cumulonimbus cloud and accelerate the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud. That is, before the cumulonimbus cloud brings a disaster-level heavy rain, it is possible to accelerate the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud and weaken the power of the cumulonimbus cloud.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as a system, preferably, a flying object that reaches the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud and the capsule device are provided, and the flying object is provided with a dropping device that drops the capsule device from the stratosphere.

[0009] With such a system, by dropping the capsule device from the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud, it is possible to assist the formation of ice crystals in the cumulonimbus cloud and accelerate the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud. Therefore, before the cumulonimbus cloud brings disaster-level heavy rain, the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud can be accelerated, and the power of the cumulonimbus cloud can be weakened.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of using a capsule device includes a transportation step of transporting the capsule device to the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud by the flying object, and a dropping step of dropping the capsule device from the flying object in the stratosphere to the cumulonimbus cloud.

[0011] With such a method, by being dropped from the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud, it is possible to assist the formation of ice crystals in the cumulonimbus cloud and accelerate the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud. Therefore, before the cumulonimbus cloud brings disaster-level heavy rain, the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud can be accelerated, and the power of the cumulonimbus cloud can be weakened.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the capsule device of the present invention, the system provided with the capsule device, and the method of using the capsule device, it is possible to assist the formation of ice crystals in the cumulonimbus cloud by being dropped from the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a system 1 equipped with a capsule device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The embodiments of the present disclosure are described as examples, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that many modifications, changes, and substitutions can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and various modifications, changes, etc. are possible in its form and details without departing from the scope of the claims. Also, the components disclosed in the specification can be freely combined.

[0015] The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 functions as a capsule device dropping system. The system 1 also has a rainfall induction function of artificially inducing rainfall by the capsule device 20, and also has a function of accelerating the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud. The system 1 includes a flying object 2 and a capsule device 20 dropped from the flying object 2. In FIG. 1, the capsule device 20 dropped from the flying object 2 is largely illustrated in an enlarged manner for explanation. In FIG. 1, the positional relationship of the flying object and the developed cumulonimbus cloud at the altitude from the troposphere to the stratosphere is explained by way of example.

[0016] The flying object 2 is a flying object that can reach the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud B, and is, for example, a balloon. The balloon is, for example, an unmanned balloon. The flying object 2 can take off from the ground and reach the stratosphere under the control of the system control unit 9 shown in FIG. 2 or the operation of the operation unit 7, and can return to the ground after dropping the capsule device 20. The stratosphere is known to have relatively stable weather, relatively weak winds, and relatively low humidity. The flying object 2 can fly, for example, from the ground to a height of about 20 km (height within the stratosphere). The flying object 2 can fly in an unmanned state under the control of the system control unit 9 or the operation of the operation unit 7. The flying object 2 may be an unmanned aircraft or a rocket device that can fly. The cumulonimbus cloud B extends upward as cumulus clouds and the like occur at low altitudes and develop, and the cumulonimbus cloud B may reach above the troposphere as its development progresses. The cumulonimbus cloud B has a flat top and spreads out like a lenticular cloud at the troposphere interface. Generally, even when the cumulonimbus cloud develops very much, it often only reaches the troposphere interface. Such a highly developed cumulonimbus cloud B is very powerful both in terms of wind and rain, and the possibility of causing disasters at the arrival point of the cumulonimbus cloud B increases. Therefore, before such a developed or developing cumulonimbus cloud B causes disasters, by assisting the formation of ice crystals in the cumulonimbus cloud according to this technology, inducing rainfall at an earlier timing, and accelerating the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud, the possibility of causing disasters such as heavy rain can be reduced.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the flying object 2 includes an airframe main body 3 of the flying object 2, a dropping device 4 that drops the capsule device 20 from the stratosphere, an altitude measuring device 5, a GPS device 6, a camera 10, an operation unit 7, a monitor unit 8, and a system control unit 9. The flying object 2 also includes a communication unit (not shown) that performs wireless communication with the operation unit 7, the system control unit 9, and the like.

[0018] The airframe main body 3 has a function and structure capable of flying as an airship. The airframe main body 3 may be composed of an aircraft that can fly, a rocket device, or the like.

[0019] The dropping device 4 is provided on the lower surface of the airframe main body 3 of the flying object 2. The dropping device 4 can drop a plurality of capsule devices 20 into the air. The dropping device 4 includes two doors 4a that open downward on the lower surface of the flying object 2. By opening the two doors 4a toward both sides centered on the center of the lower surface, a plurality of capsule devices 20 are dropped downward at once. In FIG. 1, the form in which the door 4a is open is illustrated by a dashed line. The dropping device 4 includes a drying chamber 12 that stores the capsule device in a dry state until it is dropped. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the humidity from rising during the transportation or storage of the capsule device 20 and the capsule device 20 from malfunctioning. The drying chamber 12 is formed in a box shape and can accommodate the capsule device 20 inside. The drying chamber 12 has a function of maintaining the internal humidity at a relatively low predetermined humidity (for example, a dry state). In FIG. 1, the capsule device 20 in the drying chamber 12 is shown by a dashed line as an example. The capsule device 20 is accommodated, for example, in a number within the range of 1 to 15, and also, for example, in a number within the range of 10 to 15 in the drying chamber 12. The dropping device 4 may be provided with a mechanism capable of dropping the capsule device 20 in several portions.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, the altitude measuring device 5 can measure the altitude (distance) of the flying object 2 with respect to the ground (the ground serving as a reference for altitude measurement). The altitude measuring device 5 is configured by combining a GPS altimeter and a barometric altimeter. Altitude measurement by the barometric altimeter can be combined with the altitude measurement data reception interval of the GPS altimeter. Note that the altitude measuring device 5 may be formed by either the GPS altimeter or the barometric altimeter. Further, the altitude measuring device 5 may be configured by any one of a barometric pressure sensor capable of measuring the flight altitude by measuring the barometric pressure, an ultrasonic sonar capable of measuring the distance from the flying object 2 to the ground, a laser measurement sensor capable of measuring the distance from the flying object 2 to the ground, or any arbitrary combination thereof. Thereby, the altitude measuring device 5 can measure the altitude (distance) from the flying object 2 to the ground. While recognizing the altitude (distance) to the ground, for example, the system control unit 9 controls to drop the capsule device 20 from a height such as an altitude of 20 km with the altitude measuring device 5.

[0021] The GPS device 6 is capable of specifying the current position of the flying object 2 using satellites.

[0022] The camera 10 can photograph and visually recognize the surrounding situation from the flying object 2. The situation around the flying object 2 can be confirmed from a remote location by the camera 10. The camera 10 is provided so as to be able to confirm the situation of the cumulonimbus cloud B at the descent destination of the capsule device 20 and the situation around itself. The operation unit 7 (see FIG. 2) can issue operation commands for flight operations of the flying object 2, dropping start of the capsule device 20, etc. The operation unit 7 can communicate with a location (ground) away from the airframe main body 3 of the flying object 2 and is electrically connected to a system control unit 9 described later by wireless communication. The operation unit 7 can be remotely operated by a user, for example. By operating the operation unit 7 by the user, the flight of the flying object 2 can also be controlled. Also, although the dropping start position, timing, etc. of the capsule device 20 may be controlled by the system control unit 9 described later, the dropping start position, timing, etc. of the capsule device 20 may be instructed and controlled by operating the operation unit 7 by the user. The operation unit 7 can also operate only an arbitrary part of flight, dropping operation of the capsule device 20, etc. For example, only the dropping start position may be operated by the operation unit 7, and other operations may be automatically controlled by the system control unit 9. Note that the operation unit 7 may be displayed within a monitor unit 8 that displays an image from a camera. As shown in FIG. 8, the operation unit 7 is connected to the flying object 2 via the Internet. The operation unit 7 may be an information terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, for example. As another example, it may be an operation device such as a dedicated controller like a radio controller.

[0023] The monitor unit 8 has a screen on which an image from a camera and the contents of the control unit can be confirmed.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the system control unit 9 is provided in the airframe main body 3 of the flying object 2. As shown in FIG. 7, the system control unit 9 may be provided in the information terminal device on the operation unit 7 side, the server 14, or the like. The system control unit 9 controls the system 1 and the flight of the flying object 2. More specifically, the system control unit 9 controls the dropping device 4 and can control the dropping start position (coordinates, altitude), timing, etc. of the capsule device 20. Further, the system control unit 9 can control the flight altitude, flight route, etc. of the flying object 2. The system control unit 9 can realize control to make the flying object 2 reach a target predetermined altitude and let the capsule device 20 free-fall toward the cumulonimbus cloud B. The system control unit 9 incorporates a CPU 17 and a storage device 19 such as a memory, etc., and controls devices connected so as to execute predetermined control based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory, etc. The system control unit 9 is electrically connected to the dropping device 4, the camera 10, the altitude measuring device 5, the GPS device 6, the operation unit 7, the monitor unit 8, etc. These electrical connections may be made by wireless communication or the like. The system control unit 9 has a program capable of executing a transportation step S3 of transporting the capsule device to the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud by the flying object. The system control unit 9 has a program capable of executing a dropping step S4 of dropping the capsule device from the flying object in the stratosphere to the cumulonimbus cloud.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the capsule device 20 is a capsule device that assists in the formation of ice crystals in the cumulonimbus cloud by being dropped from the stratosphere above the developing cumulonimbus cloud. The capsule device 20 is a (self-destructive type) capsule device that is dropped above the upper part of the cumulonimbus cloud B (see FIG. 1) to assist in the formation of ice crystals C and accelerate the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud (artificial rainfall). The capsule device 20 is a self-destructive type capsule device that breaks (half-breaks) according to a predetermined humidity. The capsule device 20 can have a function of increasing the ice crystal nuclei in the cloud and causing artificial rainfall. The capsule device 20 is a dropping type capsule device whose structure changes based on physical phenomena in the free-fall state after being dropped.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the capsule device 20 includes a first capsule 22 that is a first capsule part forming a part of the capsule, a second capsule 26 that is a second capsule part forming a sealed space part 21 inside in combination with the first capsule part, a first opening of the first capsule 22, and a seal part 32 provided between the second opening of the second capsule 26. The seal part 32 is formed in an annular shape. The seal part 32 is a rubber-like member such as an O-ring or packing, and is formed so that the boundary part can be sealed watertightly by being pressed by the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26. Since the space between the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 can be sealed watertightly, it is easy to maintain the pressure in the sealed space part 21, and when the strength of the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 decreases, the internal body and the ice crystal formation auxiliary material (ice crystal formation auxiliary agent) 27 can be discharged all at once.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 forming a spherical outer shell are formed in a hollow shape with a hollow interior. The first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 have a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm and are formed relatively thin. The first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 have a diameter, for example, in the range of 10 cm to 30 cm, or for example, in the range of 20 cm to 25 cm. And the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 are formed of a ceramic material that has relatively high strength even though it is relatively thin. In this way, the capsule device 20 includes a first capsule 22 that forms a hemispherical shape as part of the appearance of the capsule, and a second capsule 26 that forms a hemispherical shape as the other part of the capsule. The first capsule 22 includes an annular first opening. The second capsule 26 includes an annular second opening. The diameter of the first opening and the diameter of the second opening are formed to be the same diameter. Since the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 can be formed in the same hemispherical shape, the parts can be made common, contributing to the improvement of assembly efficiency and cost reduction.

[0028] The moisture-responsive polymer string 23 is formed by binding a string-shaped polymer material. The moisture-responsive polymer string 23 forms a binding portion 30 (which can also be said to be a binding portion for binding) so as to maintain the combined capsule shape of the capsule device 20 in which the first capsule 22 having a half-cracked structure and the second capsule 26 are combined. The binding portion 30 is formed by binding the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 formed of a string-shaped polymer material. Since the binding portion 30 can be formed by binding the string-shaped polymer material, the binding portion can be formed relatively simply without requiring additional members.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5(a), the binding portion 30 includes a first binding portion 23a that binds the string-shaped polymer material and a second binding portion 23b that binds the string-shaped polymer material. The first binding portion 23a and the second binding portion 23b are arranged to intersect. Such a binding portion 30 allows the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 to form, for example, a so-called cross-chest as shown in FIG. 5(a). The first binding portion 23a and the second binding portion 23b are connected via a binding point (knot) 23c that intersects in an X shape, and maintain the capsule shape in which the first capsule 22 having a half-cracked structure and the second capsule 26 are combined. By the string-shaped first binding portion 23a and the string-shaped second binding portion 23b intersecting to form, the string-shaped binding portion can be made difficult to come off from the capsule, and furthermore, the binding portion can be made more likely to maintain its shape against internal pressure. The binding portion 30 may be formed at least partially of the polymer material. A binding portion 30 may be formed by connecting the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 to an elastic member and surrounding the outer periphery. If the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 breaks by absorbing moisture, the overall binding is lost and the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 can be broken. In FIG. 4, a part of the binding portion that intersects in an X shape is omitted for ease of internal explanation. Note that the binding portion 30 may be, for example, wound and bound (fastened) so that only one moisture-responsive polymer string 23 wraps around the outer periphery of the capsule device 20.

[0030] As a modification, the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 can be configured as a strip having a width wider than that of the string instead of a narrow string shape. The binding portion 30 may be formed by binding the strip-shaped polymer material. By binding the strip-shaped polymer material, a force can be applied to the strip-shaped binding portion inwardly as a surface against the internal pressure, making it easier to maintain the shape.

[0031] As another modification, in order to maintain the capsule shape in which the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 having a half-cracked structure are combined, the binding portion 30 surrounding the outer periphery can be formed by a bag-shaped (either a type with holes or a type without holes is acceptable) or a net-shaped moisture-responsive member 23d instead of the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 as shown in FIG. 5(b). In FIG. 5(b), an example is illustrated in which the bag-shaped binding portion 30 such as a bag may not be circular (spherical) in the relationship of binding a bag or a net, but the bag-shaped binding portion 30 may be circular. The binding portion 30 may be formed by a bag-shaped portion or a net-shaped portion in which at least a part of the region is formed by the polymer material. By forming the binding portion 30 by a bag-shaped portion or a net-shaped portion, it is possible to easily apply a force to the bag-shaped or net-shaped binding portion inwardly as a surface against the internal pressure of the capsule device 20. Also, the binding portion can be formed relatively simply by just putting the combination of the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 into the bag-shaped or net-shaped binding portion, and the manufacturing can be made more efficient. The binding portion 30 can be made to break in a predetermined wet environment and the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 can be easily cracked and the ice crystal formation assisting material can be easily released to the surroundings together with the internal gas by at least a part of the region being formed by the polymer material. When the moisture-responsive member 23d is bag-shaped or net-shaped, after putting the capsule device 20 inside, by twisting the remaining part of the moisture-responsive member 23d to make a knot, the capsule shape can be maintained so that each of the one or more capsule devices 20 inside does not break by being half-cracked.

[0032] As a modification, as shown in Fig. 5(b), not only one, but also a plurality of capsule devices 20 may be held inside a moisture-responsive member 23d formed in a bag shape. For each of the capsule devices 20 that enter the bag-shaped or net-shaped moisture-responsive member 23d in Fig. 5(b), a moisture-responsive polymer string 23 as shown in Fig. 5(a) may be further provided.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, an airtight space portion 21 is formed inside the combination of the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26. In this airtight space portion 21, air or nitrogen pressurized and injected as a high-pressure gas, or natural air is sealed and filled on the ground. For example, when natural air is injected into the airtight space portion 21, that is, by simply closing the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26, the capsule device 20 can be formed very simply without the need for additional equipment. When injecting a gas pressurized as a high-pressure gas, air or nitrogen gas at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure on the ground can be injected. By injecting the pressurized gas into the airtight space portion 21 in this way, the air pressure difference between the internal air pressure in the upper air and the external air pressure becomes large, and when the binding of the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 weakens, the certainty and responsiveness of the capsule breaking can be further improved. When injecting pressurized air or nitrogen into the capsule, after the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 are combined and bound, pressurized air is injected, the hole is covered with a lid, and the capsule device 20 is formed by pressing at the binding portion.

[0034] Silver iodide, for example, is stored in the airtight space portion 21 as an ice crystal formation assisting material 27 that assists in the formation of ice crystals. In this way, the ice crystal formation assisting material 27 is held inside the capsule device 20 in an environment where the capsule device 20 is not damaged. The weight of the ice crystal formation assisting material 27 dropped from above onto the cumulonimbus cloud is, in the case of powdered silver iodide, for example, a value within the range of several milligrams to several tens of milligrams, or for example, several tens of milligrams.

[0035] When the capsule device 20 is dropped from the stratosphere, the pressure inside the sealed space portion is higher than the pressure outside the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26. Regarding the capsule device 20, when the flying object flies to the stratosphere and falls from the flying object in the stratosphere to the cumulonimbus cloud, when it is about to reach the cumulonimbus cloud, in a humid environment, the binding of the humidity-responsive polymer string 23 weakens, and the holding force for integrating the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 weakens. Or due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the capsule device 20 (the pressure inside is higher than the external pressure), the capsule cannot hold the pressure of the internal gas, the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 crack, the capsule device 20 breaks, and the ice crystal formation auxiliary material 27 is released to the outside of the capsule device 20.

[0036] The pressure of the internal gas in the sealed space portion 21 is higher than the pressure outside the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26. The atmospheric pressure on the ground is 1 atm, while the atmospheric pressure at an altitude of 20 km is about 1 / 20 atm. Therefore, when natural air is enclosed in the sealed space portion 21 on the ground, the atmospheric pressure in the sealed space portion 21 is 1 atm, while at the 20 km point in the stratosphere, the atmospheric pressure of the external air of the capsule device 20 is about 1 / 20 atm. Therefore, the expansion force of the air in the sealed space portion is suppressed by binding the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 with a humidity-responsive polymer string 23 or the like so as not to crack. If the binding of the humidity-responsive polymer string 23 weakens, the capsule will crack relatively surely. Note that pressurized air or gas may be injected into the sealed space portion 21. In this case, the atmospheric pressure in the sealed space portion 21 can be, for example, 1.5 atm or 2 atm which is 1 atm or more. Therefore, in the upper air, the pressure difference between the internal air pressure and the external air pressure becomes larger.

[0037] At least a part of the end portion 30 is formed of a polymer material having a functional characteristic that its strength decreases by water absorption in a predetermined wet environment. As an example, preferably, the humidity-responsive polymer forming the humidity-responsive polymer string 23 is a material (polymer material) that rapidly absorbs moisture and loses strength and becomes easily untied under specific humidity conditions, for example, in a high humidity condition where the relative humidity (RH) is in the range of about 80% to about 100%, or in the range of about 90% to about 100%, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid-based polymer (PAA), or poly N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM). As the humidity of the external environment increases, the humidity-responsive polymer string 23 rapidly absorbs moisture in the air, loses strength, becomes untied on the outside, and can be decomposed into the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 that half-break the capsule device 20. For example, the humidity-responsive polymer is bound and surrounded by the original binding portion in an environment with a relatively low humidity (relative humidity) (RH < 10%) in the stratosphere and maintains the holding force of the capsule device 20. However, when entering an environment with a relatively high humidity (RH > 80%) such as the upper part of cumulonimbus clouds, it rapidly absorbs moisture from the external environment, rapidly loses strength, causes a decrease in the holding force on the outer surface of the capsule device 20 from the outside, and increases the possibility of the binding being untied. Note that the humidity-responsive polymer may similarly be other materials that rapidly absorb moisture and have a reduced strength under specific humidity conditions, such as other polymer polymers and the like.

[0038] Here, regarding the capsule device 20, as shown in FIG. 6, it may be provided with fins 40. The fins 40 extend outward from the outer surface of the capsule device 20. In FIG. 6, a state in which the capsule device 20 provided with the fins 40 is falling downward is shown. In a top view, the fins 40 are arranged to extend in a cross shape and are formed by four blade-shaped fins extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction among the horizontal directions. By providing the capsule device 20 with the fins 40 in this way, when the capsule device 20 freely falls, the straight-ahead property of the capsule device 20 in the vertical downward direction is easily ensured. Also, it is possible to suppress the capsule device 20 from flowing laterally due to a lateral wind. For example, the fins 40 may be formed of a water-soluble material, a paper-like material, a naturally decomposable material, or the like. After the capsule device 20 is dropped, it takes approximately several seconds to several tens of seconds for the capsule device 20 to fall. Even if it has a relatively simple structure, if the fin shape is maintained until the capsule device 20 breaks, it can exhibit a certain degree of function.

[0039] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, a series of operations of a method of using the capsule device 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, at the start, a method of using the capsule device is started. In S1, a preparation step S1 of preparing the capsule device 20, such as manufacturing it, is executed. The first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 are combined and bound so that the outside is surrounded by the binding part 30. When the capsule device 20 is prepared, it proceeds to S2.

[0040] In S2, a storage step S2 of storing the capsule device 20 in a dry state in a drying chamber is executed. Thereby, the possibility that the capsule device 20 malfunctions while being carried to the stratosphere by the flying object can be reduced. When S2 ends, it proceeds to S3.

[0041] In S3, a transportation step S3 is executed in which the capsule device 20 is transported by the flying object 2 to the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus clouds. By the transportation step S3, the capsule device 20 can be transported to the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus clouds, and it can be easily dropped from the relatively stable weather stratosphere to the targeted position of the cumulonimbus clouds, for example, a part such as the core or the eye at the top of the cumulonimbus clouds. When S3 ends, it proceeds to S4. The system control unit 9 may automatically execute the transportation step S3 and the dropping step S4 according to a predetermined program.

[0042] In S4, a dropping step is executed in which the capsule device 20 is dropped from the flying object 2 in the stratosphere to the cumulonimbus clouds. The capsule device 20 is dropped from the stratosphere with a relatively low humidity to the cumulonimbus clouds, and in the cumulonimbus clouds, for example, the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 of the capsule device 20 can be dissolved, making it easier to release the ice crystal formation auxiliary material 27. When the dropping of the capsule device 20 ends, it proceeds to the end.

[0043] Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a capsule device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is an example in which the binding portion of the capsule device 20 according to the present invention is formed in a different shape. FIG. 9 is a front view of the capsule device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view of the capsule device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Since the capsule device 120 according to the second embodiment has substantially the same structure as the capsule device 20 according to the first embodiment described above except for the binding portion, only the differences from the first embodiment of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings and the description will be omitted.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the capsule device 20 includes a first capsule 22, a second capsule 26, and a seal portion 32.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 9, the capsule device 20 includes a hinge 142 that connects the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26, and a tab 144 provided on the side opposite to the hinge 142. The hinge 142 is provided at one end, for example, the upper end of the joint portion between the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26. The hinge 142 is provided such that the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 can open about the hinge 142. One side of the hinge 142 is fixed to the first capsule 22, and the other side is fixed to the second capsule 26.

[0046] The tab 144 includes a flat plate-shaped first tab 144a provided so as to protrude outward from the first capsule 22, and a flat plate-shaped second tab 144b provided so as to protrude outward from the second capsule 26. The first tab 144a is formed in a rectangular shape in a side view. The second tab 144b is formed in a rectangular shape in a side view. The first tab 144a and the second tab 144b are not limited to a rectangular shape, and may have other shapes such as an arc shape or a U shape.

[0047] Two through holes 145a are formed in the first tab 144a. Note that there may be one through hole 145a or three or more through holes 145a. Two through holes 145b are formed in the second tab 144b. Note that there may be one through hole 145b or three or more through holes 145b. The first tab 144a and the second tab 144b are formed as a pair, and the first tab 144a and the second tab 144b can be positioned at positions that generally face each other when the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 are in a closed state. As shown in FIG. 10, the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 is passed through the through hole 145a of the first tab 144a and the through hole 145b of the second tab 144b and tightly tied and bound. By binding the through hole 145a of the first tab 144a and the through hole 145b of the second tab 144b with the moisture-responsive polymer string 23, a binding portion 30 is formed. When there are a plurality of through holes 145a and through holes 145b, the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 may be tied at a plurality of locations. When there is a single through hole, the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 is tied at one location. As a modification, in addition to binding the first tab 144a and the second tab 144b so that the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 can be sealed watertightly and the pressure in the sealed space portion 21 can be easily maintained, other portions may also be bound with the moisture-responsive polymer string 23. As another modification, the binding of the first tab 144a and the second tab 144b may form the binding portion 30 by other methods such as the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 being wound around the first tab 144a and the second tab 144b many times. As another modification, the positions of the first tab 144a and the second tab 144b may be changed so that binding is easier, such as the first tab 144a and the second tab 144b being arranged at positions slightly apart from each other.

[0048] The moisture-responsive polymer string 23 is formed by binding a string-shaped polymer material. The moisture-responsive polymer string 23 forms a binding portion 30 (which can also be said to be a binding portion for binding) so as to maintain the combined capsule shape of the capsule device 20 in which the first capsule 22 having a half-cracked structure and the second capsule 26 are combined. The binding portion 30 is formed by binding the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 formed of a string-shaped polymer material. Since the binding portion 30 can be formed by tying the string-shaped polymer material, the binding portion can be formed relatively easily without requiring additional members. The binding portion 30 maintains the capsule shape in which the first capsule 22 having a half-cracked structure and the second capsule 26 are combined by tying the moisture-responsive polymer string 23. At least a part of the binding portion 30 may be formed of the polymer material. A binding portion 30 surrounding the outer periphery may be formed by connecting the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 to an elastic member. If the moisture-responsive polymer string 23 breaks by absorbing moisture, the overall binding is released, and the first tab 144a and the second tab 144b open, and the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 can be cracked.

[0049] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention are not limited to the above-described first and second embodiments, and further other modified examples can be applied. Various alternative embodiments and examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosed technology. In the above-described embodiment, the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 are each a hemisphere having the same size such that the diameter of the capsule device 20 is the diameter of the annular opening. However, one of the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 may be larger than a hemisphere, and the other may be smaller than a hemisphere, and the diameter of the annular opening may be configured to be smaller than the diameter of the capsule device 20.

[0050] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 are combined to form the spherical capsule device 20. However, the shape of the capsule device 20 is not limited to spherical, and may be any shape such as square. The shapes of the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 may be any shape as long as they can be combined as the capsule device 20.

[0051] As a further modification example, tabular protrusions that cause air resistance may be provided on the side portions of the first capsule 22 and / or the second capsule 26, for example, the horizontal portions other than the seal portions. The shape of the protrusions can be arbitrarily changed as long as they cause air resistance. Also, the position and number of the protrusions can be changed. The protrusions are formed to protrude outward from the outer surface. When the protrusions receive air resistance, when the binding between the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 is weakened, the two parts can be easily cracked, and the responsiveness and certainty of cracking until after the binding is weakened can be further improved.

[0052] Examples of the first and second embodiments of the present invention may be provided in various aspects as described below.

[0053] (1) A capsule device that assists in the formation of ice crystals in cumulonimbus clouds by being dropped from the stratosphere above developing cumulonimbus clouds, comprising a first capsule part that forms a part of the capsule, a second capsule part that forms a sealed space part inside in combination with the first capsule part, and a binding part that binds the first capsule part and the second capsule part so as to maintain the combined capsule shape. An ice crystal formation assisting material that assists in the formation of ice crystals is stored in the sealed space part. Further, when the capsule device is dropped from the stratosphere, the pressure in the sealed space part is higher than the pressure outside the first capsule part and the second capsule part. At least a part of the binding part is formed of a polymer material having a functional characteristic that the strength decreases by absorbing water in a predetermined wet environment. As a result, the capsule device 20 dropped from the stratosphere absorbs water in a predetermined humid environment in the cumulonimbus cloud, reducing the strength of the binding part. Since the pressure in the sealed space part 21 is higher than the pressure outside the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26, the first capsule part and the second capsule part can be cracked and the ice crystal formation assisting material can be released to the surroundings together with the internal gas. Therefore, by dropping such a capsule device 20 from the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud, the formation of ice crystals in the cumulonimbus cloud can be assisted, and the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud can be accelerated. That is, before the cumulonimbus cloud brings disaster-level heavy rain, the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud can be accelerated, and the power of the cumulonimbus cloud can be weakened.

[0054] (2) The capsule device according to (1), wherein the binding part is formed by binding the polymer material in a string shape.

[0055] (3) The capsule device according to (1), wherein the binding part includes a first binding part that binds the polymer material in a string shape and a second binding part that binds the polymer material in a string shape, and the first binding part and the second binding part are arranged to intersect.

[0056] (4) The capsule device according to (1), wherein the binding part is formed by binding the polymer material in a belt shape.

[0057] (5) The capsule device according to (1), wherein the binding part is formed by a bag-shaped part or a net-shaped part in which at least a part of the region is formed by the polymer material.

[0058] (6) The first capsule part is formed in a hemispherical shape, the second capsule part is formed in a hemispherical shape, the first capsule part includes an annular first opening, the second capsule part includes an annular second opening, and the diameter of the first opening and the diameter of the second opening are formed to be the same diameter. The capsule device according to (1).

[0059] (7) The capsule device according to (6), further including a seal part provided between the first opening of the first capsule part and the second opening of the second capsule part.

[0060] (8) The polymer material in (1) above is polyvinyl alcohol, and the capsule device described in (1).

[0061] (9) The gas in the sealed space part in (1) above is natural air sealed on the ground, and the capsule device described in (1).

[0062] (10) The gas in the sealed space part in (1) above is air or nitrogen injected under pressure, and the capsule device described in (1).

[0063] (11) A system comprising a flying object that reaches the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus clouds, and the capsule device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the flying object is provided with a dropping device that drops the capsule device from the stratosphere. With such a system, when the capsule device 20 is dropped from the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus clouds, the strength of the binding part 30 of the capsule device is reduced by water absorption in a predetermined wet environment in the cumulonimbus clouds, and the pressure in the sealed space part is higher than the pressure outside the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26. As a result, the first capsule 22 and the second capsule 26 are cracked, and the ice crystal formation auxiliary material is released to the surroundings together with the internal gas. Therefore, by dropping such a capsule device from the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus clouds, the formation of ice crystals in the cumulonimbus clouds can be assisted, and the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus clouds can be accelerated. Therefore, before the cumulonimbus clouds bring disaster-level heavy rain, the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus clouds can be accelerated, and the power of the cumulonimbus clouds can be weakened.

[0064] (12) The dropping device in (11) above is provided with a drying chamber that stores the capsule device in a dry state until dropping.

[0065] (13) A method of using the capsule device according to any one of (1) to (10) above, the method comprising a transporting step of transporting the capsule device to the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus clouds by the flying object, and a dropping step of dropping the capsule device from the flying object in the stratosphere to the cumulonimbus clouds. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, by using such a capsule device, the capsule device 20 is carried by the flying object 2 to the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud in the transportation step S3, and in the dropping step S4, the capsule device 20 is dropped from the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud. The capsule device 20 enters the cumulonimbus cloud, and in a predetermined humid environment, the strength of the binding part 30 of the capsule device 20 is reduced by water absorption. Since the pressure in the sealed space part is higher than the pressure outside the first capsule part and the second capsule part, the first capsule part and the second capsule part are cracked, and the ice crystal formation assisting material is released to the surroundings together with the internal gas. Therefore, when such a capsule device is dropped from the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus cloud, it is possible to assist the formation of ice crystals in the cumulonimbus cloud and accelerate the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud. Therefore, before the cumulonimbus cloud brings a disaster-level heavy rain, it is possible to accelerate the arrival of the decay period of the cumulonimbus cloud and weaken the power of the cumulonimbus cloud.

[0066] (14) The method according to (13), further comprising the step of storing the capsule device in a drying chamber in a dry state until dropping.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0067] 1: System 2: Flying object 4: Dropping device 12: Drying chamber 20: Capsule device 21: Sealed space part 22: First capsule 23: Humidity-responsive polymer string 26: Second capsule 27: Ice crystal formation assisting material

Claims

1. A capsule device that is dropped from the stratosphere above developing cumulonimbus clouds to assist in the formation of ice crystals in the cumulonimbus clouds, comprising: a first capsule part forming a part of the capsule; a second capsule part that, in combination with the first capsule part, forms a sealed space part inside; a binding part that binds the first capsule part and the second capsule part so as to maintain the capsule shape formed by their combination, wherein an ice crystal formation assisting material for assisting the formation of ice crystals is stored in the sealed space part, and further, when the capsule device is dropped from the stratosphere, the pressure inside the sealed space part is higher than the pressure outside the first capsule part and the second capsule part; at least a part of the binding part is formed of a polymer material having a functional property of decreasing in strength by absorbing water in a predetermined wet environment, and the binding part is formed by binding the string-like polymer material, the capsule device.

2. The binding part includes a first binding part that binds the string-like polymer material and a second binding part that binds the string-like polymer material, and the first binding part and the second binding part are arranged to intersect, the capsule device according to claim 1.

3. The first capsule part is formed in a hemispherical shape, and the second capsule part is formed in a hemispherical shape. The first capsule part includes an annular first opening, and the second capsule part includes an annular second opening, and the diameter of the first opening and the diameter of the second opening are formed to be the same diameter, the capsule device according to claim 1.

4. The capsule device according to claim 3, further comprising a seal part provided between the first opening of the first capsule part and the second opening of the second capsule part.

5. The polymer material is polyvinyl alcohol, the capsule device according to claim 1.

6. The gas inside the sealed space part is natural state air sealed on the ground, the capsule device according to claim 1.

7. The gas inside the sealed space part is pressurized injected air or nitrogen, the capsule device according to claim 1.

8. A system, comprising: a flying object that reaches the stratosphere above cumulonimbus clouds; the capsule device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the flying object includes a dropping device that drops the capsule device from the stratosphere, the system.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the dropping device includes a drying chamber for storing the capsule device in a dry state until dropping.

10. A method of using the capsule device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a transporting step of transporting the capsule device by a flying object to the stratosphere above the cumulonimbus clouds, and a dropping step of dropping the capsule device from the flying object in the stratosphere into the cumulonimbus clouds.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising a step of storing the capsule device in a drying chamber in a dry state until dropping.

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