Avalanche Transceiver Movement State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing avalanche transceivers cannot accurately determine the movement state of the user, limiting their ability to differentiate between various activities or conditions such as movement, rest, or being buried by an avalanche, which hampers efficient rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
A search and transmit device equipped with sensor means that can determine at least three different movement states, using a combination of acceleration sensors and evaluation devices to assess movement values and vital signs, allowing for precise characterization of the user's condition and adjusting transmission power and mode accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If binary movement detection (moving/not moving) is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of user condition is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous movement spectrum is segmented into discrete states (first, second, third movement states) based on acceleration threshold comparisons. This segmentation transforms an otherwise continuous and complex measurement into discrete, manageable categories that improve detection precision without requiring complex analytical algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of movement detection from binary (moving/not moving) to multi-state (first/second/third movement states) by introducing threshold-based classification. This parameter transformation enables more precise user condition assessment while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through straightforward threshold comparisons.
2Reliability
If transmission power is continuously high, then search signal detectability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission power is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting between high and low power levels based on real-time movement state detection. When the device detects the first movement state (indicating the user is active and likely not buried), transmission power is reduced to low levels, conserving battery energy while maintaining adequate search signal detectability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission power parameter is changed from a fixed high level to a variable level that adapts based on movement state. The system switches between high power (for reliable detection when buried) and low power (for energy conservation during active use), optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption through parameter adaptation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables more accurate assessment of the user's condition, optimizing transmission power and mode to extend battery life and facilitate faster rescue operations by distinguishing between active movement, rest, and potential avalanche burial scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
sensor means for determining a movement state of the search and transmit device
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device has a sensor unit (5) provided, where the sensor unit determines a movement condition (19) of the device, where three different movement conditions of the device are determinable with the sensor unit. An evaluation device (7) e.g. microprocessor, determines a movement value (17) from an output signal (6) of the sensor unit, where the movement condition is determinable from the movement value. An independent claim is also included for a method for determining a movement condition of a search and transmission device e.g. avalanche transceiver.