Lighter-than-air beacon platform with ash filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Isolated personnel trapped beyond line-of-sight communications due to natural and artificial terrain, and hydrogen generation techniques produce fine particulate ash that can clog systems and contaminate reactions.
Innovation Solution
A field-deployable lighter-than-air platform using a reaction chamber with a hydrogen generating material like guanidinium borohydride, connected to flow disruption chambers and an inflatable housing, which generates hydrogen while filtering out ash to maintain system operability and lift emergency beacons or payloads above terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If hydrogen generating material is used to lift the platform, then the platform can rise above terrain obstacles, but fine particulate ash is generated that can clog systems and contaminate reactions
Solution Approach 1:
A filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the hydrogen generating material and the surrounding environment. The filter captures fine particulate ash while allowing hydrogen gas to pass through, preventing contamination and clogging of systems while maintaining the lifting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful fine particulate ash is separated and removed from the hydrogen gas stream using a filter. This extraction process isolates the beneficial hydrogen gas for lifting while capturing and containing the harmful ash particles separately.
2Reliability
If emergency beacons are raised above terrain, then line-of-sight communications are improved, but the platform requires hydrogen generation which produces contaminating ash
Solution Approach 1:
The filter serves as a mediator that enables the communication function by allowing the platform to rise above terrain obstacles while simultaneously preventing ash contamination that would otherwise compromise system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter converts the harmful ash byproduct into a separated stream, allowing the hydrogen generation process to continue uninterrupted while the captured ash is contained and prevented from causing contamination or clogging.
3Ease of operation
If hydrogen is generated in situ, then the platform can be field-deployable, but the generated ash can clog valves and add mass to the balloon
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned as an intermediary between the hydrogen generation reaction and the balloon system, capturing ash particles before they can enter and clog valves or add unwanted mass to the balloon structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter extracts and removes fine particulate ash from the hydrogen gas stream, preventing the ash from entering the balloon system where it would cause clogging of valves and addition of mass that would reduce lifting capacity.
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
The platform effectively raises communication devices above obstacles while controlling ash, ensuring system functionality and improving line-of-sight communications for isolated personnel.
Implementation Method 1
A reaction chamber having an interior compartment configured to house a hydrogen generating material
Implementation Method 2
A flow disruption chamber in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. The flow disruption chamber is configured to provide fluid communication with a next flow disruption chamber
Implementation Method 3
An inflated balloon configured to lift a payload
Data Source
AI summary
A lighter than air emergency beacon platform as part of a hydrogen generation and filtration apparatus includes at least one power source having at least one activation switch. At least one reaction chamber is electrically connected to the at least one reaction chamber by at least one low-resistance electrical conductor. The reaction chamber is configured to house a hydrogen generating material. At least one flow disruption chamber is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. The flow disruption chamber(s) are configured to provide fluid communication with the next flow disruption chamber in the direction of fluid flow. At least one inflatable housing is configured to carry payload and is in fluid communication with the flow disruption chambers. The inflatable housing is detached from a fill tube to lift the payload above terrain blocking line-of-sight signal communication.