Crash-Activated Locator with Deployable Reflective Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft location devices, such as the 'black box,' have limited effectiveness in difficult terrain or sea areas due to restricted signal range and reliance on power supply, leading to increased rescue costs and time in accidents.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a spindle-shaped container with metal sheets and reflective spheres, a beacon, and a memory circuit, designed to autonomously deploy these elements upon excessive drop detection, providing clear location markers and accident data storage independent of the aircraft's power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the black box is used for locating crashed aircraft, then the aircraft can be located, but the signal range is limited and covers only a very small area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the locating function into multiple independent elements (metal sheets, hollow spheres, beacon) that are deployed separately from the main container. Each element performs a specific locating function, and together they cover a much larger area than the black box alone could provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point locating method (black box) to a multi-dimensional locating system by deploying elements in different directions and at different altitudes. The metal sheets float at different heights, spheres scatter in various directions, and the beacon provides continuous signal coverage, creating a three-dimensional locating network.
2Reliability
If the black box is used for locating, then location data can be transmitted, but it depends on the aircraft's power supply which may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device is designed to be self-activating and self-sustaining. The container automatically opens and releases locating elements when the crash sensor is triggered, without requiring external power or manual intervention. The beacon and memory circuit continue operating independently using their own power source, ensuring reliability even if the aircraft's power supply fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by pre-programming the crash sensor to automatically trigger container opening and element release at specific crash conditions. The beacon and memory circuit are pre-loaded with location data and power reserves, ensuring they are ready to operate immediately upon deployment without requiring post-crash power supply or manual activation.
3Measurement precision
If search and rescue services conduct ground search for locating remains, then the crashed aircraft can be found, but the process is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces intermediary locating elements (metal sheets, hollow spheres, beacon) that act as mediators between the crashed aircraft and search and rescue services. These elements are deployed at the crash site and provide visible, detectable markers that guide rescue teams directly to the remains, eliminating the need for extensive ground searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow spheres are coated with reflective paint that makes them highly visible and detectable by both visual means and radar. The metal sheets are designed with high-contrast colors and reflective properties, creating a striking visual signature that can be spotted from distance, significantly reducing search time and improving location accuracy.
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 precise and rapid location of crashed aircraft, reducing rescue time and costs, and providing essential data even in power failure scenarios, with improved visibility and detectability by radar and visual means.
Implementation Method 1
small hollow rubber spheres coated with reflective paint
Implementation Method 2
a beacon joined to the container makes locating it exactly easier
Implementation Method 3
small hollow rubber spheres coated with reflective paint
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention consists of a device especially configured for enabling locating an aircraft quickly which due to an accident has fallen in an area where the search for the remains is especially difficult, such as the sea or mountainous areas. It is made up of a container (1) with an automated lock (7) divided internally into two chambers (2 and 3) in which metal sheets (4) and hollow spheres (5) are introduced; an attached beacon (6), a memory circuit (14); and it is operated by means of an automated control. All these elements form an assembly as a result of a protective and waterproof shell (8) joining them together. It also has an anchor (10) joining it to the outer part of the aircraft where it is arranged, which allows automating the release of the device as the result of a signal indicating the imminence of an accident.