Drone-Deployed Repeater Network for Collapse Site Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In disaster scenarios involving collapsed man-made structures, establishing a reliable communication network and collecting situation information is challenging due to disrupted power supplies, obstacles, and the inability to determine the presence and location of trapped individuals, which hinders rescue operations and equipment efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a ground drone with a communication device, a flying drone, repeater modules, and a sensing device, which establishes a wireless communication network by deploying repeater modules and using thermal and imaging cameras to identify trapped individuals, while the sensing device collects vital signs through sound analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If emergency power is supplied to collapsed structures, then communication and equipment operation are enabled, but electric shock risk increases due to burst water pipes and moisture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication network reliabilityVSAvoidelectric shock risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an unmanned mobile device as an intermediary that establishes wireless communication networks and collects situation information without requiring direct human presence or power supply to the collapsed structure. This mediator enables communication while avoiding the electric shock hazard of supplying power to damaged structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If rescue teams enter collapsed structures to search for trapped individuals, then direct assistance can be provided, but safety risks increase due to unstable structures and unknown conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverescue operation efficiencyVSAvoidstructural collapse risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The unmanned mobile device performs self-directed exploration and information collection within collapsed structures using autonomous navigation and sensing capabilities. It independently maps the environment, identifies trapped individuals, and transmits data without human intervention, enabling rescue operations while minimizing exposure to structural risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical human search operations with an automated unmanned system equipped with sensors, cameras, and communication devices. This substitution eliminates the need for rescue teams to physically enter unstable structures, reducing safety risks while maintaining or improving search efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional communication networks are used at disaster sites, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but communication fails due to power loss and signal disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication system deploymentVSAvoidcommunication availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The unmanned mobile device is pre-equipped with onboard communication modules and power supplies before deployment. It establishes independent wireless communication networks within collapsed structures without relying on external power infrastructure or existing communication systems, ensuring communication availability in isolated environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the establishment of a reliable communication network at disaster sites, facilitating more accurate situation awareness and rescue planning, and ensures efficient use of equipment by deploying it only when needed, thereby improving rescue operations and identifying trapped individuals effectively.

Implementation Method 1

using thermal and imaging cameras to identify trapped individuals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the sensing device collects vital signs through sound analysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS12087148B2Disaster situation communication network infrastructure supplementation method and system using unmanned mobile device

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 NAT DISASTER MANAGEMENT INST

AI summary

A device for establishing a communication network and collecting situation information at a site of a collapse disaster is disclosed. The device includes a ground drone 10 deployed at the site of the collapse disaster, the ground drone 10 having a communication device 80 mounted thereon, a flying drone 32 mounted on and carried by the ground drone 10 to fly and photograph the site of the collapse disaster, a camera device 40 mounted on the ground drone 10 to photograph surroundings of the ground drone 10, a storage 50 installed on the ground drone 10, and a plurality of repeater modules 60 connected by the wireless communication network to relay wireless communications between the ground drone 10, the flying drone 32, and a command and control center 100, wherein the storage 50 accommodates the repeater modules 60, and throws the repeater modules 60 in response to an operation signal.