Dual Functioning Signaling Device for Stealth Search and Rescue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signaling devices used in search and rescue operations are typically conspicuous, making them unsuitable for situations where stealth is necessary.
Innovation Solution
Development of dual functioning signaling devices that can operate actively and semi-passively, incorporating a signaling unit with active and semi-passive components, including a transceiver, radio frequency radiator, and control circuit, which can be affixed to individuals or objects and communicate via electromagnetic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional signaling devices are used to provide reliable signals in search and rescue operations, then the location and identification of individuals or objects is improved, but the devices become visually conspicuous and unsuitable for stealth situations
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling device dynamically switches between two operational modes: an active mode that transmits electromagnetic signals for reliable detection, and a semi-passive mode that reflects ambient electromagnetic signals for inconspicuous operation. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to maintain signal reliability while avoiding visual conspicuousness by selecting the appropriate mode based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple signaling functions through a single integrated system. The same electromagnetic signaling components enable both active transmission and passive reflection modes, providing universal signaling capability that can operate reliably while remaining visually inconspicuous when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and concealment.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If dual functioning signaling devices operate in active mode to provide reliable signaling, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to inclusion of transceiver and control circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the active transceiver components and semi-passive reflection components into a single integrated signaling unit. By combining both functional modes within one device structure, the patent achieves improved detection capability while managing device complexity through unified design rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit automatically selects between active and semi-passive modes based on operational conditions without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability simplifies operation and reduces the complexity of external control systems needed to manage the dual-functionality.
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 dual functioning signaling devices provide reliable, inconspicuous signaling capabilities, enabling effective location and identification of individuals or objects during search and rescue operations without drawing attention.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency radiator configured to emit or reflect an electromagnetic signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the instant disclosure relate to dual functioning signaling devices. The device has a signaling unit that includes an active-and semi-passive signaling components. The signaling unit is affixed to and/or positioned within a textile or substrate. The active signaling component includes a transceiver, power source, and input device to allow the user to selectively transmit identifying information. The semi-passive signaling component includes a radio frequency radiator that reflects an EM response signal when exposed to interrogating EM radiation. The operating frequencies of the active-and semi-passive signaling components are configured to not interfere or interference with each other. The active-and semi-passive signaling components both include antenna elements that include a conductive composition that includes fully exfoliated graphene sheets dispersed with a polymer matrix. The textile can be in the form of a pouch, patch, sticker, and/or panel. The textile can be selectably affixed to objects and/or persons.