Directed Electromagnetic Bird Shepherding for Humane Airport Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic and infrasonic systems for deterring birds from airports startle and shock avian species, posing hazards to aviation, while drone-based systems are expensive and complex, and all existing systems lack precise control over animal behavior.
Innovation Solution
A non-lethal active denial system using focused electromagnetic radiation creates a shepherding zone with a pathway to guide animals away from targeted areas by emitting conical-shaped electromagnetic energy, which heats the skin of animals without causing harm, allowing for precise control and humane deterrence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic and infrasonic directed energy systems are used to deter birds, then birds can be dispersed from the area, but the birds become frightened and shocked which poses dangers to avian species and aviation safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the deterrent energy from acoustic (ultrasonic/infrasonic) to electromagnetic radiation, specifically using microwave frequencies that cause thermal heating effects rather than acoustic shock, thereby eliminating the harmful startle and shock effects on birds while maintaining the deterrent function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic system (ultrasonic and infrasonic sound waves) with an electromagnetic field system (microwave radiation), substituting one form of energy delivery mechanism with another that achieves the same deterrent goal without the harmful side effects of acoustic shock
2Reliability
If drone-based avian denial systems are used, then birds can be deterred from the area, but the systems are expensive to operate, highly complex and pose collision risk with planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core functional element (electromagnetic radiation emission) from the complex drone platform, implementing the bird deterrent function using fixed or stationary electromagnetic radiation systems that can be integrated into existing airport infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need for expensive and complex drone operations while maintaining deterrent effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary mechanism between the ground-based system and the birds, allowing for precise control and delivery of the deterrent effect without requiring physical proximity or complex maneuvering of drones, thus simplifying the overall system architecture
3Measurement precision
If focused electromagnetic radiation is used to create denial zones, then precise animal shepherding can be achieved, but heating of objects in the targeted area may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct zones with different electromagnetic energy characteristics: a denial zone with high-energy focused radiation for precise shepherding, and a shepherding zone with lower or no energy levels that provides a safe pathway, thereby achieving precision control while preventing harmful heating in areas where animals should be directed
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 system effectively shepherds animals away from critical areas like airports, reducing bird collisions and fatalities, while minimizing interference with humans and electrical equipment, and can be adapted for insect and pest control.
Implementation Method 1
an amplifier operatively coupled to the power source and configured to receive a source of electromagnetic energy from the power source
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic energy causes a heating of an object disposed in at least one zone
Data Source
AI summary
A non-lethal animal shepherding active denial system of directed electromagnetic energy having at least one emitter to provide low-energy radiation to deter and shepherd birds and other species away from dangerous areas such as airports or wind turbines. The directed electromagnetic energy may be emitted in a conical shape to target a precise area and to define at least one denial zone and at least one shepherding zone. The shepherding zone may create a pathway to shepherd animals away from the denial zone to allow the birds to safely escape from the denial zone. Objects within a shepherding zone are subjected to dielectric heating, such that the radiation penetration is very shallow, only heating the surface of the skin or fur. By employing a large spatial swath, lower energies (<1 kW), and time-varying intensity, birds and other species can be shepherded away from regions of interest.