Portable Flare Case with Automatic Actuation and Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic flares lack efficient deployment, control, and retrieval mechanisms, particularly in hazardous environments, and do not offer seamless integration with rechargeable power sources or remote operation.
Innovation Solution
The development of carrying cases with flare holding positions, rechargeable power sources, and remote control capabilities, including automatic actuation and deployment assistance, such as extendable tethers and laser light emitters, to facilitate safe and efficient placement and retrieval of electronic flares.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual deployment and retrieval of electronic flares is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and safety deteriorate due to exposure to hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying case automatically activates the flare when it is removed from the case, eliminating the need for manual activation by the operator. This self-service mechanism improves ease of operation while maintaining acceptable device complexity through automatic sensing and activation circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying case serves as an intermediary device that manages the deployment and retrieval processes. It includes integrated controls, power sources, and communication systems that mediate between the operator and the flare, reducing direct operator exposure to hazardous environments while coordinating complex functions.
2Ease of operation
If remote control capabilities are added to electronic flares, then safety and ease of operation improve, but device complexity and loss of information increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying case incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor flare status, power levels, and operational parameters. This feedback is transmitted to the operator, ensuring reliable information transfer and reducing the risk of signal loss or miscommunication during remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checks and preparations before remote operation begins, including verifying communication links, power availability, and flare readiness. This preliminary action prevents information loss by ensuring all systems are properly configured and connected before deployment.
3Duration of action of moving object
If rechargeable power sources are integrated into the carrying case, then duration of action and productivity improve, but use of energy and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rechargeable power source is periodically recharged through integrated charging ports that connect to external power sources. This periodic recharging extends the operational duration of the flare and carrying case systems without requiring continuous high-power consumption, managing energy use through intermittent charging cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The rechargeable power source serves multiple functions: powering the flare, operating the carrying case controls, enabling remote communication, and supporting laser guidance systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall energy consumption by sharing a single power source across multiple subsystems rather than requiring separate power sources for each function.
4Productivity
If deployment assistance features such as laser light emitters and extendable tethers are added, then ease of operation and productivity improve, but device complexity and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser light emitter projects a guide line onto the road surface before flare placement, and the extendable tether is pre-positioned to guide flare placement. These preliminary actions enable rapid deployment by establishing reference lines and paths before the actual flare placement occurs, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser light emitter and extendable tether serve as intermediary tools that facilitate the deployment process. They mediate between the operator and the hazardous environment by providing visual guides and physical constraints that enable rapid flare placement without requiring the operator to directly navigate dangerous conditions.
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
Enhances safety by allowing for quick and controlled deployment of flares, automatic actuation upon removal, and remote operation, improving visibility and reducing the risk of accidents during deployment and retrieval processes.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter that emits light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface where flares are to be placed
Data Source
AI summary
Carrying cases for electronic flares or other electronic signal emitting devices and related systems and methods.