Flight Beacon Hovering for Sustained Emergency Signaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency signaling methods, such as traditional flares, are limited in their ability to provide sustained and controlled visual signals in adverse environments, lacking the capability to maintain a fixed position and duration, which can hinder effective communication and rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
A flight-enabled beacon system that includes a lightweight, portable, and weathertight device equipped with rotatable blades or propellers, a processor, and a light emitting source, capable of ascending to a target altitude and hovering for extended periods, using GPS coordinates, sensors, and user inputs to provide sustained visual or radio signals for search and rescue operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional flares are used for emergency signaling, then the signaling method is simple and portable, but the duration of visual signal is short and the trajectory is uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single device: propulsion system (rotors/propellers), signaling system (lights, flares, smoke), navigation system (GPS, sensors), and communication system (radio transmitter) are integrated into one flight-enabled beacon unit. This merging allows the device to achieve extended duration (30-120 minutes or more), controlled trajectory, and sustained visual signaling capability that traditional separate flare systems cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The flight-enabled beacon serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a visual signal device (lights, flares, smoke), a navigation aid (GPS tracking, geofencing), a communication tool (two-way radio), and a positioning system. This multi-functionality replaces multiple traditional emergency signaling devices with a single universal platform, extending operational duration while managing complexity through integrated design.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional flares are launched to high altitude, then visibility is improved, but the user cannot control the trajectory and the flare descends uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon incorporates GPS receivers, barometers, accelerometers, and gyroscopes that continuously monitor position, altitude, and orientation. This feedback is processed by onboard processors that adjust rotor speeds and orientations in real-time to maintain precise trajectory control. The device can hold position at target altitudes (e.g., 1000-5000 feet) and return to home location automatically, providing full trajectory control unavailable with traditional flares.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon autonomously navigates and controls its own trajectory using onboard sensors, processors, and propulsion systems. It performs self-positioning, self-stabilization, and self-return functions without requiring continuous manual control. The device independently manages altitude maintenance, waypoint navigation, and emergency return-to-home, enabling trajectory control while maintaining ease of operation through automated systems.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a flight-enabled beacon is equipped with propulsion and control systems, then sustained hovering and controlled trajectory are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates propulsion components (rotors, motors, batteries), navigation systems (GPS, barometers, accelerometers), control systems (processors, flight controllers), and signaling systems (lights, flares, smoke) into a single unified beacon device. This merging allows sustained hovering for 30-120 minutes or more with controlled trajectory, while managing complexity through systematic integration of subsystems that work together as a cohesive unit.
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 enables reliable and sustained signaling in adverse conditions, improving communication and rescue efforts by maintaining a fixed position for extended periods, enhancing visibility and location accuracy for emergency responders.
Implementation Method 1
a flight program that causes the sets of rotatable blades to rotate and ascend to the target altitude
Implementation Method 2
one or more motors configured to operate the sets of rotatable blades
Implementation Method 3
a light emitting source configured to emit, at the target altitude, light over a temporal period
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for activating a flight-enable beacon configured to provide a light beacon or data signal comprising capability to establish and maintain a fixed set of coordinates. The flight-enabled beacon is configured with a processor, memory, motor, gimbal or swashplate and light emitting source and can be configured to attain and maintain a target altitude and emit a light over a fixed period of time. The flight-enabled beacon is configured to be light and with small form factor for easy portable transport in cases of emergency or to provide a signal easily locatable by parties located a distance from the activated light-enabled beacon.