Gyrochute Aerial Communications Device for Disaster Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication infrastructure is often disrupted during natural disasters, preventing effective communication between affected individuals and rescue authorities, and existing aerial vehicles lack the capability to rapidly deploy reliable communication networks in such scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An aerially distributable communications device featuring a gyrochute with autorotating blades and a communications module, which generates lift and stabilizes descent, equipped with a controller, sensors, and various communication protocols to establish a wireless network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional communication infrastructure is used, then communication reliability is maintained under normal conditions, but the infrastructure becomes vulnerable to disruption during natural disasters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary aerial vehicle that acts as a mobile communication relay between ground stations and affected areas. This intermediary platform carries communication equipment and can operate independently of traditional infrastructure, providing a mediator role that bridges disconnected communication networks during disasters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by transitioning from fixed ground-based communication to mobile aerial-based communication. The aerial vehicle can change its position, altitude, and operational status dynamically, allowing the communication system to adapt to varying disaster scenarios and infrastructure damage levels.
2Productivity
If aerial vehicles are used for communication deployment, then rapid deployment capability is improved, but the vehicles lack stable autorotation and lift generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic blade pitch adjustment mechanisms that allow the aerial vehicle's blades to change their angle of attack in real-time. This dynamic adjustment enables the vehicle to optimize its autorotation and lift characteristics during deployment, transitioning from a static blade design to an adaptive dynamic system that maintains stability during rapid deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the blades by adjusting their pitch angles and aerodynamic characteristics. By modifying these parameters during operation, the aerial vehicle achieves stable autorotation and sufficient lift while maintaining rapid deployment capability, resolving the contradiction between speed and stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed pitch blades are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to generate sufficient lift and autorotation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed pitch blades to dynamic pitch-adjustable blades, allowing the aerodynamic parameters to change during operation. This dynamic capability enables the blades to generate sufficient lift and autorotation forces by optimizing their angle of attack in real-time, while the manufacturing remains relatively simple by using adjustable mechanisms rather than complex fixed aerodynamic designs.
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 rapid deployment of a communication network in disaster-stricken areas, facilitating communication between affected individuals and rescue services, and supports multiple communication ranges and protocols.
Implementation Method 1
Gyrochutes, also known as rotary chutes and/or unpowered autogyros, are known, and are unpowered vehicles that include one or more sets of blades that operate to generate autorotation of the gyrochute. Autorotation of the gyrochute creates lift from the movement of air over the aerofoil blades.
Implementation Method 2
The vertical forces acting on the gyrochute to cause it to fall slower are typically generated by a combination of airflow over the blades from rotation about a central axis to create lift
Implementation Method 3
the blades generate drag acting upwardly in a vertical direction as the gyrochute falls through the air
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an aerially distributable communications device (ACCD) including one or more gyrochutes and communications module configured for wireless communication with external communication nodes. The communications module can be configured for mesh network type communication with similar aerially distributable communications device, or as a gateway type communications device to a wide area network such as a satellite network. The ACCD is for deployment in remote areas and/or areas where normal communications networks are down, such as disaster areas. The ACCD can be deployed from an aircraft or a spacecraft. The ACCD can further be configured with emergency equipment such as water purification equipment, power charging equipment, or the like.