On-Board Drone for Distressed Vehicle Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to effectively locate and assist distressed vehicles, particularly aircraft, in cases of mechanical failures or human errors, leading to potential loss and prolonged search efforts, with existing technologies not providing reliable means to track or communicate with vehicles that disappear from radar.
Innovation Solution
A drone system integrated into vehicles that can automatically locate, track, and provide assistance to distressed vehicles, transmitting accurate location information and documenting events through live video and images, capable of activation by onboard operators or remotely, and equipped with solar power and emergency landing capabilities to ensure timely search and rescue operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional radar and satellite systems are used to track vehicles, then coverage area is extended, but reliability is reduced when vehicles disappear from radar or experience communication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drone as an intermediary device between the distressed vehicle and ground-based rescue systems. The drone maintains line-of-sight communication with the vehicle, relaying position and status information even when conventional radar and satellite systems fail to detect the vehicle. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing a reliable tracking mechanism that operates independently of existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically deploying the drone from the vehicle before complete system failure occurs. Sensors detect distress conditions (engine failure, communication loss, unusual flight parameters) and trigger automatic drone deployment to establish an independent tracking channel. This preliminary action ensures continuous tracking capability is established before the vehicle fully disappears from conventional monitoring systems.
2Productivity
If manual monitoring and response procedures are used, then system complexity is reduced, but response time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic distress detection and drone deployment. Sensors continuously monitor vehicle parameters and automatically trigger the emergency response sequence without human intervention. The drone autonomously navigates to the distressed vehicle, establishes communication, and transmits location data to rescue authorities, eliminating manual monitoring steps and significantly reducing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor vehicle status, the control system analyzes data against distress thresholds, and the drone responds in real-time based on feedback from the vehicle's condition. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid automated response, with the drone adjusting its position and communication strategy based on real-time feedback from the distressed vehicle, dramatically improving search and rescue efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive tracking and documentation systems are deployed, then information accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking and documentation functions into separate modular components: location sensors (GPS, inertial measurement unit), communication systems (radio, satellite transceiver), and documentation devices (cameras, sensors). These segmented modules are distributed across the vehicle and drone, with each performing a specific function. This segmentation achieves high measurement precision through multiple independent sensors while managing complexity through functional separation and modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An on-board emergency response system for a vehicle include a drone being integrated with a vehicle to become separated only when the vehicle is in trouble or experiencing difficulties. Activation of the drone may be from inside the vehicle or remotely via a communication link. The drone is automatically ejected or activated when abnormal conditions inside or outside the vehicle are detected. The drone may provide a backup communication when needed. Once the drone is ejected from the plane, it then follows the vehicle from above at a predetermined distance. It also sends its location, video and images taken inside and outside the vehicle to the command center. If a disaster is inevitable, the drone then tracks the vehicle all the way to its destination. Since the vehicle's actual location is immediately known to the central command, the rescue team can take off in no time, skipping the search altogether.