Passive Harmonic Signaling Device for Extended Radar Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signaling devices rely on internal batteries, limiting their operational time and making it difficult for rescuers to locate the device once the battery is depleted.
Innovation Solution
A passive signaling device that uses a harmonic transceiver and reflector to reflect incoming microwave signals, generating a harmonic signal with increased power and transmitting it outward, while also incorporating a powered control system for additional signaling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If an internal battery is used to energize transmitting components, then the device can transmit an outgoing signal, but the transmission time is limited and the device becomes undetectable once the battery is spent
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling device uses the incoming microwave signal itself to power the harmonic transceiver through electromagnetic energy conversion. The system is self-powered by converting the energy it receives from external microwave sources into usable electrical power, eliminating the need for internal batteries and enabling indefinite operation as long as microwave signals are present in the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical battery-based power system with an electromagnetic energy conversion system. Instead of using chemical energy storage (batteries), the device uses electromagnetic induction and rectification to convert incoming microwave electromagnetic energy into electrical power for the transmitting components, thereby extending operational duration indefinitely.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a passive signaling device is used to extend transmission time, then battery power is eliminated, but the signal detectability may be reduced without active transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The harmonic transceiver changes the frequency parameter of the incoming microwave signal by generating harmonic frequencies (multiples of the fundamental frequency). This frequency transformation creates a distinctive signal signature that is easier to detect and differentiate from background noise, thereby improving signal detectability while maintaining passive operation and extended transmission time.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmonic transceiver acts as an intermediary that receives the incoming microwave signal, processes it through non-linear components to generate harmonic frequencies, and re-transmits it. This intermediary process amplifies and transforms the signal in a way that enhances detectability by search and rescue systems while still operating passively without internal power sources.
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 device extends the transmission time and enhances the visibility and detectability of the signal, facilitating search and rescue efforts by providing both a reflected and harmonic signal, with the harmonic signal being more effective in noisy environments.
Implementation Method 1
A lens is connected to the casing to focus the incoming microwave signal on at least one of the reflector and the harmonic transceiver
Implementation Method 2
The reflector reflects the microwave signal back through the lens and away from the casing as a reflected signal
Implementation Method 3
The harmonic transceiver generates a harmonic signal in response to being exposed to the microwave signal and transmits the harmonic signal away from the casing
Data Source
AI summary
A signaling device that provides for passive radar detection. An incoming radar signal is reflected back outward away from the device with increased power. The incoming radar signal can also power a harmonic transceiver and generate a harmonic signal that is transmitted outward away from the device. The signaling device can also include one or more powered components to further transmit an outgoing signal.