Rescue Buoy Network for Satellite-Free Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for rescuing people isolated on large bodies of water are inadequate, particularly when satellite communication equipment is non-functional or out-of-range, leaving individuals without effective means of signaling their location to rescuers.
Innovation Solution
A network of rescue buoys equipped with communication devices that can send and receive signals to other buoys and a base station, along with remotely activatable assistance devices such as signaling devices and deployable life rafts, to facilitate communication and rescue operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite communication equipment is used for rescue communication, then communication capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates when satellite equipment is non-functional or out-of-range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces buoy communication devices as intermediary nodes deployed across the water body to relay signals between rescue targets and base stations. These buoys form a distributed communication network that mediates communication when direct satellite links are unavailable, thereby improving reliability while maintaining broad coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent buoy nodes distributed across the water area. Each buoy operates as an autonomous communication unit that can independently relay signals, creating a distributed network that maintains communication capability even when individual nodes or satellite links fail.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a network of buoys is deployed to improve communication coverage, then communication coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each buoy in the network is designed as a universal node capable of performing multiple functions: signal reception, signal transmission, signal relaying, and remote device activation. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve broad communication coverage using identical standardized units, reducing overall system complexity despite the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoy network operates with autonomous nodes that automatically relay signals and coordinate communication without requiring centralized control of each individual buoy. Each buoy self-manages its communication functions, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining extensive coverage.
3Productivity
If remotely activatable assistance devices are added to buoys to provide rescue assistance, then rescue capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Assistance devices such as life rafts and signaling equipment are pre-installed on the buoys in a dormant state. When rescue is needed, these devices are remotely activated from the base station, allowing the system to provide enhanced rescue capability without requiring complex on-buoy control systems or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The assistance devices are designed to be automatically deployed or activated through remote signaling from the base station, eliminating the need for complex local control mechanisms on each buoy. The devices self-activate upon receiving the appropriate signal, improving rescue capability while maintaining simple buoy architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A buoy, and systems and methods for rescuing people isolated on large bodies of water are disclosed. The buoy includes a remotely activatable device that is activatable when a signal is received from a remote source. The activatable device may be a signaling device, or an assistance device that is deployable by the buoy to assist in rescuing a person. A marine communication system formed by a number of spaced apart rescue buoys is also provided. A message or key other information can be transmitted to every buoy in the network via communication with just one buoy. The methods for rescuing people isolated on large bodies of water involve providing the network of communication buoys that can receive communications from the isolated person's personal communication device, and then transmit a signal to remotely activate an activatable device in a buoy to assist in the rescue of the person.