Satcom Messaging Locator for Secure Logistics Dispatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Soldiers in remote or enemy-close positions face challenges in efficiently and securely communicating their needs for logistics, such as water, food, and ammunition, due to the need for multiple message relays and potential voice silence breaches, especially when their location is uncertain or changing.
Innovation Solution
A small, rugged, handheld satcom-based messaging and locator device that securely and encryptedly transmits a soldier's message and location to a remote server via satellite, allowing direct logistics asset dispatch without intermediate relays and automatically updating the location if the soldier moves, using a GPS receiver, satcom transmitter, and minimal user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a soldier uses traditional communication equipment to request logistics, then the message can be relayed through command and control aircraft, but the message requires multiple relays which reduces accuracy and increases time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the messaging function from traditional voice communication equipment and implements a dedicated satellite messaging device. This standalone satcom device directly transmits logistics requests and location data to satellites, eliminating the need for multiple relay stations and command aircraft intermediaries, thereby improving message delivery accuracy and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces satellite communication as a new intermediary channel between the soldier and logistics command. Instead of using traditional ground-based relay systems, the satcom device communicates directly with satellites, which then relay information to the logistics command center, reducing the number of intermediaries and improving overall system reliability.
2Productivity
If a soldier uses voice communication to request logistics, then the message can be transmitted quickly, but the soldier must break voice silence which compromises operational safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical voice communication system with an electronic satellite messaging system. The satcom device allows soldiers to input logistics requests silently through buttons or pre-programmed messages, eliminating the need to speak and thereby maintaining operational safety while still achieving quick logistics request processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication function into separate non-verbal input methods (button presses, pre-programmed messages) rather than requiring continuous voice communication. This segmentation allows the soldier to communicate logistics needs without breaking voice silence, maintaining operational security while enabling rapid logistics requests.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a soldier needs to move before logistics delivery, then the soldier can reach a safer position, but the location must be updated which requires additional communication
Solution Approach 1:
The satcom device incorporates an integrated GPS receiver that automatically tracks and updates the soldier's location without requiring manual intervention. The device self-updates its position information and automatically transmits revised coordinates to the logistics command, enabling soldier mobility while simplifying the location update process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic feedback loops where the GPS receiver continuously monitors the soldier's position and the satcom device automatically transmits location updates to the satellite network. This feedback mechanism ensures that logistics assets receive real-time location information without requiring additional soldier actions, supporting mobility while maintaining simple operation.
4Reliability
If a soldier uses a handheld satcom device, then direct satellite communication is achieved, but the device must be ruggedized for field use which increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials and integrated circuit technology to create a ruggedized handheld device that maintains high communication reliability while minimizing weight. The device combines durable housing materials with compact electronic components, including the GPS receiver and satcom transmitter, achieving field-ready robustness without excessive weight gain.
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 quick, quiet, and efficient logistics delivery without breaking voice silence, ensuring accurate and continuous location updates for precise asset dispatch, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A GPS receiver is disposed within the housing as is a satcom (Satellite Communication) transmitter
Implementation Method 2
The message is combined with a GPS coordinate captured by the GPS receiver and the message and the GPS coordinate are communicated to the satellite via the satcom transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated logistics asset guidance system uses a handheld housing that is programmed by a user to formulate a brief discrete message. The message is combined with a GPS coordinate captured by a GPS receiver within the housing with the message and coordinate are transmitted by a satcom transmitter within the housing using military secure encrypted communications protocols to a base station transceiver via a satellite. The transceiver retransmits the GPS coordinate and message via the satellite to a logistics asset so that the logistics asset can travel to the location indicated by the GPS coordinate, the logistics asset delivering supplies requested by the message sent.