Search Device Using Transmitted Antenna Orientation for Direct Path Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current search devices for locating buried individuals, such as avalanche victims, face inefficiencies due to non-radial magnetic field directions and high energy requirements, leading to increased search time and impractical device sizes and weights.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the position of a magnetic field source by transmitting the transmission direction from the transmitter to the search device, allowing for a two-dimensional representation of the search space, reducing the search time and device size by using a plane defined by the transmission and field strength vectors, and resolving ambiguities through distance and angle evaluations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the magnetic field direction is used for navigation without considering transmission direction, then the search device can operate with simple equipment, but the search time increases and the path is not direct
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission direction information acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the simple magnetic field direction measurement and the optimal navigation path. By introducing this additional information channel (transmitted from searcher to searchee), the system achieves direct path navigation without requiring complex multi-antenna configurations on the search device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension of information (transmission direction) to the traditional magnetic field direction measurement. This transforms the navigation problem from relying solely on field direction vectors to using a combination of field direction and transmission direction, enabling direct path calculation.
2Loss of time
If multiple non-coplanar antennas are used to determine direct path, then the search time is reduced, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential information needed for direct path navigation (transmission direction) and transmits it separately from the search device to the searcher. This allows the search device to use a simpler antenna configuration while still achieving accurate direct path determination, as the critical directional information is obtained through transmission rather than complex antenna arrays.
3Loss of time
If multiple non-coplanar antennas are used to determine direct path, then the search time is reduced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The critical directional information is extracted from the complex multi-antenna system and transmitted separately, allowing the search device to operate with fewer antennas and lower power consumption while maintaining the ability to calculate direct paths efficiently.
4Ease of operation
If the field direction is followed without correction, then the search device operates simply, but the searcher walks in an arc rather than directly to the target
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission direction information provides continuous feedback about the optimal navigation path. By comparing the magnetic field direction with the transmission direction, the system calculates the correction angle needed to follow the direct path, enabling efficient navigation while keeping the search device operationally simple.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and effort required to locate a buried person while minimizing the device's weight and space requirements, ensuring efficient and accurate navigation to the target.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic field strength of the field emitted by the at least one transmitting antenna of the transmitter is detected by the search device in at least two dimensions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for locating a transmitter (T) with a search device (R), which comprises at least a first and a second antenna for receiving a transmission signal from the transmitter (T), wherein the transmitter (T) comprises at least one transmitting antenna and the transmission signal comprises transmission pulses with a specific transmission pulse period, wherein the transmitter (T) comprises a position determination device for determining the orientation (t) of the at least one transmitting antenna, and the search device (R) comprises a position determination device for determining the orientation of the search device (R). The transmitter transmits the orientation (t) of the at least one transmitting antenna of the transmitter (T) to the search device (R). The search device (R) determines at least one potential search direction from the detected field strength vector (h) and the orientation of the at least one transmitting antenna of the transmitter (T). The invention further relates to a search device for carrying out a corresponding method.