Tethered Aerostat LoRa Emergency Communication Network

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing broadband communication networks are unreliable and take a long time to restore after disasters, making it difficult to obtain timely information about trapped survivors during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A tethered aerostat communication device using a LoRa network with a balloon and air valve control system to establish a low-cost, wide-range, high-reliability narrowband communication network for emergency communication, automatically activating when the WAN communication fails, allowing for quick data transmission via WiFi and LoRa.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If broadband communication networks are used for post-disaster rescue, then high-speed data transmission is achieved, but the network cannot be restored in time after disaster damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidnetwork restoration reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication network is segmented into independent narrowband communication nodes that can operate autonomously. Each node uses a balloon carrier with LoRa communication module that can be independently deployed without relying on the overall network infrastructure, enabling rapid post-disaster communication establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs low-cost balloon carriers with integrated communication modules that can be quickly deployed and discarded after use. These disposable-like units eliminate the need for expensive, complex base station infrastructure while providing sufficient communication capability for emergency rescue operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Area of stationary object

If base station-based communication networks are deployed, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the system complexity and power supply requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication coverage areaVSAvoidnetwork system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication network transitions from ground-based base stations to aerial balloon carriers, adding a vertical dimension to coverage. This dimensional change enables broader coverage area while simplifying the overall system architecture, as balloons can be deployed without complex ground infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The balloon carrier integrates multiple functions including communication (LoRa module), positioning, and data collection into a single platform. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity compared to separate ground-based infrastructure while maintaining comprehensive coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional communication devices are used, then stable communication is achieved, but the response time for emergency deployment is too long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoiddeployment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The communication devices are pre-assembled in complete units within the balloon carriers, with all necessary components (LoRa modules, power supplies, antennas) integrated beforehand. This preliminary preparation enables immediate deployment upon balloon release, eliminating assembly time and ensuring rapid response to emergencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The balloon carriers are designed to self-deploy and self-activate upon release. The communication modules automatically initialize and begin operating without requiring manual configuration or external setup, reducing deployment time while maintaining stable communication through automated system checks and calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 rapid establishment of an emergency communication network, effectively covering large areas, reducing rescue costs and improving effectiveness by providing timely information and ensuring high reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a balloon, an air valve control component and a communication sub-system, which are arranged in the box body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

The air valve control component and the Lora communication module are detachably connected through a magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11496876B2Tethered aerostat communication device, network organizing method and data transmission method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.11.08 YU YIXUAN
  • US11496876B2 patent drawing
  • US11496876B2 patent drawing
  • US11496876B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses a tethered aerostat communication device for post-disaster emergency communication, comprising: a box body, a balloon arranged in the box body, an air valve control component and a communication sub-system, wherein the communication sub-system comprises a WAN communication module, a main controller, communication protocol converters, a LoRa communication module and a power supply system. The bottom of the balloon is connected to the LoRa communication module through a tethered rope. The air valve control component is detachably connected to the LoRa communication module by magnetism. The present invention further discloses a data transmission method and a network organizing communication method which use the tethered aerostat communication device for post-disaster emergency communication.