Avalanche Transceiver Antenna Orientation Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current avalanche transceivers often fail to receive transmission signals at distances greater than 20 meters due to the orientation of the transmitting antenna, limiting the search area and increasing search time, which reduces the chances of finding a buried victim.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a position sensor and switching device that dynamically selects the most beneficial transmitting antenna based on the spatial position of the transceiver, ensuring optimal field strength by switching between antennas depending on whether the transceiver is horizontally or vertically oriented, thereby increasing the search area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transmitting antenna is used in the searching apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reception level becomes insufficient when the antenna is vertically oriented
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting antenna system is segmented into multiple antennas (first transmitting antenna and second transmitting antenna) oriented in different spatial directions. This segmentation allows the system to select the optimal antenna based on the buried apparatus's orientation, thereby maintaining reliable reception across different positioning scenarios without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different transmitting antennas based on the determined spatial position and orientation of the buried searching apparatus. The switching device selects the appropriate antenna (first or second) depending on whether the buried antenna is horizontally or vertically oriented, enabling the system to adapt to changing orientations and maintain optimal reception levels.
2Power
If the transmitting antenna is oriented horizontally, then the field strength is sufficient for longer distances, but the antenna cannot effectively transmit when the buried apparatus is vertically oriented
Solution Approach 1:
Different transmitting antennas are provided with different spatial orientations to match different local conditions. The first transmitting antenna is optimized for horizontal orientation while the second transmitting antenna is optimized for vertical orientation. This local quality differentiation allows each antenna to perform optimally in its designated orientation scenario, thereby increasing the overall system's adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the transmitting antenna based on the detected position and orientation of the buried apparatus. By switching between antennas with different spatial orientations, the system adapts the transmission parameter (antenna orientation) to match the receiving conditions, thereby maintaining effective communication across different orientation scenarios.
3Loss of time
If the distance between searching stripes is increased to reduce search time, then the search area coverage is improved, but the reception reliability at greater distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate transmitting antenna based on the spatial position and orientation of the buried apparatus. This dynamic selection allows the system to maintain reliable reception even at greater distances by choosing the antenna orientation that is most favorable for the current positioning scenario, thereby enabling increased distance between searching stripes without sacrificing reception reliability.
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 solution nearly doubles the search area, significantly reducing search time and increasing the probability of finding a buried victim, potentially halving the time required to locate them.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor configured to determine a spatial position of the searching apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a majority of the field lines emanating from the transmitting antenna passes through the usually horizontally held antenna of the searching apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A searching apparatus, especially an avalanche transceiver, including a receiving unit (22) for receiving transmission signals for locating a transmitter and a transmitting unit (20) for transmitting transmission signals, wherein at least a first (10) and a second transmitting antenna (12) are associated with at least the transmitting unit (20), which are disposed in the searching apparatus oriented in different spatial directions, wherein only one of the transmitting antennas (10; 12) is in operation in the transmission mode, wherein the searching apparatus further includes: at least one position sensor (28) adapted to determine a spatial position of the searching apparatus and to provide a position signal on its output, which is correlated with the spatial position; and a switching device (16) coupled to the at least one position sensor (28) for supplying the position signal on the one hand and to the at least one first (10) and second transmitting antenna (12).