UWB Rescue UAV Detection for Locating Survivors Under Debris

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Search and rescue operations in disaster situations face challenges such as trapped survivors buried under debris, requiring first responders to navigate hazardous conditions, which poses risks to both responders and survivors.

Innovation Solution

Deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with ultra-wide band (UWB) transceiver sensors for detecting survivors, UAV data link transceivers for wireless communication of vital signs and location data to command centers, and medical supply compartments for emergency aid, along with proximity sensors, gas sensors, and visible light cameras to facilitate efficient and safe rescue operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If first responders travel through harmful conditions to locate survivors, then search and rescue operations can be conducted, but the risk to first responders and survivors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch and rescue operation speedVSAvoidrisk to first responders and survivors

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensor-equipped devices and centralized processing units that mediate between the search area and first responders. Sensors detect survivors through debris without human presence, transmit data wirelessly to command centers, and enable remote coordination of rescue operations, thereby eliminating the need for responders to physically navigate hazardous zones while maintaining search effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical search methods (human responders physically moving through debris) with electronic and electromagnetic systems. Sensor arrays detect survivors using non-mechanical means, wireless communication systems transmit information without physical transport, and centralized systems process data remotely, substituting the mechanical interaction between responders and hazardous environments with electronic field-based detection and communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If traditional search methods are used, then equipment complexity is low, but search and rescue operation speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch and rescue operation speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the search and rescue system into segmented functional modules: sensor units deployed in the search area, wireless communication interfaces, centralized data processing systems, and rescue coordination components. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently configured or replaced, allowing the overall system to achieve high productivity through coordinated modular operations while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If survivors are located quickly, then rescue time is reduced, but detection precision must be high to avoid false positives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to locate survivorVSAvoidsurvivor detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor detection results are continuously transmitted to centralized systems for verification and analysis. The system processes sensor data, compares readings against detection thresholds, validates survivor identification through multiple sensor corroboration, and provides feedback for confirming or refuting detections. This feedback loop enables rapid screening while maintaining high precision by filtering false positives through systematic verification before alerting rescue teams

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Accelerates search and rescue efforts by accurately locating survivors through debris, reducing risks to first responders and survivors, and enabling real-time communication and medical assistance.

Implementation Method 1

an ultra-wide band (UWB) transceiver sensor for detecting a presence of a survivor in a search and rescue area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltra-wide band electromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a proximity sensor for detecting the presence of objects in the search and rescue area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Implementation Method 3

a gas sensor can also be included for detecting the presence of different kinds of gases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas detection:

Implementation Method 4

a visible light camera for detecting video

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVisible light detection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11754696B2Search and rescue UAV system and method

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a survivor in a search and rescue area. The at least one sensor is preferably an ultra-wide band (UWB) transceiver sensor. The UAV includes a UAV data link transceiver for wirelessly communicating information concerning the survivor to a command center.