Advanced rescue detector : Design and development of an improved rescue antenna

Abstract: Developed for avalanche rescue, the RECCO Rescue System is used by more than 700 rescue organizations around the world to find buried avalanche victims and missing people. The RECCO system consists of two parts: a passive reflector integrated into clothing, boots, helmets, and body protection worn by skiers and riders; and an active detector used by organized rescue teams. As of 2009 the active part of RECCO system now utilizes a small hand-held detector named R9, which can easily be carried by one rescuer travelling on foot or from in a helicopter and has a range of more than 200 meters. From being a big, heavy and unhandy device the detector has gone through an extensive development since the start. The original detector had a long pointing antenna which created very accurate antenna beams but since the device has become smaller, so has the antenna. Therefore, the antenna beams have become less directional, and consequently the accuracy has decreased. The next generation of detectors, called R10, will be based on the existing R9, but needs to be equipped with a longer antenna. Keeping the same size as the R9, the antenna needs to be extendable. This problem lead to the following goal for this master thesis: by the use of a sufficient development process; improve the antenna of RECCO’s R9 detector by increasing its length to give it a better search performance, but still keep it practical and robust. The project was implemented with a spiral development process divided into 6 phases, where different methods suitable for the project were integrated. A lot of time and focus were spent on 3Dmodelling and rapid prototyping for concept testing and validation. The result of the thesis is a radically changed, production ready, antenna design. The antenna has rotated 90 degrees as well as doubled in length, giving it a better search performance; although it is still a practical and robust design that can handle the tough requirements that an avalanche situation demands. The solution consists of a divisible three part system that is mounted together with a rubber cord, and connected to the detector with a snap fit system.