by Manit
In order to choose our research project idea, we had to go through multiple steps. First, we made a list of natural disasters. We looks at the natural disasters that effected us and happened in or near our area. Our approach was to identify the problem first, research on any existing solution and then brainstorm on any technology based solution that we can propose to improve the current solution or make a new solution.
Our brainstorming sessions identified following potential natural disasters -
Our brainstorming sessions identified following potential natural disasters -
Hurricane Tornado Heat Wave Flood Tsunami Cyclone Land Slide Blizzard Earthquake Volcano Drought Avalanche Forest Fire Cold Wave | Tropical cyclone occurring in an ocean. Funnel shaped windstorm occurring over land An air mass of high temperature An overflowing of water A large sea wave produced undersea caused by earthquake or volcano A large - scale, atmospheric wind and pressure system with circular motion. Downward falling / sliding of a mass of soil A storm with string winds and dry driving snow A series of vibrations induced in the earth's crust A vent in the earth's crust that erupts upon pressure. A long period of dry weather with no precipitation. A large mass of snow, ice , etc sliding / falling suddenly downward. Uncontrolled fire in a forest area Air mass of low temperature |
We then thought of problems caused by these natural disasters and their solution. Some of these are listed below
- A tornado strikes down building with extreme intensity.
- An earthquake traps humans in rubble. Solution: A thermo-sensor detects life and allows humans to help him.
- In a snow emergency, it is difficult to clean up the snow for people who are out of town or is too time consuming.
- When a flood occurs, people are stranded in their houses and can drown if they go outside on low ground.
- Flood Solution: A basement robot that pops out and inflates a raft when room starts to flood.
- In a flood zone area it is difficult to navigate and hard to reach rooftops and supply food to stranded people. We can have a submarine that can navigate through water. The submarine has a hot air balloon attached to it.
- During hurricanes or strong winds, trees are knocked down causing property damage, and sometimes even loss of life. We can design a program that can predict which trees in an area are likely to fall allowing people to take preventive measures.
- During strong winds, power lines are knocked down causing electrocution hazard. Some types of sensor near the transmission lines detect this condition and sends alerts and warnings so that people can take preventive measures.
- In a flood zone, houses are emerged underwater causing property damage. We construct a barricade around the house that can be raised or lowered based on the flood conditions.The barricades will be underground under normal situations.