Underwater rescue apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an underwater structural device. This underwater rescue device may include a lifting mechanism for lifting a human body, a drive unit that provides propulsion to the lifting mechanism to move the lifting mechanism, a sensing sensor equipped in the lifting mechanism to provide position information of the lifting mechanism, a communication module equipped in the lifting mechanism that transmits position information to the outside or receives an operation signal from the outside, and a controller that controls the operation of the drive unit according to the operation signal.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an underwater structural device. Background Technology

[0002] In the event of a maritime accident, the human body remaining near the surface can be brought to the surface by diving rescue personnel, but for safety at depths of 10 meters or more, diving rescue personnel must surface at 5-meter intervals while taking sufficient rest to prevent decompression sickness.

[0003] For example, in the event of a drowning accident in deep water or if a human body (drowned body) is left underwater for a long time and becomes damaged, a diving rescuer can move the body to the surface by placing it in a net-structured underwater lifting device to prevent further damage. However, during this process, it can be a very difficult task for the diving rescuer to move while taking sufficient rests at 5-meter intervals.

[0004] Accordingly, research is underway to enable underwater rescue personnel to inject air into an underwater lifting device to raise it to the surface. When air is injected into the lifting device underwater, buoyancy is generated, causing the device to begin rising to the surface. As it approaches the surface, the water pressure decreases, causing the volume of air to expand and the device to rise to the surface at an increasingly faster speed.

[0005] However, once the underwater lifting device reaches the surface of the sea, it remains stationary at one point, so a means of transport is required to move the underwater lifting device on the water. In addition, when using a means of transport such as a rescue boat, there was a problem in that a large number of rescue personnel, including the captain driving the rescue boat, had to move together to move the underwater lifting device from the sea to land. Prior art literature

[0006] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2080227 (February 17, 2020) The problem to be solved

[0007] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an underwater rescue device capable of lifting a human body from underwater, bringing it to the surface, and transporting it to land in the event of a marine accident.

[0008] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an underwater rescue device may be provided, comprising: a lifting mechanism for lifting a human body; a driving unit that provides a propulsion force to the lifting mechanism for moving the lifting mechanism; a sensing sensor provided in the lifting mechanism to provide position information of the lifting mechanism; a communication module provided in the lifting mechanism that transmits the position information to the outside or receives an operation signal from the outside; and a controller that controls the operation of the driving unit according to the operation signal.

[0010] Additionally, the lifting mechanism may include a lifting bed; an air cartridge for supplying air to the lifting bed; and a lifting holder detachably provided on the lifting bed to selectively restrain a human body to the lifting bed.

[0011] In addition, the lifting holder may include a lifting net provided in the form of a net for restraining the human body to the lifting bed.

[0012] Additionally, the lifting bed may include a plurality of bed blocks that can be folded to overlap; and bed tubes disposed on the bed blocks so that the bed blocks can be floated.

[0013] Additionally, the detection sensor may include a GPS sensor that provides coordinate information of the lifting bed at the sea surface; and a hydrostatic pressure sensor that provides depth information of the lifting bed underwater.

[0014] In addition, the lifting mechanism may further include a lifting status recorder that records the movement status of the lifting bed.

[0015] In addition, the above-mentioned salvage status recorder can receive and record the coordinate information and the water depth information, respectively, from the above-mentioned GPS sensor and the above-mentioned water pressure sensor.

[0016] In addition, the controller can control the operation of the GPS sensor to calculate position information of the lifting bed when the lifting bed is positioned at the sea surface, control the operation of the hydrostatic pressure sensor to calculate depth information of the lifting bed when the lifting bed is positioned underwater, and control the operation of the drive unit so that the lifting bed moves to a preset target point when the lifting bed is positioned at the sea surface after a change in depth information. Effects of the invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the lifting device and the air cartridge can be separated and stored in a small space during normal operation, and the lifting device and the air cartridge can be conveniently equipped for underwater rescue, thereby improving the portability of rescue personnel.

[0018] In addition, according to the present invention, by connecting an air cartridge to a lifting device during underwater rescue and rapidly injecting air from the cartridge into the lifting device to generate buoyancy, there is an effect of being able to move a human body to the sea surface in a short period of time.

[0019] In addition, according to the present invention, when the lifting device arrives at the sea surface, the latitude and longitude of the lifting device are detected using a GPS sensor, thereby automatically transmitting location information about the lifting device to rescue personnel located on the water surface, and enabling rapid movement to land through the operation of the drive unit. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an underwater structural device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the state in which a lifting mechanism of an underwater structure device according to one embodiment of the present invention is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a holder and a bed tube of an underwater structural device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the process of fixing a human body in a lifting mechanism of an underwater rescue device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the control flow of an underwater structure device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a comparison of operating conditions according to changes in water depth in an underwater structure device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow according to the operation of a hydrostatic pressure sensor and a GPS sensor in an underwater structure device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The following description is one of several patentable aspects of the present invention, and may constitute part of the detailed description of the present invention.

[0022] However, in describing the present invention, specific descriptions regarding known configurations or functions may be omitted to clarify the present invention.

[0023] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may include various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0024] Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but such components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0025] When it is stated that one component is 'connected' or 'connected' to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between.

[0026] The terms used in this invention are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an underwater rescue device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can lift a human body from underwater and bring it to the surface of the water and move it to a target location (land, etc.) in the event of a marine accident. Such an underwater rescue device (10) may include a lifting mechanism (100), a driving unit (200), a detection sensor (300), a communication module (400), and a controller (500).

[0029] The lifting mechanism (100) can support a human body so that the human body in the water is lifted to the water surface. The lifting mechanism (100) can be floated from the water to the water surface using air. The lifting mechanism (100) that has been floated to the water surface can be moved to a target point by a driving unit (200). The lifting mechanism (100) may include a lifting bed (110), an air cartridge (120), a lifting holder (130), and a lifting status recorder (140).

[0030] The lifting bed (110) may be provided in the form of a bed capable of supporting a human body underwater for lifting a human body. The lifting bed (110) may be kept in a folded state normally, and may be unfolded into a bed shape so that a human body can be placed on it when lifting a human body. The lifting bed (110) may be equipped with a detection sensor (300), a communication module (400), and a controller (500). The lifting bed (110) may include a bed block (111) and a bed tube (112).

[0031] The bed blocks (111) may be provided as a plurality of continuously connected units that can be folded. The plurality of bed blocks (111) can be folded so as to overlap in normal operation, thereby being stored in multiple small spaces, and can be unfolded into a bed shape with their upper surfaces positioned on the same plane underwater. When the plurality of bed blocks (111) are unfolded underwater, the plurality of bed blocks (111) can be provided in a size capable of supporting the human body as a whole. The plurality of bed blocks (111) may be composed of a memory material capable of unfolding into a single bed shape. Of course, the bed blocks (111) may also be air beds that can be unfolded into a bed shape when air is supplied. In this case, the bed blocks (111) may receive air from an air cartridge (120).

[0032] The bed tube (112) can float the bed block (111) by receiving air from the air cartridge (120). The bed tube (112) can be mounted on the bed block (111) underwater. When the bed tube (112) is mounted on the bed block (111) and air is supplied from the air cartridge (120), the bed tube (112) can be expanded by the air, thereby floating the bed block (111) from underwater to the surface of the water. In this embodiment, the bed tube (112) is described as being mounted on the bed block (111) underwater, but is not limited thereto, and the bed tube (112) can be moved underwater while fixed to the bed block (111) and then expanded by receiving air from the air cartridge (120).

[0033] The air cartridge (120) can compress and store air (such as carbon dioxide) to be supplied to the lifting bed (110), and can supply the stored air to the lifting bed (110). For example, the air cartridge (120) may be an air supply device capable of supplying air to the lifting bed (110). The air cartridge (120) may be operated by a controller (500) or a separate operating switch. When the air cartridge (120) is operated, the air cartridge (120) can float the lifting bed (110) from underwater to the surface by supplying air to the lifting bed (110).

[0034] The lifting holder (130) can restrain a human body to the lifting bed (110). The lifting holder (130) may be detachably provided on the lifting bed (110). For example, the lifting holder (130) may be stored in a detached state on the lifting bed (110) under normal circumstances and may be mounted on the lifting bed (110) to secure a human body during underwater rescue. The lifting holder (130) may include a lifting belt (131) and a lifting net (132).

[0035] The lifting belt (131) may be a belt for restraining at least a part of the human body to the lifting bed (110). Both ends of the lifting belt (131) may be fixed to both ends of the lifting bed (110) underwater. The lifting belt (131) may be provided in multiple units that are fixed to the lifting bed (110) so as to be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the lifting bed (110). The multiple lifting belts (131) can stably restrain the upper and lower body of the human body to the lifting bed (110).

[0036] The lifting net (132) may be a net designed to completely wrap around and secure the human body to the lifting bed (110). The edge portion of the lifting net (132) may be secured to the edge portion of the lifting bed (110) underwater. The lifting belt (131) can prevent the human body and any objects lost from the human body from falling out during underwater rescue by completely wrapping around and securing the human body placed on the lifting bed (110).

[0037] The lifting status recorder (140) can provide the function of recording the lifting status through the lifting mechanism (100). The lifting status recorder (140) can be operated (on) underwater and on the surface. The lifting status recorder (140) can receive and record coordinate information and depth information of the lifting mechanism (100) from the GPS sensor (310) and the water pressure sensor (320), respectively. When the lifting mechanism (100) is submerged from the surface to underwater, the lifting status recorder (140) can record the depth information of the water pressure sensor (320), and when the lifting mechanism (100) is located on the surface, it can record the coordinate information of the GPS sensor (310).

[0038] The drive unit (200) can move the lifting mechanism (100) to a target point on the water surface. The drive unit (200) can be turned on on the water surface to provide propulsion to the lifting mechanism (100) to move the lifting mechanism (100). For example, the drive unit (200) may be an electric drive device, such as a drive motor, that can be mounted on the lifting mechanism (100). When the lifting mechanism (100) is floating on the water surface, the drive unit (200) can move the lifting mechanism (100) to a target point by providing propulsion to the lifting mechanism (100).

[0039] The detection sensor (300) may be a type of sensor capable of providing location information (water depth information and coordinate information, etc.) of the lifting mechanism (100). The detection sensor (300) may be equipped on the lifting mechanism (100) to measure the location of the lifting mechanism (100) and may apply the measured location information of the lifting mechanism (100) to the controller (500). The detection sensor (300) may include a GPS sensor (310) and a water pressure sensor (320).

[0040] The GPS sensor (310) can provide coordinate information of the lifting bed (110) at sea level. The GPS sensor (310) can be turned on at sea level and turned off underwater. The GPS sensor (310) can receive information regarding the latitude and longitude where the lifting mechanism (100) is located from a GPS satellite, detect coordinate information of the lifting bed (110), and provide the detected coordinate information to a communication module (400) or a controller (500).

[0041] The water pressure sensor (320) can provide depth information of the lifting bed (110) located underwater. The water pressure sensor (320) can be turned on underwater and turned off above the water surface. The water pressure sensor (320) can provide depth information of the lifting bed (110) to the communication module (400) or controller (500) by measuring the water pressure when the lifting mechanism (100) is located underwater.

[0042] The communication module (400) can transmit location information of the lifting mechanism (100) to the outside or receive an operation signal from the outside. The communication module (400) can be turned on on the water surface. The communication module (400) can transmit location information of the lifting bed (110) provided by the GPS sensor (310) to a control room located at a remote location using LoRa communication. The rescue team in the control room can check the transport process of the lifting mechanism (100) through the communication module (400). In addition, the communication module (400) can transmit water depth information of the lifting bed (110) provided by the water pressure sensor (320) to the outside. In addition, the communication module (400) can receive an operation signal from the outside and transmit it to the controller (500).

[0043] The controller (500) can control the operation of the drive unit (200) according to a pre-entered operation signal (program, etc.) or an external operation signal. Additionally, the controller (500) can determine the current location of the lifting mechanism (100) from the coordinate information of the GPS sensor (310) and the depth information of the water pressure sensor (320), and can record the lifting status through the lifting status recorder (140) only when the lifting mechanism (100) is located underwater.

[0044] The controller (500) can move the lifting mechanism (100) to a preset target point by controlling the operation of the drive unit (200) according to a preset operation signal when the lifting mechanism (100) rises above the water surface. Additionally, the controller (500) can cause the lifting mechanism (100) to automatically move to a target point by controlling the operation of the drive unit (200) according to an external operation signal received through the communication module (400) when the lifting mechanism (100) rises above the water surface.

[0045] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the lifting device (100) moves from the sea surface to the water, the initial operation period t0 to t1 is when it is located at the sea surface, and the GPS sensor (310) operates, but since it is a stage before the underwater lifting operation proceeds, the operation status of the lifting device may not be recorded.

[0046] After t1, when a rescue worker moves underwater carrying the lifting device (100), the water pressure sensor (320) is activated, so the position of the lifting device (100) from the section after t1 can be recorded through the lifting status recorder (140). The lifting status recording is done by recording the water pressure signal of the water pressure sensor (320). Since the water pressure signal is 1 atmosphere at the sea level and increases by 1 atmosphere for every 10m depth, the pressure is recorded by the lifting status recorder (140) as 2 atmospheres at a depth of 10m, 3 atmospheres at a depth of 20m, 4 atmospheres at a depth of 30m, etc., so the rescue worker can check the operating depth of the lifting device (100) carried.

[0047] The t1 to t2 section is the section where the rescue worker moves toward the seabed while carrying the lifting device (100), and the rescue worker can see that the water depth is gradually increasing. The t2 point is the point where the water depth no longer increases from 40m, and the rescue worker can see that they have arrived at the seabed. From the t1 point, which is the point where the rescue worker enters the water, the water pressure signal of the water pressure sensor (320) begins to be recorded by the lifting status recorder (140), and up to the t5 point, the water pressure signal of the water pressure sensor (320) can be recorded by the lifting status recorder (140).

[0048] After point t5, when the lifting mechanism (100) reaches the sea surface, the water pressure signal of the water pressure sensor (320) is not detected and the GPS signal of the GPS sensor (310) is detected. Therefore, the controller (500) can apply an operation signal to the driving unit (200) attached to the lifting mechanism (100) so that the lifting mechanism (100) can be driven toward the land and coordinate information of the lifting mechanism (100) can be transmitted on the water surface through the communication module (400).

[0049] As described above, the present invention has excellent advantages, such as the ability to separate the lifting device and the air cartridge for storage in a small space during normal operation and to conveniently equip the lifting device and the air cartridge for underwater rescue, thereby improving the portability for rescue personnel; the ability to quickly move a human body to the sea surface by connecting the air cartridge to the lifting device and rapidly injecting air from the cartridge into the lifting device to generate buoyancy; and the ability to quickly move to land by operating the drive unit, by automatically transmitting location information of the lifting device to rescue personnel located on the water surface through the detection of the latitude and longitude of the lifting device.

[0050] As explained above, the specific description of the present invention has been made through embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, but since the above-described embodiments are merely preferred examples of the present invention, the present invention should not be understood as being limited only to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of the rights of the present invention should be understood as the claims set forth below and equivalent concepts. Explanation of the symbols

[0051] 10: Detection unit 100: Lifting device 110: Lifting bed 111: Bed Block 112: Bed Tube 120: Air cartridge 130: Lifting holder 131: Lifting belt 132: Lifting net 140: Salvage Status Recorder 200: Drive unit 300: Detection sensor 310: GPS sensor 320: Water pressure sensor 400: Communication module 500: Controller

Claims

Claim 1 An underwater rescue device comprising: a lifting mechanism for lifting a human body; a driving unit that provides a driving force to the lifting mechanism for moving the lifting mechanism; a sensing sensor provided in the lifting mechanism to provide position information of the lifting mechanism; a communication module provided in the lifting mechanism for transmitting the position information to the outside or receiving an operation signal from the outside; and a controller that controls the operation of the driving unit according to the operation signal, wherein the lifting mechanism includes a lifting bed; and a lifting status recorder that records the movement status of the lifting bed. Claim 2 An underwater rescue device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises an air cartridge for supplying air to the lifting bed; and a lifting holder detachably provided on the lifting bed to selectively restrain a human body to the lifting bed. Claim 3 In claim 2, the underwater rescue device comprising a lifting holder including a lifting net provided in the form of a net for restraining the human body to the lifting bed. Claim 4 In claim 2, the underwater structure device comprises a plurality of bed blocks that are foldable to overlap the lifting bed; and a bed tube disposed on the bed blocks so as to allow the bed blocks to float. Claim 5 In claim 2, the underwater structure device comprises a sensing sensor that includes a GPS sensor providing coordinate information of the lifting bed at the sea surface; and a hydrostatic pressure sensor providing depth information of the lifting bed underwater. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 In claim 5, the above-mentioned lifting situation recorder is an underwater rescue device that receives and records the coordinate information and the depth information, respectively, from the above-mentioned GPS sensor and the above-mentioned hydrostatic pressure sensor. Claim 8 In claim 5, the underwater rescue device, wherein the controller controls the operation of the GPS sensor to calculate position information of the lifting bed when the lifting bed is positioned at the sea surface, controls the operation of the hydrostatic pressure sensor to calculate depth information of the lifting bed when the lifting bed is positioned underwater, and controls the operation of the drive unit so that the lifting bed moves to a preset target point when the lifting bed is positioned at the sea surface after a change in depth information.

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