lifeboat

Abstract

The invention relates to a lifeboat for evacuation of passengers and crew from a ship or offshore installation at sea, the lifeboat having a hull made primarily of a non-rigid inflatable tube and one or more outer skins, the hull having a length, a width and a centreline, a bow and a stern, the lifeboat further comprising a first pair of engine-powered propulsion devices arranged at the stern on opposite sides of the centreline and a second pair of engine-powered propulsion devices arranged at the bow on opposite sides of the centreline, each engine-powered propulsion device having a propeller or water jet, wherein the horizontal angle of each propeller or water jet of each engine-powered propulsion device can be set independently with respect to the centreline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifeboat for evacuating passengers and crew from a vessel or offshore facility at sea, the lifeboat having a hull made primarily of non-rigid inflatable tubes and one or more hulls, the hull having length, width and centerline, bow and stern. Background Technology

[0002] High-capacity inflatable lifeboats have been introduced as part of maritime rescue and evacuation systems. Compared to conventional rigid rescue boats, inflatable lifeboats offer many advantages. In particular, compared to rigid rescue boats, inflatable lifeboats occupy significantly less space on board when stored in a deflated state on a vessel or offshore structure.

[0003] However, the lack of rigidity in inflatable lifeboats presents a challenge due to the high drag force exerted on them when propelled by a propulsion system. When lifeboats are already full of passengers during a rescue operation, it is crucial for the safety of those on board to maneuver away from, for example, wrecked vessels, avoiding burning oil, falling debris, suction from the sinking ship, the ship's tilt, and people being rescued from the water. Another challenge is maneuvering the lifeboat to the leeward side of the vessel being evacuated. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of this invention is to overcome, in whole or in part, the aforementioned disadvantages and defects of the prior art. More specifically, one object is to provide an improved inflatable lifeboat with an engine-powered propulsion system, which has enhanced maneuverability.

[0005] The foregoing objectives, together with many other objectives, advantages and features that will become apparent from the following description, are achieved by means of a solution according to the invention using a lifeboat for evacuating passengers and crew from a vessel or offshore facility at sea, the lifeboat having a hull made primarily of non-rigid inflatable tubes and one or more hulls, the lifeboat having length, width and centerline, bow and stern, and further comprising:

[0006] The first pair of propulsion units, powered by engines, are arranged on opposite sides of the centerline at the stern, and

[0007] The second pair of propulsion units, powered by engines, are arranged on opposite sides of the centerline at the bow.

[0008] Each propulsion unit powered by an engine has either a thruster or a water jet.

[0009] In this system, the horizontal angle of each propeller or water jet of each propulsion device powered by the engine can be set independently relative to the centerline.

[0010] In addition, the horizontal angle can be adjusted or set to a predetermined horizontal angle.

[0011] In addition, the horizontal angle can be adjusted during the lifeboat's movement.

[0012] Furthermore, the horizontal angle can remain constant during the movement of the lifeboat.

[0013] The centerline can be set to zero degrees, where each horizontal angle of each propeller or water jet is not equal to zero degrees.

[0014] Moreover, each propeller or water jet of each propulsion device in the first pair of engine-powered propulsion devices can be arranged at a horizontal angle between 15 and 45 degrees, preferably between 30 and 40 degrees, relative to the centerline.

[0015] Furthermore, each propeller or water jet in each of the first pair of engine-powered propulsion devices can be angled toward the centerline.

[0016] In addition, each propeller or water jet of each propulsion device in the second pair of engine-powered propulsion devices can be arranged at a horizontal angle between 25 and 55 degrees, preferably between 40 and 50 degrees, relative to the centerline.

[0017] In the second pair of engine-powered propulsion systems, each propeller or jet can be angled away from the centerline.

[0018] In addition, each propulsion unit powered by the engine can be operatively connected to the control unit.

[0019] Moreover, each propulsion unit powered by an engine can be controlled independently.

[0020] The lifeboat can hold more than 100 people, such as more than 150 people, or even more than 200 people.

[0021] In addition, when viewed from a top view, the lifeboat can be roughly square.

[0022] In addition, each corner of the lifeboat can be equipped with a propulsion system powered by an engine.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, each propulsion device powered by an engine can be arranged to be connected to a housing that is connected to a non-rigid inflation tube.

[0024] Furthermore, each propulsion unit powered by an engine can be driven by electricity.

[0025] The lifeboat may be equipped with one or more power supply units. The power supply units may be housed within the hull.

[0026] Moreover, the power supply device can be a battery pack.

[0027] In addition, the inflatable lifeboat has a drag coefficient Cd, which varies depending on the lifeboat's load and speed.

[0028] Furthermore, the length-to-width ratio of lifeboats can be 3:2 or higher. In other lifeboat designs, the length-to-width ratio can be 7:4 or higher, or, for example, 2:1 or higher.

[0029] In addition, the lifeboat may be more than 10 meters long and more than 6 meters wide, more preferably more than 12 meters long and more than 7 meters wide, and even more preferably about 12.5 meters long and about 8 meters wide. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention and its many advantages will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, which illustrate some non-limiting embodiments for illustrative purposes, and in which...

[0031] Figure 1 A lifeboat according to the invention in an inflated state is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 Shown in bottom view Figure 1 lifeboats

[0033] Figure 3 The schematic diagram illustrates the horizontal angle of the propeller or water jet.

[0034] Figure 4-6 Shown from top view, side view and stern view respectively Figure 1 lifeboats, and

[0035] Figure 7 The lifeboat is shown in a deflated state.

[0036] All accompanying drawings are highly schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale, and they only show those parts necessary to illustrate the invention; other parts are omitted or are only implied. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1A lifeboat 1 is shown for evacuating passengers and crew from a vessel or offshore facility (not shown) at sea. The lifeboat 1 has a hull 2 ​​made primarily of non-rigid inflatable tubes 3 and one or more outer shells 4. In this embodiment, the lifeboat 1 includes four outer shells 4 arranged at each corner of the lifeboat 1. In other embodiments, the lifeboat 1 may include a different number of outer shells, such as one, two, or more.

[0038] When referring to non-rigid inflation tubing, "non-rigid" means a material that can be compressed and packed into a small volume when the lifeboat is deflated, and can be quickly inflated (i.e., inflated) and decompressed by inflation. Examples of non-rigid materials are polyethylene, natural or synthetic rubber, polyester, neoprene, Hypalon, polymers, and / or combinations thereof. These materials are well known in the lifeboat and lifeboat industry.

[0039] Lifeboats are manufactured for maritime rescue and evacuation purposes, and therefore have both deflated and inflatable deployment configurations. Lifeboats include non-rigid inflation hoses, allowing for flexible deployment when the lifeboat is in a position similar to... Figure 1 The inflatable deployment configuration shown forms a three-dimensional spatial frame.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the lifeboat 1 may include an evacuation area 5 to accommodate passengers and crew during rescue and evacuation. In this embodiment, the evacuation area 5 is covered by a canopy 6 to protect passengers from environmental impacts.

[0041] exist Figure 2 The bottom view shows lifeboat 1. The hull 2 ​​has a length L, a width W, and a centerline C. L 7. Bow and 8. Stern. The hull has a wetted surface area. 9. The wetted surface area is greater than 30m². 2 Even greater than 45m 2 In another embodiment, it is greater than 60m. 2 The wetted surface area is relatively large, resulting in a larger drag coefficient, which reduces the maneuverability of the lifeboat.

[0042] In order for lifeboat 1 to be able to propel itself, the lifeboat also includes a centerline C L The first pair of propulsion units 11, powered by engines, are arranged on opposite sides at the stern at position 8, and on the centerline C. L The second pair of 12 propulsion devices 11, powered by engines, are arranged on opposite sides of the bow 7.

[0043] In this embodiment, each housing 4 includes a propulsion device 11 powered by an engine.

[0044] Each propulsion device 11 powered by an engine has a thruster 13 or a water jet. In this embodiment, the propulsion device 11 powered by an engine has a thruster 13.

[0045] According to the concept of the present invention, the horizontal angle of each thruster 13 or water jet of each propulsion device 11 powered by the engine can be relative to the centerline C. L Independent configuration. This improves the maneuverability of lifeboat 1. Furthermore, compared to existing solutions, the steering capability of lifeboat 1 is significantly enhanced.

[0046] A horizontal angle is the angle between any two points on the same horizontal plane.

[0047] Centerline C L Extending longitudinally along lifeboat 1, and at a horizontal angle parallel to centerline C L It relates to any one of the lines. As mentioned above, the propulsion system powered by the engine does not need to be arranged to coincide with the centerline.

[0048] By changing the thruster 13 relative to the centerline C L At a horizontal angle, thruster 13 assists in controlling lifeboat 1.

[0049] exist Figure 3 In the diagram, the horizontal angle of the thruster is schematically shown. For example, the centerline C L It is set to zero degrees, where each horizontal angle of each propeller or water jet is not equal to zero degrees.

[0050] Figure 3 The arrow shown indicates the direction of thruster 13, that is, the direction of the thrust force when it is running.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal angle is set to a predetermined horizontal angle such that it remains constant during the lifeboat's movement. When the horizontal angle is set to a predetermined horizontal angle, these angles cannot be adjusted during the lifeboat's movement because they are set by the lifeboat's supplier.

[0052] In the first pair of 10 engine-powered propulsion units, each propeller 12 or water jet is arranged relative to the centerline C. L It has a first horizontal angle α. To illustrate the first horizontal angle α, an arbitrary line L is shown. A。 Arbitrary line L A Parallel to center line C L .

[0053] like Figure 3As shown, in the first pair of 10 propulsion units powered by the engine, each propeller 13 or water jet of each propulsion unit is oriented towards the centerline C. L Tilt / At an angle.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first horizontal angle α is relative to the centerline C. L The temperature is between 15 and 45 degrees, preferably between 30 and 40 degrees.

[0055] Furthermore, in the second pair of 12 engine-powered propulsion units, each propeller or water jet of each propulsion unit is arranged relative to the centerline C. L It has a second horizontal angle β. It is also shown parallel to the center line C. L any line L A .

[0056] Furthermore, each propeller 13 or water jet in each of the second pair of 12 engine-powered propulsion devices is offset from the centerline C. L Forming an angle.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second horizontal angle β is relative to the center line C. L The temperature is between 25 and 55 degrees, preferably between 40 and 50 degrees.

[0058] By setting a predetermined first horizontal angle α and a second horizontal angle β, the maneuverability of lifeboat 1 is significantly enhanced. In fact, by setting the first horizontal angle α and the second horizontal angle β to predetermined angles, the operator of lifeboat 1 can rotate lifeboat 1 around a point in any plane parallel to the water surface. While the maneuverability of the lifeboat is significantly enhanced by setting the horizontal angles as described above, the maximum speed of the lifeboat is lower compared to when the horizontal angle is set parallel to the centerline. Therefore, by setting the horizontal angles, the maneuverability of the lifeboat is improved, while the maximum speed of the lifeboat is reduced. Thus, the aforementioned predetermined horizontal angles are set to achieve an optimal value between the maneuverability and maximum speed of the lifeboat.

[0059] Therefore, the operator is able to maneuver and steer the lifeboat away from the vessel or offshore facility. Additionally, the increased maneuverability of the lifeboat in the event of a "person overboard" situation also aids in the evacuation of that person / group, as the lifeboat can rotate around the aforementioned points.

[0060] In another embodiment, the horizontal angle can be adjusted during lifeboat movement. This can be achieved by setting an azimuth thruster that can be rotated to any horizontal angle (azimuth).

[0061] In both of the above embodiments, the lifeboats have no rudder and can only be controlled by propellers or water jets.

[0062] In addition, the lifeboat may include a third pair of engine-powered propulsion units, arranged on opposite sides of the centerline between the first and second pairs, each engine-powered propulsion unit having a propeller or water jet.

[0063] In addition, the lifeboat may include a fourth pair of engine-powered propulsion units, arranged on opposite sides of the centerline between the first and second pairs, each engine-powered propulsion unit having a propeller or water jet.

[0064] In addition, each engine-powered propulsion unit is operatively connected to a control unit. Furthermore, each engine-powered propulsion unit is independently controlled.

[0065] Figures 4 to 7 Lifeboat 1 is shown from different perspectives. Figure 4 The image shows a lifeboat in a top view, where the lifeboat is generally square in shape. Especially when lifeboat 1 has a square shape, its wetted surface area is quite large. Combined with a lifeboat capable of accommodating more than 150 people, preferably more than 200 people, this makes maneuvering the lifeboat difficult. The present invention solves these challenges.

[0066] Furthermore, the length-to-width ratio of lifeboats can be 3:2 or higher. In other lifeboat designs, the length-to-width ratio can be 7:4 or higher, or, for example, 2:1 or higher.

[0067] Moreover, the lifeboat can be more than 10 meters long and more than 6 meters wide, more preferably more than 12 meters long and more than 7 meters wide, and even more preferably about 12.5 meters long and about 8 meters wide.

[0068] In addition, lifeboat 1 has an access opening 14 in the canopy, which allows passengers and crew to access the evacuation area.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, each corner of the lifeboat 1 has an engine-powered propulsion device, which also aids in the maneuverability of the lifeboat 1. Each engine-powered propulsion device is arranged to connect to a hull, which is connected to a non-rigid inflation tube.

[0070] exist Figure 5The image shows a side view of lifeboat 1, specifically its starboard side. Each corner of lifeboat 1 is provided with a hull 4. The hull 4 includes a propulsion system 11 powered by an engine, which in this embodiment is equipped with thrusters 13. Each thruster 13 is angled horizontally relative to the centerline of lifeboat 1. The thrusters 13 can advantageously be covered by suitable grille members 15, such as… Figure 5 As shown. Since passengers / crew may be in the water during a rescue operation, a freely rotating thruster could pose a potential danger to passengers in the water, therefore thruster 13 can be shielded by a grille member.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the propellers 13 of the first pair of engine-powered propulsion units can be positioned at a lower depth than the propellers 13 of the second pair of engine-powered propulsion units. This also improves the maneuverability of the lifeboat 1.

[0072] exist Figure 6 In the diagram, lifeboat 1 is shown from the stern side. Inflation tubes 3 are arranged at intervals to enhance flow between them, thereby reducing the towing resistance of lifeboat 1 without compromising its displacement. Additionally, the hull 4 shown includes an engine-powered propulsion unit 11 equipped with a thruster 13. As mentioned above, the thruster 13 is concealed by a grille member 15. According to the invention, the thruster 13 has a horizontal angle relative to the centerline.

[0073] exist Figure 7 In the diagram, lifeboat 1 is shown in a deflated state. In this deflated state, the outer shell 4 protects and houses the deflated structure of lifeboat 1. Additionally, the outer shell, when stored, houses the propulsion system powered by an engine.

[0074] Advantageously, each propulsion unit powered by an engine is electrically driven. For this purpose, one or more power supply units are arranged within the lifeboat, preferably within the hull 4. The power supply unit is a battery pack.

[0075] However, in another embodiment, the propulsion device powered by the engine can be a combustion engine, in which case the power supply device can be fuel. However, electricity is currently preferred as the power supply device.

[0076] By placing multiple engine-powered propulsion units 11 at different locations on the lifeboat 1, propulsion can be applied from all of these locations. However, when using an inflatable structure for a lifeboat that navigates in water, insufficient rigidity becomes a concern. Therefore, to avoid excessive deformation of the lifeboat 1, the engine-powered propulsion units 11 can be advantageously divided into smaller engine-powered propulsion units 11. Furthermore, this division facilitates redundant design of the system, as the lifeboat 1 can still be propelled in the water even if some of the engine-powered propulsion units fail or have insufficient power supply.

[0077] The thruster 13 is preferably lowered away from the bottom of the lifeboat 1 so as to propel itself in the water substantially unaffected by turbulence generated near the bottom of the lifeboat. For leverage considerations, the thruster is preferably not lowered too deeply. The thruster is preferably lowered to approximately 40 cm below the bottom.

[0078] Although the invention has been described above in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be conceived without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lifeboat for evacuating passengers and crew from a vessel or offshore facility at sea (1), The lifeboat has a hull (2) mainly made of non-rigid air tubes (3) and one or more hulls (4). The hull (2) has a length (L), a width (W), and a centerline (C). L ), bow (7) and stern (8), The lifeboat also includes: On opposite sides of the centerline, at the stern (8), are the first pair (10) of propulsion devices (11) powered by an engine, and On opposite sides of the centerline, a second pair (12) of propulsion devices (11) powered by an engine are arranged at the bow (7). Each propulsion unit powered by an engine has a thruster (13) or a water jet. The horizontal angle (α, β) of each thruster (13) or water jet of each propulsion device (11) powered by the engine can be set independently relative to the centerline; The horizontal angle (α, β) can be adjusted or set to a predetermined horizontal angle; Among them, the center line (C) L The centerline is set to zero degrees, wherein each horizontal angle (α, β) of each propeller (13) or water jet is not equal to zero degrees; wherein each propeller or water jet of each propeller in the first pair (10) of propulsion devices powered by the engine is at an angle toward the centerline; and each propeller (13) or water jet of each propeller in the second pair (12) of propulsion devices powered by the engine is at an angle away from the centerline.

2. The lifeboat (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The horizontal angles (α, β) are adjusted during the movement of the lifeboat.

3. The lifeboat (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The horizontal angles (α, β) remain constant during the movement of the lifeboat.

4. The lifeboat (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, Each propeller (13) or water jet in each of the propulsion devices of the first pair (10) powered by the engine is arranged at a horizontal angle (α) between 15 and 45 degrees relative to the centerline.

5. The lifeboat (1) according to claim 4, wherein, Each propeller (13) or water jet in each of the propulsion devices of the first pair (10) powered by the engine is arranged at a horizontal angle (α) between 30 and 40 degrees relative to the centerline.

6. The lifeboat (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, Each propeller (13) or water jet in each of the propulsion devices of the second pair (12) powered by the engine is arranged to have a horizontal angle (β) between 25 and 55 degrees relative to the centerline.

7. The lifeboat (1) according to claim 6, wherein, Each propeller (13) or water jet in each of the propulsion devices of the second pair (12) powered by the engine is arranged to have a horizontal angle (β) between 40 and 50 degrees relative to the centerline.

8. The lifeboat (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, Each propulsion unit (11) powered by the engine is operatively connected to the control unit.

9. The lifeboat (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, Each propulsion unit (11) powered by the engine is controlled independently.

10. The lifeboat (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, Each propulsion device (11) powered by the engine is arranged to be connected to the housing (4), which is connected to the non-rigid inflation tube (3).

11. The lifeboat (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, Each propulsion unit, powered by an engine, is electrically driven.

12. The lifeboat (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The lifeboat is over 10 meters long and over 6 meters wide.

13. The lifeboat (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The lifeboat is over 12 meters long and over 7 meters wide.

14. The lifeboat (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The lifeboat measures 12.5 meters in length and 8 meters in width.

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