A morphable unmanned maritime rapid rescue device

Abstract

This invention discloses a variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device and its usage procedure. Its main function is to rescue personnel who have fallen into the water at sea, especially suitable for rescuing pilots who have fallen into the water in distant waters. This invention features transport and deployment via an aerial platform, autonomous navigation, and personnel rescue capabilities. According to the usage procedure, it sequentially transforms into different forms: storage and transportation mode, high-speed navigation mode, rescue mode, and shelter mode. The invention includes a usage procedure, a main casing, an information processing unit, a control and execution mechanism, a propulsion pod, a descent device, an antenna unit, a side-mounted inflation mechanism, a battery compartment, a reserve buoyancy compartment, a rescue supplies compartment, and shelter equipment. This invention can shorten rescue waiting time, reduce rescue risks, and increase the survival probability of personnel who have fallen into the water at sea, especially in distant waters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of personnel rescue, and specifically to a variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device. Background Technology

[0002] The treacherous maritime environment is one of the main reasons for the low survival rate of pilots who fall overboard. Even with simple flotation devices, pilots inevitably experience immersion in seawater after ejecting. In water below 15°C, most people will freeze in 30 minutes; in water below 5°C, they will freeze in as little as 5 minutes. Furthermore, pilots face the risk of attack by ferocious marine life. Based on the combat radius of modern fighter jets, the distance between the pilot's crash site and rescue forces can be over 600 kilometers. Rescue by surface vessel at a speed of 30 knots would take over 10 hours to reach the crash site in a straight line, and even by helicopter, it would take over 2 hours, making timely rescue difficult to guarantee. If the crash site is located in a dangerous area, the risk to vessels or aerial platforms entering the area would be even greater, making rescue difficult. Even if the pilot manages to save themselves using their onboard life-saving equipment, evacuating from the danger zone remains a significant challenge!

[0003] Therefore, the timeliness, safety, and safe evacuation of rescue are key factors in improving the survival probability of pilots who fall into the water.

[0004] Current rescue equipment and methods, and their shortcomings:

[0005] 1) Although some pilots are equipped with simple flotation devices, their small size limits the buoyancy they can provide, resulting in a low ability to withstand harsh environments such as wind, waves, scorching sun, rain, and low temperatures.

[0006] 2) If the pilot crashes into the water in a dangerous area, it is difficult for both surface and air rescue forces to safely reach the crash site, or the cost of reaching the site is too high, making it impossible for the pilot to escape the danger zone. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention focuses on achieving rapid deployment of rescue equipment, comprehensive personnel protection, and safe return. The invention provides a variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device (hereinafter referred to as the "rescue device") that enables rapid deployment, intelligent rescue, and autonomous return, thereby shortening rescue time, reducing rescue risks, and increasing the survival probability of pilots who have fallen into the water.

[0008] This invention is small in overall size and light in weight, uses a small pod for propulsion, and is powered primarily by batteries. It can rescue at least one person. This invention has the functions of being transported and deployed with an aerial platform, autonomous navigation, and personnel rescue.

[0009] The rescue device includes a main hull, a propulsion pod, an information processing unit, a control actuator, a descent device, an antenna unit, a side inflation mechanism, a battery compartment, a reserve buoyancy compartment, a rescue supplies compartment, a shielding device, and a conformal enclosure; wherein:

[0010] The main shell consists of two parts: a main body and a top cover. The main body adopts the shape of a high-speed ship hull, and the top cover works with the main body to ensure the watertight performance of the rescue device. At the same time, the main shell also protects various equipment of the rescue device.

[0011] The propulsion pod is located in the bottom area of ​​the tail section and consists of a propulsion motor, a propeller and a protective cover, used to drive the invention to move on the water surface;

[0012] The side inflation mechanism is a ring-shaped whole located around the top of the side of the rescue device. The side inflation mechanism is initially compressed and is used to provide buoyancy for the rescue device after inflation.

[0013] The information processing unit is located in the rear area and is used to receive navigation and command signals, perform calculations and processing, and then send instructions to the control execution mechanism.

[0014] The control actuator is located in the bottom area of ​​the tail section and is connected to the propulsion pod via a rotating shaft. It is used to receive instructions from the information processing unit and control the horizontal angle of the propulsion pod and the rotation of the propeller.

[0015] The descent device is located in the top area of ​​the tail and deploys before the rescue device is airdropped into the water to reduce the speed of the rescue device when it falls into the water.

[0016] The antenna unit is located in the top area of ​​the middle section and includes a positioning antenna, a communication antenna, and a navigation radar antenna, used for communication, navigation, and positioning with command personnel and people awaiting rescue;

[0017] The battery compartment is located in the middle and is used to provide power to the rescue device;

[0018] The reserve buoyancy chamber is located in the upper part of the middle section and is used to provide buoyancy and maintain a floating state;

[0019] The relief supplies compartment is located in the front area and is used to store relief supplies;

[0020] The rescue shelter is stored in the rescue supplies compartment in a folded state. When in use, it is unfolded by the rescued personnel and connected to the main shell to form a closed space to isolate the harsh external environment.

[0021] The conformal housing is an optional accessory, used only when the rescue device is mounted outside the aircraft cabin. It is connected to the tail of the main housing and is used to optimize the aerodynamic shape of the rescue device and reduce air resistance.

[0022] Preferably, the rescue device has a variable form, including a storage and transportation form, a high-speed navigation form, a rescue form, and a shelter form, and the forms can be switched sequentially according to actual usage needs;

[0023] The storage and transportation mode is the initial mode, in which the device is small in size to meet the size requirements for being carried and deployed by an aerial platform.

[0024] The high-speed navigation mode is the second mode, and the overall shape adopts the configuration of a high-speed planing boat. After being airdropped onto the water, it is used to achieve high-speed navigation to the target to be rescued.

[0025] The rescue mode is the third mode. After meeting the target to be rescued, the side inflation mechanism automatically inflates and unfolds, together with the main shell, to provide the buoyancy and space required to carry the person who fell into the water.

[0026] The shielding configuration described is the final form, designed to withstand harsh environments such as low temperatures, intense sunlight, and rainfall. The shielding device features an inward-sloping design and can be coated with a stealth coating if necessary to enhance the radar stealth capability of the rescue device.

[0027] Preferably, the storage and transportation mode is the initial mode, in which the device size is small and the devices in the antenna unit are in a stowed state.

[0028] Preferably, the storage and transportation mode is carried by an aircraft, and different fixing devices are configured according to different types of aircraft: when carried by a helicopter, it is fixed in the cabin by a fixing buckle; when carried by a fixed-wing fighter jet, a transition connection device is used to hang it under the wing or fuselage, which requires the use of a conformal cover.

[0029] Preferably, the antenna unit automatically deploys during the high-speed navigation mode.

[0030] Preferably, in the rescue configuration, the side inflation mechanism automatically inflates and deploys, providing the buoyancy and space required to carry the person who has fallen into the water.

[0031] Preferably, in the shielding configuration, the shielding device inside the rescue device is opened.

[0032] Preferably, the rescue device is equipped with autonomous navigation equipment, which includes a Beidou positioning device, a navigation radar, an information processing unit, and a radio beacon for active homing and autonomous navigation.

[0033] Preferably, the rescue supply compartment is equipped with necessary first-aid medicines and food to meet the emergency needs of the rescued personnel.

[0034] Preferably, within the predetermined operating distance, after the person to be rescued boards the rescue device, the total amount of energy stored in the battery compartment is still remaining, which can be used to safely transport the person away from the danger zone.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0036] This invention allows for rapid maneuverability via an aerial platform. After being airdropped to the incident area, it autonomously navigates to the person in the water, transforms its form to carry out the rescue, and possesses the ability to return autonomously, significantly reducing rescue waiting time. As a shipborne life-saving device, this device can be mounted on large ships such as aircraft carriers, as well as other vessels within a fleet; it can also be used in expanded fields such as long-range rescue of distressed civilian vessels. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a side-top view of the invention – storage and transportation configuration;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the present invention, taking the storage and transportation form as an example;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a side-top view of the invention - storage and transportation configuration - with a conformal cover installed;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a side-top view of the invention - high-speed navigation mode;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a side-top view of the invention in rescue mode;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a side-top view of the invention - the occlusion mode;

[0044] Figure 7 This is the application process of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] This invention provides a variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device, characterized in that the rescue device comprises a main hull, a propulsion pod, an information processing unit, a control and execution mechanism, a descent device, an antenna unit, a side-mounted inflation mechanism, a battery compartment, a reserve buoyancy compartment, a rescue supplies compartment, a shielding device, and a conformal enclosure; wherein:

[0046] The main shell consists of two parts: a main body and a top cover. The main body adopts the shape of a high-speed ship hull, and the top cover works with the main body to ensure the watertight performance of the rescue device. At the same time, the main shell also protects various equipment of the rescue device.

[0047] The propulsion pod is located in the bottom area of ​​the tail section and consists of a propulsion motor, a propeller and a protective cover, used to drive the invention to move on the water surface;

[0048] The side inflation mechanism is a ring-shaped whole located around the top of the side of the rescue device. The side inflation mechanism is initially compressed and is used to provide buoyancy for the rescue device after inflation.

[0049] The information processing unit is located in the rear area and is used to receive navigation and command signals, perform calculations and processing, and then send instructions to the control execution mechanism.

[0050] The control actuator is located in the bottom area of ​​the tail section and is connected to the propulsion pod via a rotating shaft. It is used to receive instructions from the information processing unit and control the horizontal angle of the propulsion pod and the rotation of the propeller.

[0051] The descent device is located in the top area of ​​the tail and deploys before the rescue device is airdropped into the water to reduce the speed of the rescue device when it falls into the water.

[0052] The antenna unit is located in the top area of ​​the middle section and includes a positioning antenna, a communication antenna, and a navigation radar antenna, used for communication, navigation, and positioning with command personnel and people awaiting rescue;

[0053] The battery compartment is located in the middle and is used to provide power to the rescue device;

[0054] The reserve buoyancy chamber is located in the upper part of the middle section and is used to provide buoyancy and maintain a floating state;

[0055] The relief supplies compartment is located in the front area and is used to store relief supplies;

[0056] The rescue shelter is stored in the rescue supplies compartment in a folded state. When in use, it is unfolded by the rescued personnel and connected to the main shell to form a closed space to isolate the harsh external environment.

[0057] The conformal housing is an optional accessory, used only when the rescue device is mounted outside the aircraft cabin. It is connected to the tail of the main housing and is used to optimize the aerodynamic shape of the rescue device and reduce air resistance.

[0058] The rescue device has a variable form, including storage and transportation form, high-speed navigation form, rescue form, and shielding form, and the forms can be switched sequentially according to actual usage needs.

[0059] The storage and transportation mode is the initial mode, in which the device is small in size to meet the size requirements for being carried and deployed by an aerial platform.

[0060] The high-speed navigation mode is the second mode, and the overall shape adopts the configuration of a high-speed planing boat. After being airdropped onto the water, it is used to achieve high-speed navigation to the target to be rescued.

[0061] The rescue mode is the third mode. After meeting the target to be rescued, the side inflation mechanism automatically inflates and unfolds, together with the main shell, to provide the buoyancy and space required to carry the person who fell into the water.

[0062] The shielding configuration described is the final form, designed to withstand harsh environments such as low temperatures, intense sunlight, and rainfall. The shielding device features an inward-sloping design and can be coated with a stealth coating if necessary to enhance the radar stealth capability of the rescue device.

[0063] The storage and transportation mode is the initial mode, at which point the device size is small and the devices within the antenna unit are in a stowed-in state.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the storage and transportation mode is carried by an aircraft, and different fixing devices are configured depending on the type of aircraft: when carried by a helicopter, it is fixed in the cabin by a fixing buckle; when carried by a fixed-wing fighter jet, a transition connection device is used to hang it under the wing or fuselage, in which case it needs to be used in conjunction with a conformal cover.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna unit automatically deploys during the high-speed navigation mode.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the rescue configuration, the side inflation mechanism automatically inflates and deploys to provide the buoyancy and space required to carry the person who has fallen into the water.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the shielding mode, the shielding device inside the rescue device is opened.

[0068] The operational process of the rescue device can be roughly divided into four stages: air transport and deployment, rapid water maneuver, personnel transport, protection, and return. To fully adapt to the needs of each stage, the rescue device is designed with four modes: storage and transport, high-speed navigation, rescue, and concealment, and can autonomously switch between these modes sequentially according to the stage.

[0069] 1) Storage and Transportation Form: The storage and transportation form is the initial form, in which the device is smaller in size, making it easier to be carried and deployed from an aerial platform. The rescue device can be used as a standby life-saving equipment and can be carried by boats, helicopters, or fixed-wing transport aircraft. When carried by fixed-wing aircraft, the carrying method can refer to external auxiliary fuel tanks. To optimize the aerodynamic shape, the rescue device is designed with a conformal shell, which can be used in conjunction with the main body of the rescue device as needed.

[0070] 2) High-speed navigation mode: The overall shape adopts the configuration of a high-speed planing boat. After being airdropped onto the water, the conformal shell separates from the main body, various antennas automatically deploy, and it autonomously navigates at high speed to the target to be rescued.

[0071] 3) Rescue mode: After meeting the target to be rescued, the side inflation mechanism automatically inflates and deploys, switching to rescue mode, providing the buoyancy and space required to carry the person who fell into the water. The main dimensions of this mode are significantly increased compared to the two modes mentioned above, and the space and buoyancy provided are also significantly increased to meet the needs of carrying the rescued person.

[0072] 4) The rescue device is equipped with shielding facilities to effectively cope with harsh environments such as low temperatures, intense sunlight, and rainfall. The shielding facilities feature an inward-sloping design and can be coated with a stealth coating when necessary, providing good radar wave stealth capabilities. After a rescue operation, the rescue device retains its maneuverability, allowing for a safe and covert withdrawal from the danger zone.

[0073] This invention carries essential emergency supplies such as first aid medicines, food, and fresh water, which can meet the needs of rescued personnel for a certain period of time.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rescue device is equipped with autonomous navigation equipment, which includes a Beidou positioning device, a navigation radar, an information processing unit, and a radio beacon, for active homing and autonomous navigation.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rescue supplies compartment is equipped with necessary first-aid medicines and food to meet the emergency needs of the rescued personnel.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, within a predetermined operating distance, after the person to be rescued boards the rescue device, the total amount of energy stored in the battery compartment is still remaining, which can be used to safely transport the person away from the danger zone.

[0077] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-7 The present invention will be described in detail by way of examples.

[0078] This invention has the capability to rescue at least one person in a single operation. This embodiment is illustrated using a single rescue operation of one person as an example. (Note: All dimensions described and marked in this document (including figures) are illustrative and can be adjusted, and the adjusted dimensions still fall within the scope of the claims of this patent.)

[0079] This embodiment features four modes: storage and transportation, high-speed navigation, rescue, and concealment. The storage and transportation mode is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the overall dimensions are approximately 1.5m × 0.6m × 0.45m, and the overall layout of the internal equipment is as follows. Figure 2 As shown. After adding a conformal cover, the storage and transportation configuration is as follows: Figure 3As shown, the overall length increases to approximately 2.0m, while the width and height remain unchanged. The high-speed navigation mode adopts a high-speed planing boat configuration, such as... Figure 4 As shown. The rescue formation is as follows. Figure 5 As shown, the main dimensions of this form are approximately 2.33m × 1.2m × 0.55m, of which the usable area for occupants is approximately 2.05m × 0.85m. The shielding configuration is as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

[0080] Application process of variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue devices, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the following is an example of rescue operations in a dangerous area:

[0081] Assuming an aircraft travels hundreds of kilometers into dangerous sea area on a mission, unfortunately crashes, and the pilot ejects into the water, requiring urgent rescue. Due to certain limitations, direct close-range rescue carries unacceptable risks; therefore, a "flying maneuver + rescue equipment" approach will be adopted for the rescue.

[0082] Rapid deployment via aerial platforms: dispatching aerial vehicles equipped with rescue devices (in storage mode).

[0083] The platform flew at high speed to the outer sea area of ​​the danger zone;

[0084] Airdrop: The aerial platform airdrops the rescue device, which then slows down and descends to the water surface;

[0085] Rendezvous with the pilot: The rescue device deploys its sensors, switches to high-speed navigation mode, and quickly and autonomously navigates to the pilot who has fallen into the water;

[0086] Rescue Operation: After rendezvous with the pilot, the rescue device automatically inflates and deploys into rescue mode, and the pilot boards the rescue device; the pilot uses the supplies inside the rescue device to provide emergency medical treatment;

[0087] Escape from danger zone: The rescue device can be switched to a shielded mode to safely carry the pilot away from the danger zone.

[0088] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of the invention and their equivalents, the invention is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device, characterized in that, The rescue device includes a main hull, a propulsion pod, an information processing unit, a control actuator, a descent device, an antenna unit, a side inflation mechanism, a battery compartment, a reserve buoyancy compartment, a rescue supplies compartment, shielding equipment, and a conformal cover. The main hull consists of a body and a top cover. The body adopts a high-speed hull design, and the top cover works in conjunction with the body to ensure the watertightness of the rescue device. The main hull also protects various equipment within the rescue device. The propulsion pod is located at the bottom of the stern and consists of a propulsion motor, a propeller, and a protective cover. The side inflation mechanism is a ring-shaped unit located around the top of the side of the rescue device. The initial state of the side inflation mechanism is compressed. The inflatable part provides buoyancy for the rescue device. The information processing unit, located at the rear, receives navigation and command signals, processes them, and sends instructions to the control actuator. The control actuator, located at the bottom of the tail section and connected to the propulsion pod via a pivot, receives instructions from the information processing unit and controls the horizontal angle of the propulsion pod and the rotation of the propeller. The descent device, located at the top of the tail section, deploys before the rescue device is airdropped into the water to reduce its speed upon impact. The antenna unit, located at the top of the middle section, includes a positioning antenna, a communication antenna, and a navigation radar antenna, used for communication with command personnel and the person awaiting rescue. The rescue device provides communication, navigation, and positioning for personnel; the battery compartment is located in the middle and provides power to the rescue device; the reserve buoyancy compartment is located in the upper part of the middle and provides buoyancy to maintain buoyancy; the rescue supply compartment is located in the front part and stores rescue supplies; the sheltering device is stored in the rescue supply compartment in a folded state and is unfolded by the rescued personnel when in use, and is connected to the main shell to form a closed space to isolate the external harsh environment; the conformal cover is an optional device and is only used when the rescue device is mounted outside the aircraft cabin. It is connected to the tail of the main shell to optimize the aerodynamic shape of the rescue device and reduce air resistance; the rescue device has a variable configuration, including a storage and transportation configuration. The device features three modes: high-speed navigation, rescue, and shelter. These modes can be switched sequentially according to actual usage requirements. The storage and transportation mode is the initial mode, where the device is small enough to meet the size requirements for airborne deployment. The high-speed navigation mode is the second mode, with an overall shape resembling a high-speed planing boat. After being airdropped onto the water, it is used to achieve high-speed navigation to the target to be rescued. The rescue mode is the third mode, where, after rendezvous with the target, the side inflation mechanism automatically inflates and deploys, along with the main hull, to provide the buoyancy and space needed to carry personnel who have fallen into the water. The shelter mode is the final mode, designed to cope with harsh environments such as low temperatures, intense sunlight, and rainfall. The shelter device features an inward-sloping design.

2. The variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The storage and transportation mode is the initial mode, at which point the device size is small and the devices within the antenna unit are in a stowed-in state.

3. The variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned storage and transportation method involves being carried by an aircraft. Depending on the type of aircraft, different fixing devices are used: when carried by a helicopter, it is fixed to the cabin by a fixing buckle; when carried by a fixed-wing fighter jet, a transition connection device is used to attach it to the wing or under the fuselage, which requires the use of a conformal cover.

4. The variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, During high-speed navigation, the antenna unit automatically deploys.

5. A variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the rescue configuration, the side inflation mechanism automatically inflates and deploys, providing the buoyancy and space needed to carry the person who has fallen into the water.

6. The variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the shielding mode is activated, the shielding device inside the rescue device is opened.

7. A variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rescue device is equipped with autonomous navigation equipment, which includes BeiDou positioning equipment, navigation radar, information processing unit, and radio beacon, for active homing and autonomous navigation.

8. A variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The relief supplies compartment is equipped with necessary first-aid medicines and food to meet the emergency needs of the rescued personnel.

9. A variable-form unmanned rapid maritime rescue device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Within the predetermined operating distance, after the person to be rescued boards the rescue device, the total amount of energy stored in the battery compartment will still be available, which can be used to safely transport the person away from the danger zone.

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