New energy ship life raft

Abstract

The application discloses a new energy ship life raft, and belongs to the technical field of new energy application life-saving of ships, comprising a plurality of life raft groups hung on the ship side, any life raft group comprising two floating members reversely stacked and connected, the floating members being annular and internally provided with auxiliary floats, photovoltaic panels being fixed on the upper and lower sides of the auxiliary floats, the auxiliary floats being elastically connected with rubber plates on the upper and lower sides, the floating members being provided with telescopic rods for connecting the two floating members, and the floating members being provided with the rubber plates for protecting the photovoltaic panels on the stacking surfaces. The application can protect the ship side before release, can be disassembled and assembled after release to improve the stability and safety on water, and has small overall weight and is convenient to store.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine new energy application technology, and specifically relates to a new energy marine life raft. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of science and technology, new energy sources, such as wind energy, solar energy, nuclear energy, biomass energy, and tidal energy, have become increasingly prominent in terms of their unique advantages and benefits in energy conservation and emission reduction. Among them, life rafts, as an indispensable life-saving device on ships, have become one of the main life-saving devices and have been widely used on various types of ships. They are also the safest and most effective life-saving devices, characterized by their light weight, small size, and ease of use.

[0003] Existing new energy life rafts are usually inflatable kayaks or lightweight hulls. They rely on wind power generation mechanisms installed on top of the hull and hydropower generation mechanisms installed at the bottom of the hull to convert energy into power for electronic devices on the hull, such as lights and turbines. They have the advantages of long endurance and energy saving. However, wind power generation devices are usually quite heavy, and in order to effectively collect and convert offshore wind energy, the blades of the wind power generation device need to be set high, which is not conducive to the overall floating stability of the device on the water surface. In addition, the device is not easy to store, the power generation device is easily damaged, and the maintenance cost is increased.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application No. KR1020180082983 discloses a life raft. This invention includes a float, with the raft body inflated to provide buoyancy. A central rescue space is formed above the float for a life-saving device. A support column is located above the float, comprising multiple support components. A power generation unit is located below the float, including an upper electrode and a lower electrode. The power generation unit is electrically connected to a charging element, including a rectifier for power conversion. This invention can convert the wave energy and polarity of water into continuous electrical energy to power the life-saving device for rescue. However, the power generation unit is located at the bottom of the float, making it difficult to deploy and prone to damage during retrieval. The overall height of the life-saving float is also relatively high, posing a risk of capsizing when subjected to water currents. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a new energy ship life raft that is easy to store, floats stably, and has multi-directional protection capabilities.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to achieve the above objectives is as follows: A new energy-powered life raft for ships includes: a life raft assembly comprising two horizontally arranged floating components. Each floating component has a photovoltaic panel on its upper surface, electrically connected to electronic equipment for rescue. The floating components are annular with an inner groove containing an auxiliary float, which is an inflatable airbag. The floating components convert solar energy into electricity through the photovoltaic panel to power the electronic equipment, ensuring the life raft's energy supply on the water. The auxiliary float can be disassembled and separated within the groove by inflation and deflation. In this separation, the annular floating component forms a life ring for survivors to cling to, while also providing a small floating platform for survivors in other locations, improving rescue efficiency and reducing the risk of drowning.

[0007] Preferably, the auxiliary float is provided with rubber plates at the top and bottom, and an elastic rope is provided between the auxiliary float and the rubber plates. The two ends of the elastic rope are fixed with hooks and buckles. Both the auxiliary float and the rubber plates are provided with snap rings that are connected to the hooks and buckles. The rubber plates are evenly distributed with through holes. The rubber sheet, with its adjustable spacing from the auxiliary float via elastic ropes, facilitates the secure storage of life jackets, drinking water, and other life-saving supplies, while also providing protection against damage. The upper and lower rubber sheets protect the auxiliary float from both sides, preventing breakage and protecting the bottom from abrasion during shore recovery. When currents act on the elastic sheet, it floats up and down via the elastic ropes, creating different depths at the bottom to reduce overall swaying and undulation, lowering the risk of falls. As the elastic sheet floats, air bubbles are created through its perforations to clean the bottom of the auxiliary float, preventing entanglement in seaweed or attachment of organisms that could render it immobile. The lower rubber sheet can be connected to the upper rubber sheet via elastic ropes and hooks, increasing the surface area for airflow contact. By pulling the elastic ropes, personnel can change the attitude and direction of the rubber sheet, using wind power to propel the auxiliary float in different directions and accelerate shore approach. Personnel can also remove some hooks to extend the rubber sheet laterally towards the float, increasing the chances of a survivor grabbing it and being rescued.

[0008] Preferably, the floating component includes symmetrically arranged first floats, and also includes second floats symmetrically arranged between the ends of adjacent first floats. A rope connects the two life rafts, with both ends of the rope fixed to the two closest end faces of the second floats. The rope connection connects the two floating components, allowing them to fold so that the photovoltaic panels are close together and located at the folded contact surface. This facilitates effective protection of the photovoltaic panels when not in use, reduces the space required for storage, and makes recycling and storage easier.

[0009] Preferably, one end of the first float has an inwardly extending mounting hole, within which a telescopic rod is installed. A connector is fixed to the telescopic end of the telescopic rod. The other end of the first float has a threaded hole coaxial with the mounting hole, and the connector has threads that mate with the threaded hole. After the telescopic end of the telescopic rod extends, it can be connected to the threaded hole by rotating the connector, forming a laterally fixed connection between the two floating components. This increases the contact with the water, improves overall stability, and prevents the two connected floating components from bending due to water flow impact at the rope, which could cause the device to capsize and personnel to fall into the water. The extended portion of the telescopic rod is also easy for personnel to grab to prevent them from falling into the water.

[0010] Preferably, a groove is formed along the axis of the mounting hole, and the groove is connected to an annular slot. A slider is fixed to the outer wall of the telescopic rod, and the slider is configured to cooperate with the groove and the slot. The auxiliary float is equipped with a propeller blade that can be assembled with the connector. The telescopic rod is engaged in the slot by the slider but not aligned with the groove, thus achieving fixed installation in the mounting hole. Rotating the telescopic rod to align the slider with the groove allows the telescopic rod to be removed. The propeller blade is then assembled with the telescopic rod to form a propeller, facilitating personnel to slide and accelerate the descent to shore, increasing the chances of survival. At the same time, the telescopic rod can be extended to rescue people in the water, improving rescue efficiency.

[0011] Preferably, the upper and lower end faces of the float are provided with multiple pads, each pad including multiple springs connected to the float. Each pad also includes an outer buffer plate with a wavy outer side. The thickness of the photovoltaic panel is less than the thickness of the pad. The pads and buffer plates provide contact between the folded surfaces when the float is folded, preventing excessive pressure damage to the photovoltaic module. When unfolded, the buffer plates are located on the upper and lower sides in contact with the ocean current. The lower buffer plate, with its wavy texture, slows the water flow and reduces the float's swaying, while also protecting the upper and lower end faces of the float from damage. The upper buffer plate facilitates grabbing and climbing, reducing the chance of slipping. Simultaneously, when the float is used as a lifebuoy, the buffer plate disperses surface airflow, reducing its impact on the face. The springs move the buffer plate up and down, changing the direction of airflow and water deceleration, aiding in cleaning the photovoltaic panel. It also creates a gap between the float and the ground during retrieval, preventing wear and breakage, reducing friction and vibration interference with the photovoltaic panel, and extending its service life.

[0012] Preferably, the second float has a through-slot running vertically through it. The life raft assembly also includes a hoisting rope connected to the through-slot, which is in a closed loop for suspending the life raft. The hoisting rope can fold the two floats into a life raft assembly and suspend it on the side of the hull. By cutting the hoisting rope, the life raft assembly can be quickly released into the water. When suspended, the folding of the two floats compresses the springs. After the hoisting rope is broken, the springs act as a buffer plate, causing the two floats to quickly open and ensuring that the side with the photovoltaic panel faces upward, preventing the device from tipping over when it enters the water. When not in use, the two vertically folded floats effectively provide double-layer protection to the side of the hull.

[0013] Preferably, the first float has a handle fixed to its outer side. The hook buckle can be removed from the shackle on the auxiliary float and connected to the handle, providing a grabbing opportunity for people in the water and improving the survival rate.

[0014] This invention, by employing multiple detachable floating components that can be assembled into different forms to facilitate personnel survival, offers the following advantages: The auxiliary float is detachably mounted inside the annular groove of the floating component, forming two independent floats to rescue dispersed personnel, improving rescue efficiency; rubber plates protect the upper and lower sides of the auxiliary float to prevent breakage; the rubber plates, via elastic ropes, store and protect rescue supplies, facilitating personnel use; the rubber plates float in the water via elastic ropes, forming air bubbles at the through-holes to increase bottom buoyancy and clean the bottom to prevent biological attachment and weight gain; the rubber plates can be detached and positioned above or to the side, providing wind power and enhancing the ability of those falling into the water to grab onto them; the telescopic rod within the mounting hole allows for the lateral splicing of two floating components, increasing the contact area with water and improving floating stability; the telescopic rod can be removed and combined with paddles to form a paddle for personnel use; the pad protects the photovoltaic panel and buffers water impact, improving floating stability; the folded floating components form a rescue raft that is suspended on the side of the hull, providing side protection and facilitating release. Therefore, this invention is a new energy ship life raft that is easy to store, floats stably, and has multi-directional protection capabilities. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the horizontal connection between two floating components; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a single floating component. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the annular groove; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the vertical connection between the rubber sheet and the auxiliary float. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a partial section of the mounting hole structure; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Area A in the middle and the enlarged schematic diagram; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pad structure; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the rubber sheet and the auxiliary float above; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the folded state of the two floating components; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of floating components on the side of the hull.

[0016] Reference numerals: Floating component 1; Ring groove 10; First float 11; Second float 12; Rope 13; Photovoltaic panel 2; Electronic equipment 20; Auxiliary float 3; Elastic rope 30; Hook buckle 31; Snap ring 32; Rubber plate 4; Through hole 40; Mounting hole 5; Slide groove 50; Slot 51; Telescopic rod 6; Connector 60; Threaded hole 61; Slider 62; Pad 7; Spring 70; Buffer plate 71; Through groove 8; Lifting rope 80; Handle 9. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings: Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] Example 1 See appendix Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 3 A new energy ship life raft includes: a life raft assembly, which includes two horizontally arranged floating components 1. A photovoltaic panel 2 is mounted on the upper surface of each floating component 1. The photovoltaic panel 2 is electrically connected to an electronic device 20 for lifesaving purposes. The floating component 1 is annular with an inner groove 10. An auxiliary float 3, which is an internally inflatable airbag, is located within the groove 10. The auxiliary float 3 has an inflation port at one end for internal inflation; the inflation port is openable and closable.

[0019] The electronic device 20 includes a GPS locator installed inside the float 1, an alarm installed on the upper surface of the float 1, and a light.

[0020] The floating component 1 converts solar energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic panel 2 to supply the electronic equipment 20, ensuring the energy supply of the life raft on the water. The auxiliary float 3 can be disassembled and separated in the annular groove 10 by inflating and deflating. At this time, the annular floating component 1 forms a life ring for survivors to cling to. At the same time, the auxiliary float 3 can also provide a small floating platform for survivors in other locations, improving rescue efficiency and reducing the chance of drowning.

[0021] See appendix Figure 4 The auxiliary float 3 has rubber plates 4 on the upper and lower sides respectively. An elastic rope 30 is provided between the auxiliary float 3 and the rubber plate 4. The two ends of the elastic rope 30 are fixed with hook buckles 31. Both the auxiliary float 3 and the rubber plate 4 are provided with snap rings 32 connected to the hook buckles 31. The rubber plate 4 is evenly distributed with through holes 40.

[0022] The rubber plate 4 is adjusted in distance from the auxiliary float 3 via the elastic rope 30, which facilitates the compaction and storage of life jackets, drinking water and other life-saving supplies, while also forming a protective barrier to prevent damage to the supplies. The rubber plates 4, which are arranged on the top and bottom, can protect the auxiliary float 3 from being broken by aquatic organisms or reefs, and can also prevent bottom wear when the auxiliary float 3 is retrieved from the shore. The elastic plate below can divert water flow. When the current acts on the elastic plate below, the elastic plate floats up and down via the elastic rope 30, forming diversions at different depths at the bottom to reduce the overall undulation and swaying of the float 1 and reduce the risk of people falling. While the elastic plate floats, it uses the through holes 40 to form air bubbles to clean the bottom of the auxiliary float 3, preventing aquatic plants from getting tangled or organisms from attaching and making it unable to move.

[0023] See appendix Figure 3 The floating component 1 includes a first float 11 symmetrically arranged, and a second float 12 symmetrically arranged between the ends of adjacent first floats 11. The two life rafts are connected by a rope 13, and the two ends of the rope 13 are respectively fixed to the end faces of the two closest second floats 12.

[0024] The connection of the rope 13 enables the connection of the two floating parts 1. The two floating parts 1 can be folded so that the photovoltaic panel 2 is close to and located on the folded contact surface, which facilitates effective protection of the photovoltaic panel 2 when not in use, and also reduces the space occupied when storing, making it easy to recycle and store.

[0025] See appendix Figure 5 -Appendix Figure 6 The first float 11 has an inwardly opening mounting hole 5 at one end, and a telescopic rod 6 is provided in the mounting hole 5. The telescopic end of the telescopic rod 6 is fixed with a connector 60. The other end of the first float 11 has a threaded hole 61 that is coaxially arranged with the mounting hole 5. The connector 60 has a thread that is connected to the threaded hole 61.

[0026] After the telescopic end of the telescopic rod 6 extends, it can be assembled and connected to the threaded hole 61 by rotating the connector 60 to form two floating parts 1 horizontally fixed connection, which increases the contact with the water body and improves the overall stability. It prevents the two connected floating parts 1 from being bent by the water flow at the rope body 13, which would cause the device to overturn and people to fall into the water. The extended part of the telescopic rod 6 is easy for people to grab to prevent them from falling into the water.

[0027] A sliding groove 50 is provided in the mounting hole 5 along the axis of the hole. The sliding groove 50 is connected to an annular groove 51. A slider 62 is fixed on the outer wall of the telescopic rod 6. The slider 62 is configured to cooperate with the sliding groove 50 and the groove 51. The auxiliary float 3 is equipped with a blade 62 that can be assembled with the connector 60.

[0028] The telescopic rod 6 is engaged in the slot 51 by the slider 62 and is not aligned with the slide groove 50, so as to achieve fixed installation in the mounting hole 5. The telescopic rod 6 can be removed by rotating the telescopic rod 6 so that the slider 62 is aligned with the slide groove 50. The telescopic rod 6 is assembled with the equipped paddle blade 62 to form a paddle, which facilitates the sliding of personnel to speed up the approach to the shore and increase the chance of survival. At the same time, the telescopic rod 6 can be extended and removed to rescue people in the water, thereby improving the rescue efficiency.

[0029] See appendix Figure 7 The upper and lower end faces of the floating component 1 are provided with multiple pads 7. The pads 7 include multiple springs 70 connected to the floating component. The pads 7 also include a buffer plate 71 located on the outer side. The outer side of the buffer plate 71 is wavy. The thickness of the photovoltaic panel 2 is lower than the thickness of the pads 7.

[0030] The pad 7 and the buffer plate 71 provide contact between the folded surfaces when the float 1 is folded, preventing excessive pressure damage to the photovoltaic module. When unfolded, the buffer plate 71 is located on the upper and lower sides in contact with the ocean current. The lower buffer plate 71 slows down the water flow and reduces the swaying of the float 1 through its wave pattern, and also protects the upper and lower surfaces of the float 1 to prevent damage. The upper buffer plate 71 makes it easier for people to grab and climb, reducing the chance of slipping. At the same time, when the float 1 is used as a lifebuoy, the buffer plate 71 can disperse the airflow on the sea surface and reduce its impact on people's faces. The spring 70 can drive the buffer plate 71 to move up and down, changing the direction of deceleration and guidance of airflow and water, which helps to clean the photovoltaic panel 2. It also forms a gap between the float 1 and the ground when it is retrieved, preventing the float 1 from wearing out and breaking, and reducing the interference of friction and vibration on the photovoltaic panel 2, thus increasing its service life.

[0031] See appendix Figure 9 The second float 12 has a through groove 8 that runs vertically through it. The life raft also includes a sling 80 connected to the through groove 8. The sling 80 is in a closed loop shape and is used to suspend the life raft.

[0032] The first float 11 has a handle 9 fixed to its outer side. The hook buckle 31 can be removed from the retaining ring 32 on the auxiliary float 3 and connected to the handle 9, providing a grabbing opportunity for people in the water and improving the survival rate.

[0033] Example 2, see appendix Figure 8 In this embodiment, the rubber plate 4 connected to the lower side of the auxiliary float 3 is disassembled and connected to the upper side of the rubber plate 4 via the elastic rope 30 and the hook buckle 31. The rest is the same as in embodiment 1.

[0034] This allows for a larger airflow contact surface above the float 1. By pulling the elastic rope 30, personnel can change the attitude and direction of the rubber plate 4, using wind energy to drive the auxiliary float 3 to change its forward direction and accelerate the speed of safely reaching the shore. Users can also remove the hook 31 on the side of the auxiliary float 3 closest to the first float 11, causing the rubber plate 4 to extend laterally to the side of the float 1, increasing the chances of survivors grabbing and being rescued.

[0035] Example 3, see appendix Figure 9 -Appendix Figure 10 When the device is not in use, the suspending rope 80 passes through the two channels 8 that are furthest apart when the life raft is laid out laterally, and is suspended on the side of the hull, so that the two floating parts 1 with photovoltaic panels 2 are close to each other to form a folded posture, and the rope 13 is kept vertically downward. The rest is the same as in embodiment 1.

[0036] The life raft can be quickly released into the water by cutting the hoisting rope 80. When hoisting, the two floating parts 1 fold, which compresses the spring 70. After the hoisting rope 80 is broken, the spring 70 acts on the buffer plate 71 to quickly open the two floating parts 1 and ensure that the side with the photovoltaic panel 2 is facing upwards, preventing the device from flipping when entering the water. When not in use, the two floating parts 1 in the vertically folded state can effectively form a double layer of protection for the side of the hull, reducing the probability of damage when the hull is hit from the side.

[0037] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A new energy ship life raft, comprising: A life raft assembly comprising two horizontally arranged floating components (1), characterized in that: a photovoltaic panel (2) is provided on the upper surface of the floating component (1), the photovoltaic panel (2) is electrically connected to an electronic device (20) for lifesaving, the floating component (1) is annular and has an inner groove (10), an auxiliary float (3) is provided in the groove (10), the auxiliary float (3) is an internally inflated airbag, the auxiliary float (3) is provided with rubber plates (4) on the upper and lower sides respectively, and an elastic rope is provided between the auxiliary float (3) and the rubber plates (4). (30), the elastic rope (30) is fixed with hook buckles (31) at both ends, the auxiliary float (3) and the rubber plate (4) are both provided with snap rings (32) connected to the hook buckles (31), the rubber plate (4) is evenly distributed with through holes (41), the floating component (1) includes a first float (11) symmetrically arranged, the floating component (1) also includes a second float (12) symmetrically arranged between the ends of adjacent first floats (11), the two life rafts are connected by a rope (13), the two ends of the rope (13) are respectively connected to the hook buckles (31) at a distance of 30. The two closest second floats (12) are fixed at their end faces. One end of the first float (11) has an inwardly opening mounting hole (5). A telescopic rod (6) is provided in the mounting hole (5). A connector (60) is fixed at the telescopic end of the telescopic rod (6). The other end of the first float (11) has a threaded hole (61) coaxially arranged with the mounting hole (5). The connector (60) has a thread that mates with the threaded hole (61). A groove (50) is provided in the mounting hole (5) along the axial direction of the hole. The groove (50) connects to the opening. The life raft is provided with an annular groove (51), and a slider (62) is fixed on the outer wall of the telescopic rod (6). The slider (62) is configured to cooperate with the slide groove (50) and the groove (51). The auxiliary float (3) is equipped with a blade that can be assembled with the connector (60). The second float (12) is provided with a through groove (8) that runs vertically through the body. The life raft also includes a sling (80) connected to the through groove (8). The sling (80) is in a closed loop shape and is used to suspend the life raft. The first float (11) is fixed with a handle (9) on the outside.

2. The new energy ship life raft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floating component (1) has multiple pads (7) on its upper and lower end faces. Each pad (7) includes multiple springs (70) connected to the floating component (1). Each pad (7) also includes a buffer plate (71) located on the outer side. The buffer plate (71) is wavy on its outer side. The thickness of the photovoltaic panel (2) is lower than the thickness of the pad (7).

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