Emergency flotation device

Abstract

The application provides an emergency floating lifesaving device, belonging to the technical field of lifesaving devices at sea, comprising a wearable base, which contains a folding floating airbag in a cabin. The base is internally provided with an inflation assembly, a double trigger mechanism and a constant-speed damping release mechanism; the bottom of the floating airbag is connected with the constant-speed damping release mechanism through a traction rope. The double trigger mechanism comprises a manual pull ring and a hydrostatic pressure self-starting assembly, which can automatically trigger the inflation assembly when a person loses consciousness and sinks, so that high-pressure gas is instantaneously filled into the airbag to generate a huge buoyancy. When the airbag floats, the traction rope is pulled, the winding drum of the damping mechanism is rotated, the internal centrifugal flyweights are thrown out by centrifugal force and generate dynamic damping with the friction inner ring, so that the safe floating speed is forcibly limited. The application realizes automatic self-rescue triggering and constant-speed safe floating in a passive environment, and effectively prevents decompression sickness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of marine life-saving equipment, specifically an emergency surfacing life-saving device. Background Technology

[0002] In scenarios such as diving operations, underwater special missions, or maritime escape, when personnel encounter sudden dangers such as equipment malfunction, physical exhaustion, or loss of consciousness, they often need to use external buoyancy equipment for emergency ascent. Current emergency ascent equipment mostly relies on manually inflatable buoyancy compensators (BCDs) or simple airbags.

[0003] Existing equipment has the following significant drawbacks: First, it is highly dependent on manual operation; if a diver loses consciousness due to hypoxia or external impact, they will be unable to manually trigger the survival mechanism. Second, some devices with electronic triggering modules are prone to circuit failure due to water ingress in deep-sea high-pressure and complex marine environments. More critically, during rapid inflation and ascent in deep water, uncontrolled excessively fast ascent speeds can easily lead to severe decompression sickness (such as barotrauma or blood bubble embolism) in divers, endangering their lives. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a purely mechanical emergency ascent device with automatic sensing and triggering capabilities and mechanically limited ascent speed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention addresses the problem that existing technical solutions are too simplistic and provides a solution that is significantly different from existing technologies. Specifically, the present invention mainly provides an emergency buoyancy and rescue device to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: An emergency buoyancy rescue device includes a wearable base with a housing chamber on the base, within which a buoyancy airbag is folded and placed. The wearable base contains an inflation assembly and a dual-trigger mechanism linked to the inflation assembly. A high-strength traction rope is connected to the bottom of the buoyancy airbag and is wound around a constant-speed damping release mechanism located inside the wearable base. The dual-trigger mechanism drives the inflation assembly to puncture a gas cylinder, releasing high-pressure gas into the buoyancy airbag. The buoyancy airbag inflates and floats upwards, and the high-strength traction rope drives the constant-speed damping release mechanism.

[0006] Furthermore, the inflation assembly includes a cylinder mounting base, a high-pressure gas cylinder, and a firing pin slidably installed inside the cylinder mounting base; the tail of the firing pin is fitted with a firing spring, and an air guide channel communicating with the floating airbag is opened inside.

[0007] Furthermore, the dual triggering mechanism includes a linkage stop iron rotatably installed in the wearable base. One end of the linkage stop iron is engaged with the firing pin, and the other end is connected to a manual pull ring assembly and a hydrostatic pressure self-starting assembly, respectively, to achieve redundant triggering under multiple working conditions.

[0008] Furthermore, the hydrostatic pressure self-starting component includes a pressure-receiving bellows positioned opposite the water inlet, and a top rod connected to the inner side of the pressure-receiving bellows. A calibration spring is sleeved on the outer side of the top rod, which purely mechanically senses the ambient water pressure.

[0009] Furthermore, the constant speed damping release mechanism includes a fixed friction inner ring and a rotatable winding drum. A centrifugal throwing block is radially slidably provided on the end face of the winding drum. The centrifugal throwing block is connected by a reset tension spring, and the brake pad on its outer wall cooperates with the friction inner ring to realize centrifugal speed regulation control.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: (1) The present invention adopts a dual triggering mechanism that combines hydrostatic pressure self-starting and manual pull ring. When the diver exceeds the safe depth or loses consciousness and sinks, the ambient water pressure will directly compress the bellows and push the top rod to achieve pure physical automatic triggering, which overcomes the problem that electronic sensors are prone to failure underwater and greatly improves the survival probability in extreme situations.

[0011] (2) The present invention introduces a constant speed damping release mechanism. After the buoyancy airbag is inflated, it does not directly pull the personnel up, but drives the winding drum to rotate through the traction rope. The dynamic damping is generated by the centrifugal throwing block and the friction inner ring of the pure mechanical mechanism. The faster the ascent speed, the greater the resistance. The ascent speed of the personnel is forcibly limited within the safe threshold, which fundamentally avoids the occurrence of decompression sickness.

[0012] The present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal assembly of the present invention.

[0014] In the picture: 10. Wearable base; 20. Accommodation compartment; 40. Inflation assembly; 401. Cylinder mounting base; 402. High-pressure gas cylinder; 403. Firing pin; 404. Firing spring; 50. Dual trigger mechanism; 501. Linkage stop iron; 502. Manual pull ring assembly; 503. Hydrostatic pressure self-starting assembly; 504. Pressure-bearing bellows; 505. Push rod; 60. Constant speed damping release mechanism; 601. High-strength traction rope; 602. Friction inner ring; 603. Winding drum; 604. Centrifugal throwing block; 605. Reset tension spring. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the present invention will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in the text. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and complete.

[0016] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly associated with those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Example

[0018] Please see Figure 1 This invention provides an emergency surfacing and lifesaving device, including a wearable base 10 that can be worn on the arm or fixed to a diving vest. The outer side of the wearable base 10 has a housing 20, in which a high-strength surfacing airbag is vacuum-folded. The top of the housing 20 is fastened with a rupture-proof cover, the edge of which has elastic buckles. When the internal airbag inflation pressure reaches a certain value, it can automatically burst open, and a soft restraint strap prevents it from being lost in seawater.

[0019] To resolve the physical size conflict between the portability of wrist-worn devices and the need to provide significant buoyancy after deployment, the buoyancy airbag is made of ultra-thin, high-strength polyurethane (TPU) composite nylon fabric, possessing high tear resistance and high-pressure airtightness. The airbag is compressed and stored within the containment chamber 20 using a multiple Z-shaped high-density vacuum folding process, resulting in a minimal volume when deflated. When fully inflated and deployed, the airbag can effectively displace 15 to 25 liters of water, generating a positive buoyancy of 150 to 250 Newtons or more. This absolute buoyancy after expansion is sufficient to overcome the water pressure constraints in deep-water environments and the downward weight of the person being rescued (including diving weights), effectively lifting them to the surface. This ensures that the device, despite its miniaturized design, remains practical for supporting adult ascent. Example

[0020] Based on Example 1, please refer to Figure 2 The wearable base 10 integrates an inflation component 40. The inflation component 40 uses a cylinder mounting base 401 to thread a high-pressure gas cylinder 402, such as a small CO2 cylinder. A firing pin 403 is slidably installed in the guide hole of the cylinder mounting base 401. The rear end of the firing pin 403 is pressed by a powerful firing spring 404 and is in a state of energy storage and ready to fire. The tip of the firing pin 403 is directly opposite the sealing sheet of the high-pressure gas cylinder 402, and its hollow interior forms a gas guiding channel. Once the cylinder is punctured, the high-pressure gas will instantly flow into the floating airbag through the channel.

[0021] Considering the high water pressure environment in deep water, the high-pressure gas cylinder 402 is filled with high-pressure liquid compressed gas, such as liquid carbon dioxide. After the firing pin 403 pierces the sealing sheet, the liquid gas is ejected and instantly undergoes a phase change and vaporization, resulting in a violent volume expansion of hundreds of times. The expanded gas, through the gas guide channel, forcibly expands the high-density folded buoyancy airbag at extremely high flow rate and initial pressure, pushing open the anti-fall-off and burst cover, ensuring that the equipment can still rapidly establish a huge effective buoyancy sufficient to support a human body within 3 to 5 seconds in deep water high-pressure environments. Example

[0022] Based on Example 2, please refer to Figure 2 To ensure reliable firing, a dual triggering mechanism 50 is provided inside to control the firing pin 403. The core of this mechanism is a linkage stop 501 that is rotatably connected by a pin. The hook end of the linkage stop 501 is firmly locked in the limiting groove of the firing pin 403. The power end of the linkage stop 501 is connected to a manual pull ring assembly 502. When the personnel are awake, they can directly pull the pull ring to force the linkage stop 501 to disengage.

[0023] Meanwhile, the power end is also connected to a hydrostatic pressure self-starting component 503; the base housing has a water inlet hole, and inside is a pressure-bearing bellows 504 made of metal or rubber. The water pressure acts directly on its outer surface. A push rod 505 is fixed to the inner end of the pressure-bearing bellows 504, and a calibration spring that limits the triggering depth is sleeved around the push rod 505. When personnel sink to a depth exceeding the safety limit, such as 40 meters underwater, the high environmental water pressure overcomes the elasticity of the calibration spring, compresses the pressure-bearing bellows 504, and pushes the push rod 505 to open the linkage stop iron 501, realizing passive triggering. Example

[0024] Based on Example 1, please refer to Figure 2 To prevent decompression sickness caused by excessively rapid ascent, a constant-speed damping release mechanism 60 is embedded in the main frame of the wearable base 10. One end of the high-strength traction rope 601 is knotted with the buoyancy airbag, and the other end is wound around the winding drum 603 of the mechanism. The winding drum 603 is surrounded by a concentrically fixed friction inner ring 602.

[0025] The winding drum 603 has radial tracks on its end face, housing multiple centrifugal blocks 604 that are pulled centrifugally by return springs 605. When the buoyancy airbag pulls the traction rope upward, causing the winding drum 603 to rotate rapidly, the centrifugal force on the centrifugal blocks 604 overcomes the spring tension and throws them outward, with their outer brake pads tightly rubbing against the inner wall of the inner ring 602. The higher the rotational speed, the greater the centrifugal force and the stronger the frictional damping, thus forming a negative feedback regulation that tightly clamps the rope release speed within the international safe buoyancy standard speed of 18 meters per minute.

[0026] The operation process of this invention is as follows: During normal operational diving, the equipment worn by the personnel is in a dormant and ready-to-use state. In the event of a sudden danger, personnel can pull the manual pull ring assembly 502, or when personnel lose consciousness and sink into deep water, the increased water pressure will automatically compress the pressure-bearing bellows 504 and push the push rod 505. Both of the above methods will cause the linkage stop 501 to rotate and disengage, releasing the firing pin 403; Under the action of the firing spring 404, the firing pin 403 instantly punctures the high-pressure gas cylinder 402, and the high-pressure gas fills the floating airbag. The airbag expands and pushes open, and quickly floats to the sea surface. During the ascent of the buoyancy airbag, the high-strength traction rope 601 is pulled, which drives the winding drum 603 to rotate. The centrifugal throwing block 604 inside is thrown out and rubs against the friction inner ring 602, providing dynamic damping and ensuring that the personnel are pulled to the water surface for rescue at a safe and constant speed.

[0027] The present invention has been described by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvement made by adopting the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other occasions without modification, shall be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An emergency buoyancy rescue device, comprising a wearable base (10), characterized in that: The wearable base (10) is provided with a housing (20), and an buoyancy airbag is folded and placed inside the housing (20); The wearable base (10) is provided with an inflation component (40) and a dual triggering mechanism (50) that is linked to the inflation component (40). The bottom of the buoyancy airbag is connected to a high-strength traction rope (601), which is wound around a constant speed damping release mechanism (60) located inside the wearable base (10). The dual triggering mechanism (50) is used to drive the inflation component (40) to puncture the gas storage cylinder and release high-pressure gas into the floating airbag. The floating airbag expands and floats upward, and the constant speed damping release mechanism (60) is driven to operate by the high-strength traction rope (601).

2. The emergency buoyancy rescue device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inflation assembly (40) includes a cylinder mounting base (401) fixed inside the wearable base (10), a high-pressure gas cylinder (402) mounted on the cylinder mounting base (401), and a firing pin (403) slidably mounted inside the cylinder mounting base (401); the tail of the firing pin (403) is fitted with a firing spring (404), and the center of the firing pin (403) is provided with an air guide channel, which is connected to the floating airbag through a pipeline.

3. The emergency buoyancy rescue device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The dual triggering mechanism (50) includes a linkage stop (501) rotatably mounted in the wearable base (10). One end of the linkage stop (501) is engaged in the limiting groove of the firing pin (403) to compress the firing spring (404). The other end of the linkage stop (501) is connected to a manual pull ring assembly (502) and a hydrostatic self-starting assembly (503).

4. The emergency buoyancy rescue device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hydrostatic pressure self-starting assembly (503) includes a water inlet hole opened on the side wall of the wearable base (10), a pressure-receiving bellows (504) arranged opposite to the water inlet hole, and a top rod (505) connected to the inner side of the pressure-receiving bellows (504); a calibration spring is sleeved on the outer side of the top rod (505), and the end of the top rod (505) slides against the linkage stop iron (501).

5. The emergency buoyancy rescue device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The constant speed damping release mechanism (60) includes a friction inner ring (602) fixed inside the wearable base (10) and a winding drum (603) coaxially and rotatably mounted inside the friction inner ring (602), and the high-strength traction rope (601) is wound on the winding drum (603).

6. The emergency buoyancy rescue device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The winding drum (603) has multiple radial grooves on its end face. A centrifugal throwing block (604) is slidably disposed in each groove. A reset tension spring (605) is connected between the centrifugal throwing block (604) and the central axis of the winding drum (603). A wear-resistant brake pad is attached to the outer wall of the centrifugal throwing block (604). The wear-resistant brake pad is disposed opposite to the inner wall of the friction inner ring (602).

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