Intelligent life buoy

Abstract

This invention discloses an intelligent lifebuoy, comprising a U-shaped float and a propulsion system, a navigation and control module, and a multi-modal distress signal module disposed on the U-shaped float. The propulsion system provides navigation power to the U-shaped float. The navigation and control module is electrically connected to the propulsion system and controls the propulsion system. The navigation and control module supports both remote control and autonomous navigation modes. The multi-modal distress signal module is electrically connected to the navigation and control module and sends out distress signals. This intelligent lifebuoy, by providing driving force through a propulsion system and combining it with dual-mode navigation and control, ensures that it can actively and quickly reach the person in distress during a rescue, shortening rescue time, improving rescue response efficiency, seizing the golden rescue time, and increasing the rescue success rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of lifesaving equipment technology, specifically, this invention relates to an intelligent life ring. Background Technology

[0002] Lifebuoys, as a simple, easy-to-deploy, and low-threshold buoyancy-based emergency rescue equipment, are essential basic rescue supplies in scenarios such as ships, docks, waterfront scenic areas, and waterborne operation platforms.

[0003] Currently, the most widely used lifebuoys in the industry are traditional passive lifebuoys, while several improved lifebuoys based on the traditional structure have also emerged. Traditional passive lifebuoys have a closed, ring-shaped buoyancy structure, relying on their own density to float on the water surface. In use, they are manually thrown by rescuers to the vicinity of the person in the water, passively floating and waiting for the person to grab them, providing buoyancy support to prevent further drowning while awaiting further rescue. To improve visibility in low-visibility environments, some existing improved lifebuoys have added manually activated light-emitting components and buzzer alarm components to the traditional ring-shaped buoyancy body, aiming to improve the lifebuoy's visual and auditory recognition.

[0004] Existing lifebuoys all employ a passive rescue mode, resulting in extremely low rescue response efficiency and poor adaptability to various scenarios. The positional changes of existing lifebuoys after being thrown rely entirely on the accuracy of the throw and the effects of natural currents and waves. They cannot achieve autonomous navigation or actively and quickly move towards the drowning victim. In rescue scenarios where the point of impact is far from the shore / ship, the water currents are complex, or the waves are large, there is a high risk of significant deviations in the throw point or the lifebuoy being swept away from the drowning victim's location by the current. This prevents timely arrival at the victim's side, misses the golden window for drowning rescue, and can even lead to rescue failure.

[0005] The existing lifebuoys have a simplistic and passive distress warning mechanism, with severely inadequate recognition and location capabilities in harsh environments. Current lifebuoys are only equipped with simple manually triggered audible and visual alarm components. The coverage and duration of these signals are limited by the built-in power supply capacity and installation structure, resulting in limited signal strength. In low-visibility conditions such as nighttime, heavy rain, dense fog, and high waves, the signals are easily obscured by environmental factors, making them highly unlikely to be detected by rescuers at long distances. Furthermore, existing lifebuoys lack positioning and wireless communication capabilities, preventing them from proactively and continuously transmitting the precise location of the person in the water to the shore-based rescue command system and on-site rescuers. This makes it difficult for rescuers to accurately pinpoint the area where the person fell into the water, significantly increasing the difficulty and duration of the search and rescue operation, and further reducing the success rate of the rescue. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention provides an intelligent lifebuoy, designed to ensure that it can actively and quickly reach a person who has fallen into the water during a rescue, thereby shortening rescue time and increasing the success rate of the rescue.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: an intelligent lifebuoy, comprising a U-shaped float and a propulsion system, a navigation and control module, and a multimodal distress signal module disposed on the U-shaped float; the propulsion system is used to provide navigation power for the U-shaped float; the navigation and control module is electrically connected to the propulsion system and is used to control the propulsion system, and the navigation and control module supports remote control mode and autonomous navigation mode; the multimodal distress signal module is electrically connected to the navigation and control module and is used to send out distress signals.

[0008] The propulsion system consists of two sets, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the opening end of the U-shaped float. The propulsion system includes a sealed waterproof chamber, and a drive motor and a propeller connected to the drive motor are installed inside the sealed waterproof chamber.

[0009] The intelligent life ring also includes multiple lifting support plates, which are hinged to the bottom of the U-shaped float. The hinged end of the lifting support plate is provided with a hinge shaft, and the lifting support plate can rotate around the hinge shaft within a set angle range. Several water-permeable holes are provided on the lifting support plate.

[0010] The intelligent life ring also includes a lifting drive mechanism, which includes an electric push rod. One end of the electric push rod is hinged to the U-shaped float, and the other end is hinged to the lifting support plate.

[0011] The intelligent life ring also includes a limiting and buffering structure, which includes mechanical limiting blocks disposed at both ends of the hinge shaft and a buffer rubber pad disposed on the back of the lifting support plate.

[0012] The intelligent lifebuoy also includes a heat loss protection unit, which is a graphene heating film embedded in the inner wall of the two arms of the U-shaped float. The graphene heating film is electrically connected to the navigation and control module.

[0013] The navigation and control module integrates a wireless communication receiver. In the autonomous navigation mode, the navigation and control module receives the signal from the distress signal transmitter worn by the person who has fallen into the water and autonomously plans a path to the target.

[0014] The multimodal distress module includes a signal transmitting unit, an audible and visual alarm unit, and a physical distress triggering interface; the signal transmitting unit integrates a positioning module and a radio signal transmitter; the audible and visual alarm unit includes an LED flashlight and an electronic siren; and the physical distress triggering interface is a trigger button or pull ring located on the U-shaped float.

[0015] The U-shaped float is equipped with a material storage compartment, which is used to store emergency supplies.

[0016] The intelligent lifebuoy of this invention provides driving force through a propulsion system, coupled with dual-mode navigation control, ensuring it can proactively and quickly reach the person in distress during a rescue, shortening rescue time, improving rescue response efficiency, seizing the golden rescue time, and increasing the rescue success rate. Dual-mode navigation ensures the lifebuoy can move autonomously even if the operator is not in position; the easy-grip structure and auxiliary functions provide more stable support and psychological comfort to the person in distress. Multiple, proactive signal transmission mechanisms (light, sound, radio, and positioning) ensure effective detection and location even in high-risk and complex environments. Attached Figure Description

[0017] This manual includes the following figures, which illustrate the following: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the intelligent lifebuoy of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the support plate setup; The following are labeled in the diagram: 1. Battery; 2. Drive motor; 3. Propeller; 4. Navigation and control module; 5. Side wall; 6. Physical distress trigger interface; 7. Signal transmission unit; 8. Handrail; 9. Audible and visual alarm unit; 10. Lifting support plate; 11. Graphene heating film; 12. Arc-shaped substrate; 13. Material storage compartment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the concept and technical solutions of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation.

[0019] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides an intelligent lifebuoy, including a U-shaped float and a propulsion system, a navigation and control module 4, and a multimodal distress signal module disposed on the U-shaped float. The propulsion system provides navigation power to the U-shaped float. The navigation and control module 4 is electrically connected to the propulsion system and is used to control the propulsion system. The navigation and control module 4 supports remote control mode and autonomous navigation mode. The multimodal distress signal module is electrically connected to the navigation and control module 4 and is used to send out distress signals.

[0020] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the intelligent lifebuoy disclosed in this embodiment of the invention is an active water rescue device integrating power propulsion, dual-mode navigation control, multi-modal distress call, and adaptive lifting and fixation of disabled persons. Its main body is a U-shaped float, which is an integrally molded structure. It includes an arc-shaped base 12 and two sidewalls 5. The arc-shaped base 12 has a circular arc structure with an arc of 180 degrees. Two sidewalls 5 are provided, and each sidewall 5 is fixedly connected to one end of the arc length direction of the arc-shaped base 12. The two sidewalls 5 are parallel, and their length direction is parallel to a first direction. The two sidewalls 5 are on the same straight line parallel to a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the axis of the arc-shaped base 12; the U-shaped float uses high-density closed-cell EVA foam material as the core, and the outer layer of the core is covered with a high-strength wear-resistant and tear-resistant PVC coating. The overall buoyancy is not less than 150N, which can stably support the upper body of an adult who falls into the water. The arc-shaped base 12 and the two side walls 5 form an outer-facing cavity, which is suitable for the upper body of the human body to enter. The side of the arc-shaped base 12 away from the opening is a closed structure, which serves as the integrated base for the equipment installation compartment. The outer sides of the two side walls 5 are symmetrically equipped with handrails 8, and the inner side is the mounting surface for functional components. The overall structure takes into account multiple needs such as buoyancy support, equipment integration and human interaction.

[0021] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the propulsion system consists of two sets, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the opening end of the U-shaped float. Each propulsion system includes a sealed waterproof chamber, within which a drive motor 1 and a propeller 2 connected to the drive motor 1 are housed. Two sets of propulsion systems are symmetrically arranged on the two sidewalls 5 of the U-shaped float away from the arc-shaped base 12, i.e., on both sides of the opening end of the U-shaped float. Each propulsion system is equipped with an independent sealed waterproof chamber, within which the drive motor 1 and propeller 2 are fixedly installed. The drive motor 1 is powered by a battery installed on the U-shaped float. The output shaft of the drive motor 1 is connected to the propeller 2 via a transmission connection. The drive circuit of the drive motor 1 is electrically connected to the navigation and control module 4, receiving power control commands from the navigation and control module 4 to provide the intelligent lifebuoy with the power source for forward movement and turning. The two propulsion systems work together, and through differential control, the lifebuoy can achieve straight-line navigation, turning, and speed adjustment, adapting to the complex navigation needs of different waters such as rivers, oceans, and lakes.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the intelligent life ring of this embodiment of the invention also includes multiple lifting support plates 10. The lifting support plates 10 are hinged to the bottom of the U-shaped float. The hinge end of the lifting support plate 10 is provided with a hinge shaft. The lifting support plate 10 can rotate around the hinge shaft within a set angle range. The lifting support plate 10 is provided with a number of water-permeable holes. The water-permeable holes are through holes that are provided through the lifting support plate 10 along the thickness direction of the plate.

[0023] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, lifting support plates 10 are provided on both sidewall portions 5 and the arc-shaped base 12, which can form multi-point lifting support from multiple parts of the person falling into the water, such as the back or chest, and both sides of the waist, to avoid uneven force caused by single-part support. The lifting support plates 10 can be integrally injection molded from high-strength ABS engineering plastic. The lifting support plates 10 have 20-24 water-permeable holes with a diameter of 10mm evenly distributed in a matrix, which can effectively reduce water resistance during the flipping process of the support plate and the navigation of the lifebuoy, while reducing the weight of the plate itself and reducing the load on the drive mechanism. All edges of the lifting support plates 10 are rounded with a radius of 5-8mm to avoid sharp edges scratching the person falling into the water. The surface of the lifting support plates 10 is covered with a 2mm thick anti-slip flexible silicone pad with an anti-slip texture, which not only improves the contact fit with the human body, but also effectively prevents the body of the person falling into the water from sliding on the support plate, ensuring lifting stability.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the lifting support plate 10 on the arc-shaped base 12 is rotatably connected to the arc-shaped base 12 via a hinge shaft, the axis of which is parallel to the second direction. One end of the lifting support plate 10 is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft, and the lifting support plate 10 can freely rotate around the hinge shaft within the range of 0° to 160°. The initial state of the lifting support plate 10 is 0°, at which time the plate is completely attached to the bottom surface of the arc-shaped base 12, flush with the inner wall of the U-shaped float without any protrusions, does not occupy the accommodating cavity space of the U-shaped float, does not affect the normal gripping and body entry of a conscious person who has fallen into the water, and does not increase the water resistance when the lifebuoy is sailing. When a trigger command is received, the lifting support plate 10 rotates downward to a preset angle, and the lifting support plate 10 rotates to the front of the person who has fallen into the water, forming an inclined lifting surface, providing lifting support for the person in front of the person who has fallen into the water.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the lifting support plate 10 on the side wall 5 is rotatably connected to the side wall 5 via a hinge shaft, the axis of which is parallel to the first direction; one end of the lifting support plate 10 is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft, and the lifting support plate 10 can freely rotate around the hinge shaft within the range of 0° to 160°; the initial state of the lifting support plate 10 is 0°, at which time the plate is completely attached to the bottom surface of the side wall 5, flush with the inner wall of the U-shaped float without any protrusions, does not occupy the accommodating cavity space of the U-shaped float, does not affect the normal gripping and body entry of a conscious person who has fallen into the water, and does not increase the water resistance when the lifebuoy is sailing; when a trigger command is received, the lifting support plate 10 rotates downward to a preset angle, and the lifting support plate 10 rotates to the side below the person who has fallen into the water, forming an inclined lifting surface, providing lifting support to the person on the waist side of the person who has fallen into the water.

[0026] The intelligent lifebuoy of this embodiment also includes a lifting drive mechanism, which includes an electric push rod powered by a battery mounted on a U-shaped float. One end of the electric push rod is hinged to the U-shaped float, and the other end is hinged to the lifting support plate 10. By extending and retracting the electric push rod, the lifting support plate 10 is rotated, thus switching the state of the lifting support plate 10. The electric push rod is electrically connected to the navigation and control module 4. Upon receiving a trigger command, the extension and retraction ends of each electric push rod extend synchronously, pushing the corresponding lifting support plate 10 to rotate upward around the hinge axis to a preset angle. This can be flexibly adjusted according to actual rescue needs through the navigation and control module 4.

[0027] The intelligent lifebuoy of this invention also includes a limiting and buffering structure, which includes mechanical limiting blocks disposed at both ends of the hinge shaft and a buffer rubber pad disposed on the back of the lifting support plate 10. Two mechanical limiting blocks are fixed to both ends of the hinge shaft to limit the maximum rotation angle of the lifting support plate 10, preventing instability in the lifting posture due to excessive rotation, and preventing equipment damage caused by overtravel of the electric push rod. The buffer rubber pad is made of highly elastic silicone and is adhered to the contact position between the back of the lifting support plate 10 and the U-shaped float. When the lifting support plate 10 rotates to a preset angle or maximum angle, the buffer rubber pad effectively eliminates the rigid impact between the plate and the float, preventing secondary injury to the person falling into the water, while also reducing collision noise when rotating to the correct position and improving the stability of the equipment.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the intelligent lifebuoy of this embodiment also includes a hypothermia protection unit, which is a graphene heating film 11, embedded in the inner wall of the two arms of the U-shaped float. The graphene heating film 11 faces the receiving cavity and is electrically connected to the navigation and control module 4. The heating film is covered with a waterproof insulating silicone layer to achieve sealing and waterproofing, avoiding short circuit failure caused by direct contact with water. The working state of the graphene heating film 11 is automatically controlled by the navigation and control module 4 according to the sensor signal. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature is below 15°C, or when the navigation and control module 4 determines that the person who fell into the water is in a disabled state, the heating film will be automatically activated to provide constant temperature heating for the body area of ​​the person who fell into the water, avoiding the decline of vital signs caused by hypothermia, and adapting to the rescue needs of low-temperature waters such as high latitudes and winter.

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the navigation and control module 4 integrates a wireless communication receiver. In the autonomous navigation mode, the navigation and control module 4 receives signals from the distress signal transmitter worn by the person in the water and autonomously plans a path to the target. Specifically, the navigation and control module 4 is fixedly installed on the outer side of the arc-shaped base 12 of the U-shaped float. It is the control unit of the intelligent lifebuoy. This module integrates a main control chip, a wireless communication receiver, a signal processing circuit, a storage module, and a control algorithm program. It is electrically connected to the power propulsion system, the lifting drive mechanism of the lifting support plate 10, the thermal shock protection unit, the multi-mode distress module, and various sensing units to complete the signal acquisition, data processing, command output, and working status control of the entire system. The navigation and control module 4 supports two working modes: remote control mode and autonomous navigation mode. The two modes can be seamlessly switched without any action lag. In the remote control mode, the wireless communication receiver receives signals from the dedicated remote control. The main control chip analyzes the wireless control signal in real time and generates navigation commands to drive the propulsion system to complete actions such as forward movement, turning, speed adjustment, and stopping, enabling rescuers to remotely and precisely control the lifebuoy. In autonomous navigation mode, the wireless communication receiver can identify and track the signal emitted by the specific distress signal transmitter worn by the person in the water in real time. In this embodiment, the distress signal transmitter is an RFID beacon or a Bluetooth beacon. The main control chip uses a built-in control algorithm to locate and analyze the distress signal, autonomously plans the optimal navigation path, and drives the propulsion system to the target location of the person in the water according to the planned path, realizing autonomous rescue without human intervention, which is suitable for scenarios where rescuers cannot operate at close range.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, a multimodal distress module is integrated on the U-shaped float. The multimodal distress module includes a signal transmitting unit 7, an audible and visual alarm unit 9, and a physical distress triggering interface 6. The signal transmitting unit 7 integrates a positioning module and a radio signal transmitter. The audible and visual alarm unit 9 includes an LED flashlight and an electronic siren. The physical distress triggering interface 6 is a trigger button or pull ring set on the U-shaped float. The person in the water can manually trigger it after grabbing it to activate a stronger distress signal or send specific status information. Specifically, the signal transmitting unit 7 is integrated on the arc-shaped base 12 of the U-shaped float and includes a GPS / BeiDou dual-mode positioning module and an RFID radio signal transmitter. The dual-mode positioning module can collect the precise geographical location information of the lifebuoy in real time and continuously transmit it outward through the wireless communication module. The RFID radio signal transmitter can emit a short-range identification signal, which facilitates rescuers to accurately locate and search the area where the lifebuoy fell into the water. The sound and light alarm unit includes a high-intensity LED flashlight and an electronic alarm. The LED flashlight is set in a conspicuous position on the top of the U-shaped float, and the electronic alarm is a waterproof high-decibel alarm. Both of them are automatically activated after entering the water, realizing all-weather, all-environment visual and auditory distress calls.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, a supplies storage compartment 13 is provided on the arc-shaped base 12 of the U-shaped float. The supplies storage compartment 13 is used to store first aid supplies. The supplies storage compartment 13 is optional and is used to store simple first aid supplies, including tourniquets, thermal blankets, emergency disinfectant wipes, and simple breathing masks, to provide initial first aid support for people who have fallen into the water.

[0032] Upon spotting a person in the water, a lifebuoy is thrown into the water. Upon entry, an audible and visual alarm automatically activates, and a location signal begins to be transmitted. The operator immediately uses the remote control to guide the lifebuoy rapidly towards the person; alternatively, if the person is wearing a distress beacon, the lifebuoy automatically switches to autonomous navigation mode and heads towards the target. Once the person grabs the lifebuoy, they can press the physical distress button to reinforce the distress signal. The lifebuoy continuously provides buoyancy and transmits location and identification signals, awaiting or assisting in towing rescue.

[0033] Furthermore, during use, once the lifebuoy reaches the person in the water, the person enters the U-shaped buoy's containment chamber. If the person is disabled or unconscious, all the support plates 10 can be flipped to the working state, providing all-around restraint and support from the back and sides of the waist, ensuring the person's mouth and nose remain above water. If the person is conscious, they can independently grasp the handrails 8 and press the trigger button to strengthen the distress signal. Throughout the rescue process, the lifebuoy continuously provides buoyancy support and all-around support to the person in the water, while continuously sending out location and distress signals through the multi-modal distress module until rescuers arrive. It can also assist in towing the person back to a safe area via the power propulsion system.

[0034] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent lifebuoy, characterized in that, The system includes a U-shaped float and a propulsion system, a navigation and control module, and a multimodal distress signal module disposed on the U-shaped float. The propulsion system provides navigation power to the U-shaped float. The navigation and control module is electrically connected to the propulsion system and is used to control the propulsion system. The navigation and control module supports remote control mode and autonomous navigation mode. The multimodal distress signal module is electrically connected to the navigation and control module and is used to send out distress signals.

2. The intelligent lifebuoy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The propulsion system consists of two sets, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the opening end of the U-shaped float. The propulsion system includes a sealed waterproof chamber, and a drive motor and a propeller connected to the drive motor are installed inside the sealed waterproof chamber.

3. The intelligent lifebuoy according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes multiple lifting support plates, which are hinged to the bottom of the U-shaped float. The hinged end of the lifting support plate is provided with a hinge shaft. The lifting support plate can rotate around the hinge shaft within a set angle range. Several water-permeable holes are opened on the lifting support plate.

4. The intelligent lifebuoy according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting drive mechanism, which includes an electric push rod, one end of which is hinged to the U-shaped float and the other end of which is hinged to the lifting support plate.

5. The intelligent lifebuoy according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting and buffering structure, which includes mechanical limiting blocks disposed at both ends of the hinge shaft and a buffer rubber pad disposed on the back of the lifting support plate.

6. The intelligent lifebuoy according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It also includes a heat loss protection unit, which is a graphene heating film embedded in the inner wall of the two arms of the U-shaped float. The graphene heating film is electrically connected to the navigation and control module.

7. The intelligent lifebuoy according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The navigation and control module integrates a wireless communication receiver. In the autonomous navigation mode, the navigation and control module receives the signal from the distress signal transmitter worn by the person who has fallen into the water and autonomously plans a path to the target.

8. The intelligent lifebuoy according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The multimodal distress module includes a signal transmitting unit, an audible and visual alarm unit, and a physical distress triggering interface; the signal transmitting unit integrates a positioning module and a radio signal transmitter; the audible and visual alarm unit includes an LED flashlight and an electronic siren; and the physical distress triggering interface is a trigger button or pull ring located on the U-shaped float.

9. The intelligent lifebuoy according to claim 8, characterized in that, The U-shaped float is equipped with a material storage compartment, which is used to store emergency supplies.

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