A bulwark roll-on platform incorporating a life raft

By connecting the motor-driven shaft to the operating lever via a key, and combining the sliding connection between the switching component's locking block and slot, the problem of low efficiency in manual propulsion of life rafts in existing technologies is solved. This enables the rapid and reliable release and stable storage of life rafts, ensuring equipment reliability in emergency situations.

CN224375835UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-19蔡培正

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
蔡培正
Filing Date
2025-09-02
Publication Date
2026-06-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing life raft anchoring devices on large ships require manual pushing, which is inefficient and can easily delay rescue opportunities in emergencies. Furthermore, existing technology has not effectively resolved the contradiction between rapid, unpowered release and stable storage of life rafts.

Method used

The system uses a keyed connection between a motor-driven rotating shaft and an operating lever, combined with a sliding connection between the locking block and the locking slot of the switching component, to achieve dual-mode switching between electric and manual operation. The support frame uses rollers to reduce frictional resistance, enabling the life raft to automatically or manually tilt.

Benefits of technology

This enables rapid and reliable deployment of the life raft, reduces operational intensity, and ensures equipment reliability and safety in emergency situations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of marine safety equipment, and more particularly to a bulwark tilting platform integrating a life raft. It includes a fixed frame, an integrated life raft, and straps. The fixed frame is fixed to the edge of the hull, the integrated life raft is placed on the fixed frame, one end of the straps is fixedly connected to the fixed frame, the middle section surrounds the integrated life raft, and the other end is snapped onto the fixed frame. It also includes a motor, etc. The motor is located at one end of the fixed frame near the edge of the hull, and a support frame is rotatably connected to the middle of the fixed frame. The integrated life raft is placed on top of the support frame. A rotating shaft is rotatably connected inside the fixed frame, and the end of the rotating shaft is coaxially connected to the output shaft of the motor. The rotating shaft passes through the support frame and is equipped with a switching component for switching its connection mode with the support frame. The rotating shaft is driven by the motor and connected to an operating lever via a key, forming a rigid transmission connection between the rotating shaft and the support frame. This allows the motor power to be directly transmitted to the support frame, achieving the purpose of replacing manual pushing and reducing operational intensity.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ship safety equipment, and in particular to a bulwark tilting platform for an integrated life raft. Background Technology

[0002] Air-cushioned life rafts are an important type of maritime emergency rescue equipment, widely used in various types of vessels. In traditional designs, life rafts are typically stored in a folded state on the ship's deck or in a dedicated compartment, with their outer shell often having a cylindrical structure to accommodate folding and compression. While this storage method saves space, it requires manual or mechanical deployment and necessitates rapid deployment in emergencies to ensure the safety of the occupants.

[0003] In existing technologies, life raft securing devices mostly employ a top-mounted arc-shaped support frame combined with straps for fixation. The top of the support frame is designed with an arc-shaped structure that matches the cylindrical shell of the life raft, physically limiting the life raft from rolling displacement when the hull rocks, while elastic straps further constrain the axial movement of the life raft. While this design ensures stability during daily storage, it still has significant drawbacks in actual use.

[0004] Although the existing placement racks have been lowered near the ship's side to reduce drag during liferaft release, significant pushing force is still required from operators to complete the transfer. This is especially true for large vessels, where the liferaft's own weight and total weight after loading increase dramatically, exponentially increasing the difficulty of manual pushing. This reliance on manual pushing is not only inefficient but also prone to delaying rescue efforts in rough seas or emergency situations. Improper operation could even prevent the liferaft from reaching its designated position in time, creating safety hazards. Current technology has not effectively resolved the contradiction between rapid, unpowered release and stable storage of liferafts, necessitating an integrated and automated new deployment solution. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the slowness of manual propulsion, this invention provides an integrated life raft bulwark tilting platform, aiming to solve the aforementioned shortcomings.

[0006] An integrated life raft bulwark tilting platform includes a mounting frame, an integrated life raft, and straps. The mounting frame is fixed to the edge of the hull, the integrated life raft is placed on the mounting frame, one end of the straps is fixedly connected to the mounting frame, the middle portion surrounds the integrated life raft, and the other end is snapped onto the mounting frame. The platform also includes a motor, with the motor located at one end of the mounting frame near the edge of the hull. A support frame is rotatably connected to the middle of the mounting frame, the integrated life raft is placed on top of the support frame, and a rotating shaft is rotatably connected inside the mounting frame. The end of the rotating shaft is coaxially connected to the output shaft of the motor, and the rotating shaft passes through the support frame. The rotating shaft is equipped with a switching component for switching its connection mode with the support frame.

[0007] In one embodiment, the switching component includes an operating lever, a slot is provided on the side of the support frame that contacts the rotating shaft, the operating lever is slidably connected to the fixed frame, the end of the operating lever is key-connected to the rotating shaft, the operating lever is key-connected to the support frame, a locking block is connected to the end of the operating lever, and the locking block is slidably connected to the slot.

[0008] In one embodiment, a plurality of rollers are rotatably connected within the fixed frame. The rollers are arranged around the rotating shaft and the operating lever, and the rollers are tactilely connected to the rotating shaft and the operating lever.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control lever is provided with two identification rings.

[0010] In one embodiment, a rubber ring is attached to one end of the operating lever that passes through the fixing frame.

[0011] In one embodiment, a protective pad is connected to the top surface of the support frame, and the integrated life raft is press-fitted with the protective pad.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0013] 1. By connecting the motor-driven rotating shaft to the operating lever via a key, a rigid transmission fit is formed between the rotating shaft and the support frame, thereby enabling the motor power to be directly transmitted to the support frame, achieving the purpose of replacing manual pushing and reducing operational intensity.

[0014] 2. By switching the sliding connection between the card block and the card slot in the component, and cooperating with the key connection between the operating lever and the rotating shaft, the support frame can be disengaged from the key connection by manually pulling the operating lever when the motor fails, thereby realizing the function of switching between electric and manual modes, so as to cope with emergencies and ensure the reliability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection relationship between the motor and the shaft of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the operating lever and the locking block of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection relationship between the fixing frame and the rollers of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection relationship between the marking ring and the rubber ring of this utility model.

[0020] The markings in the diagram are: 1-fixed frame, 2-integrated life raft, 3-strap, 4-motor, 5-shaft, 6-support frame, 7-slot, 8-block, 9-operating lever, 10-roller, 11-marker ring, 12-rubber ring, 13-protective pad. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Example: A bulwark tilting platform integrated with a life raft, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, the system includes a mounting frame 1, an integrated life raft 2, and straps 3. The mounting frame 1 is fixed to the edge of the hull, the integrated life raft 2 is placed on the mounting frame 1, one end of the straps 3 is fixedly connected to the mounting frame 1, the middle part wraps around the integrated life raft 2, and the other end is snapped onto the mounting frame 1. The straps 3 are made of high-strength nylon webbing with anti-slip texture on the surface, and the snapping end is equipped with a self-locking buckle, which can be quickly released and prevent accidental loosening. The system also includes a motor 4, a rotating shaft 5, a support frame 6, and a switching component. The motor 4 is located at one end of the mounting frame 1 near the edge of the hull, and the support frame 6 is rotatably connected to the middle of the mounting frame 1. The integrated life raft 2 is placed on top of the support frame 6. The rotating shaft 5 is rotatably connected inside the mounting frame 1. The end of the rotating shaft 5 is coaxially connected to the output shaft of the motor 4. The end of the rotating shaft 5 is equipped with a D-shaped shaft head, and the output shaft of the motor 4 is correspondingly provided with a D-shaped hole to achieve a rigid connection without relative rotation. The rotating shaft 5 passes through the support frame 6, and the rotating shaft 5 is equipped with a switching component to switch its connection mode with the support frame 6.

[0023] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the switching assembly includes a locking block 8 and an operating lever 9. A slot 7 is opened on the side of the support frame 6 that contacts the rotating shaft 5. The operating lever 9 is slidably connected to the fixed frame 1. The end of the operating lever 9 is keyed to the rotating shaft 5. The end of the rotating shaft 5 is provided with a cross key. A keyway is opened at the corresponding position of the operating lever 9. The length of the keyway is greater than the length of the cross key to allow axial sliding. The operating lever 9 is keyed to the support frame 6. The width of the keyway of the operating lever 9 is greater than the width of the flat key of the support frame 6. Two locking blocks 8 are connected to the end of the operating lever 9. The locking blocks 8 are slidably connected to the slot 7.

[0024] like Figure 4 As shown, it also includes rollers 10. Several rollers 10 are rotatably connected inside the fixed frame 1. The rollers 10 adopt a deep groove ball bearing structure, and the outer ring is covered with a wear-resistant rubber layer. The rollers 10 are arranged around the rotating shaft 5 and the operating lever 9. The rollers 10 are rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 5 and the operating lever 9. The rubber coating increases the friction to prevent the rollers 10 from slipping. The deep groove ball bearing structure converts sliding friction into rolling friction.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, it also includes an identification ring 11. Two identification rings 11 are provided on the operating lever 9. The identification rings 11 adopt a red and yellow dual-color design. The inner ring is a red warning area and the outer ring is a yellow preparation area. The distance between the two identification rings 11 is similar to the length of the card block 8.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a rubber ring 12. The operating lever 9 passes through one end of the fixing frame 1 and is connected to the rubber ring 12. The rubber ring 12 is both elastic and wear-resistant, and the anti-slip bump design improves grip friction.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a protective pad 13. The top surface of the support frame 6 is connected to the protective pad 13, and the integrated life raft 2 is squeezed together with the protective pad 13.

[0028] During normal operation, the crew first releases the restraints of the straps 3 from the integrated life raft 2. At this point, the integrated life raft 2 remains in its initial position due to the curvature of the top of the support frame 6. The locking block 8 at the end of the operating lever 9 inserts into the slot 7 on the side of the support frame 6, forming a rigid connection between the rotating shaft 5 and the support frame 6. After starting the motor 4, the rotating shaft 5 drives the operating lever 9 to rotate synchronously via a key connection. During the rotation of the rotating shaft 5 driven by the motor 4, the roller 10 rolls along the surfaces of the rotating shaft 5 and the operating lever 9, effectively reducing rotational friction resistance. As the support frame 6 gradually rotates around the rotating shaft 5 in the middle of the fixed frame 1, the integrated life raft 2 moves towards the outside of the ship's side along an arc-shaped trajectory under the action of gravity. When the support frame 6 rotates to an appropriate angle, the integrated life raft 2 completely detaches from the fixed frame 1 and falls into the water. At this time, the crew can pull the control rope provided with the integrated life raft 2 to inflate and deploy it, thus enabling escape.

[0029] In case of an emergency where motor 4 fails to supply power, the crew must operate manually: grasp the rubber ring 12 at the end of the operating lever 9 and pull it outwards. The rubber ring 12 will elastically deform under tension to improve grip stability. During the pulling process, the operating lever 9 moves along the internal groove of the fixed frame 1. When the red indicator ring 11 of the two indicator rings 11 on the surface of the operating lever 9 is completely exposed from the fixed frame 1, it indicates that the locking block 8 has completely disengaged from the locking groove 7 of the support frame 6, and at the same time, the key connection between the operating lever 9 and the rotating shaft 5 is simultaneously released. At this time, the crew can manually push the top of the support frame 6, and the support frame 6 will rotate around the free end of the rotating shaft 5. The roller 10 will continue to roll to reduce frictional resistance during manual flipping. Continue to apply force until the support frame 6 flips to a specific angle with the fixed frame 1, and the integrated life raft 2 can then slide into the water to complete deployment.

[0030] When resetting the equipment, the integrated life raft 2 is placed back on top of the support frame 6. The protective pad 13 is compressed to create an elastic buffer to avoid collision damage. After manually rotating the support frame 6 back to its initial position, the operating lever 9 is pushed inward towards the fixed frame 1. When the outer edge of the yellow indicator ring 11 is flush with the end face of the fixed frame 1, it indicates that the locking block 8 has been accurately inserted into the locking slot 7 of the support frame 6. The rotating shaft 5 and the support frame 6 are restored to their keyed connection state through the operating lever 9. At this point, the straps 3 can be used to re-secure the integrated life raft 2 to complete the reset.

[0031] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. All equivalent substitutions made within the principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Contents not described in detail in this utility model are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A bulwark tilting platform for an integrated life raft, comprising a fixing frame (1), an integrated life raft (2), and straps (3), wherein the fixing frame (1) is fixed to the edge of the hull, the integrated life raft (2) is placed on the fixing frame (1), one end of the straps (3) is fixedly connected to the fixing frame (1), the middle portion surrounds the integrated life raft (2), and the other end is snapped onto the fixing frame (1), characterized in that: It also includes a motor (4), the motor (4) is located at one end of the fixed frame (1) near the edge of the hull, a support frame (6) is rotatably connected to the middle of the fixed frame (1), the integrated life raft (2) is placed on top of the support frame (6), a rotating shaft (5) is rotatably connected inside the fixed frame (1), the end of the rotating shaft (5) is coaxially connected to the output shaft of the motor (4), the rotating shaft (5) passes through the support frame (6), and the rotating shaft (5) is provided with a switching component for switching its connection mode with the support frame (6).

2. The bulwark tilting platform for an integrated life raft as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The switching assembly includes an operating lever (9), a slot (7) is provided on the side of the support frame (6) that contacts the rotating shaft (5), the operating lever (9) is slidably connected to the fixed frame (1), the end of the operating lever (9) is keyed to the rotating shaft (5), the operating lever (9) is keyed to the support frame (6), and a locking block (8) is connected to the end of the operating lever (9), the locking block (8) is slidably connected to the slot (7).

3. The bulwark tilting platform for an integrated life raft as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The fixed frame (1) is rotatably connected to several rollers (10). The rollers (10) are arranged around the rotating shaft (5) and the operating lever (9). The rollers (10) are rotatably connected to the rotating shaft (5) and the operating lever (9).

4. The bulwark tilting platform for an integrated life raft as described in claim 3, characterized in that: Two identification rings (11) are provided on the operating lever (9).

5. The bulwark tilting platform for an integrated life raft as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The operating lever (9) has a rubber ring (12) connected to one end that passes through the fixing frame (1).

6. The bulwark tilting platform for an integrated life raft as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The top surface of the support frame (6) is connected to a protective pad (13), and the integrated life raft (2) is pressed together with the protective pad (13).