A flight lifebuoy integrating EPIRB

Abstract

This invention provides a flight lifebuoy integrating an EPIRB (Electronic Power Controller). The shell contains a foam float, and symmetrical battery compartments supply power to the control system, four sets of motors, ESCs, propellers, and dual underwater thrusters via wires. The shell has four evenly distributed through holes, within which four-legged brackets fix brushless motors. Protective grilles are installed at the top and bottom. The control system wirelessly receives ground commands and can fly or propel itself on the water. The upper part of the shell integrates the EPIRB, whose microcontroller drives a satellite transmitter, guidance transmitter, GPS / BeiDou receiver, and strobe light via a bus, automatically transmitting location and identification signals. An infrared detector provides closed-loop control for the flight controller or thrusters to automatically approach the person in the water. A three-tether platform is located at the edge of the shell for towing or hoisting. This design enables rapid arrival, immediate alarm, autonomous approach, and return to the water, improving the success rate of search and rescue in adverse sea conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water rescue equipment technology, and more specifically, to a flight lifebuoy integrating an EPIRB. Background Technology

[0002] Maritime rescue equipment is a crucial means of ensuring the safety of people who fall into the water. Its basic principle is to rapidly provide buoyancy support after a person falls into the water and mark their location to search and rescue forces via visual, auditory, or radio signals. Traditional lifebuoys only have passive buoyancy capabilities, while modern intelligent rescue equipment further integrates functions such as powered propulsion, satellite positioning, and automatic alarms. It can actively search and autonomously approach in complex sea conditions, significantly improving search and rescue efficiency and success rates. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) lists the 406 MHz band Emergency Radio Position Beacon (EPIRB) as a mandatory global maritime distress device. It achieves positioning within 100 meters via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system and can also be equipped with 121.5 MHz guidance signals, providing close-range location assistance to search and rescue aircraft and ships.

[0003] In recent years, with the maturity of drone technology, intelligent lifebuoys capable of being deployed from flight have emerged. These devices integrate a multi-rotor propulsion system into the lifebuoy itself, allowing for remote takeoff from ships or shore-based personnel. They quickly fly to the point of impact and drop into the water, transforming the traditional "person-find-lifebuoy" model into a "lifebuoy-find-person" model, significantly shortening response time. Some solutions also add GPS / BeiDou positioning modules, strobe lights, and audible and visual alarms to the lifebuoy, enabling the person in the water to continuously transmit location information. However, once these flying lifebuoys land on the water, their radio alarm function relies solely on ordinary Wi-Fi, 4G, or simple LoRa modules. This results in low transmission power, short coverage distance, and a lack of global satellite search and rescue links. In adverse sea conditions, at night, or with poor visibility, they remain difficult for long-distance search and rescue forces to detect and locate in a timely manner.

[0004] The core shortcomings of existing flying lifebuoys are: 1. The lack of a globally unified emergency radio positioning capability means that even if a person in the water has a lifebuoy, they cannot directly send a 406MHz distress signal to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite like a ship's EPIRB, thus missing out on international joint search and rescue resources; 2. Existing devices are mostly equipped with consumer-grade GPS / 4G communication, which is greatly affected by base station coverage, battery capacity, and sea conditions. Once they drift out of the base station range or the equipment is flooded after falling into the water, they lose the ability to communicate with others; 3. Traditional EPIRBs are fixed on ships. Installation is difficult due to its large size and weight, making it impossible to integrate with lightweight, flyable lifebuoy platforms. Furthermore, its manual triggering mechanism, buoyancy design, and antenna attitude are optimized for the hull rather than the drifting state of a human body. Direct transplantation poses risks such as triggering difficulties, unstable buoyancy, and antenna submersion. 4. In low-visibility conditions such as darkness, heavy rain, and dense fog, after the flying lifebuoy is deployed from the air, without continuous, high-brightness, globally receivable radio and optical combined alarm methods, search and rescue teams still need to rely on large-scale manual visual or radar blind searches, which severely restricts the success rate and timeliness of rescue efforts.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, it is necessary to develop a flying lifebuoy integrating an Emergency Radio Position Beacon (EPIRB). This design enables continuous and accurate positioning of those in the water via the EPIRB, and combined with the rapid arrival capability of the flying lifebuoy, it creates a more reliable and responsive rescue mode, particularly suitable for severe sea conditions and low-visibility environments, thereby significantly improving the success rate and safety of maritime search and rescue. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a flying lifebuoy integrating an EPIRB (Electronic Peripheral Rescue Bundle). If a person falls overboard during navigation, the navigator, after determining the person's location, can quickly maneuver the flying lifebuoy towards the target to achieve rapid rescue. The EPIRB can transmit distress signals such as location (GPS / BeiDou positioning) and time, better assisting search and rescue personnel in locating the person. The flying lifebuoy is used for self-rescue by the person in the water. This utility model patent provides a more precise rescue method by incorporating an EPIRB structure into the flying lifebuoy, enabling more effective rescue operations for those in the water.

[0007] The technical means adopted in this utility model are as follows: A flight lifebuoy integrating an EPIRB includes: a shell, a battery compartment, a control system, a flight propulsion system, an underwater thruster, and an auxiliary rescue EPIRB module, wherein: The shell is formed by sealing the upper shell and the lower shell together by plastic welding, and a foam float is fixedly installed inside. The battery compartment consists of at least two independent sealed compartments symmetrically arranged inside the shell, with a sealing cover at the compartment opening. Each battery compartment is electrically connected to the control system and the flight propulsion system via wires. The control system is fixed to the front mounting plate of the shell. The control system is electrically connected to the battery compartment, flight propulsion system, underwater thruster and auxiliary rescue EPIRB module through wires, and communicates with the external ground control terminal through a wireless link. The flight propulsion system consists of four sets of identical flight components. Each set of flight components includes an electronic speed controller (ESC), a brushless motor, and a propeller. The shell has four through holes evenly distributed around its circumference. A quadruped is integrally formed in each through hole. A mounting platform is set in the center of the quadruped. The brushless motor is fixed on the mounting platform. The propeller is fastened to the output shaft of the brushless motor. The ESC is fixed inside the shell and is electrically connected to the brushless motor and the control system respectively. The underwater thruster is provided in two sets, symmetrically fixed in the rear part of the shell facing the water surface, and electrically connected to the control system through wires; The auxiliary rescue EPIRB module is embedded in the upper part of the housing and includes a microcontroller, a satellite transmitter, a guidance transmitter, a multi-mode GPS / BeiDou receiver, and a strobe light. The microcontroller is electrically connected to the satellite transmitter, guidance transmitter, multi-mode GPS / BeiDou receiver, strobe light, and control system via a bus.

[0008] Furthermore, the control system includes a main control module, an inertial measurement module, a power management module, an image sensor module, and a GPS module mounted on the mounting plate. The main control module is electrically connected to the inertial measurement module, the power management module, the image sensor module, the GPS module, and the auxiliary rescue EPIRB module. The antenna of the image sensor module extends out of the housing through an antenna hole, and the connection between the antenna hole and the antenna is sealed.

[0009] Furthermore, the auxiliary rescue EPIRB module also integrates warning lights, a loudspeaker, and an infrared detector, all of which are electrically connected to the microcontroller via wires. The infrared detector is used to sense the position of the human body and send the signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then activates the flight propulsion system or underwater thruster through the control system to approach the target.

[0010] Furthermore, a switch is provided on the outside of the housing, which is connected in series in the power supply circuit between the battery compartment and the control system to control the on / off state of the entire circuit.

[0011] Furthermore, the housing is also provided with an observation chamber, in which a waterproof gimbal camera is fixed, and the waterproof gimbal camera is electrically connected to the control system via wires.

[0012] Furthermore, the shell edge is provided with at least one rope-tying platform away from the through hole, and each rope-tying platform is provided with a rope-tying hole for fixing the rescue cable.

[0013] Furthermore, protective fences are fixed at both the upper and lower openings of the through hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the battery compartment is equipped with a waterproof cover, and the battery compartment contains 3-6 series-connected lithium batteries. The connecting wires between the battery compartment and the electronic speed controller, control system and underwater thruster all pass through the sealed joints into the shell to ensure the watertightness of the shell.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: The flying lifebuoy provided by this utility model, by integrating the auxiliary rescue EPIRB module, solves the problem of obstructed vision during rescue under certain special conditions, such as poor visibility, pitch black night, and large waves, thereby increasing the probability of successful rescue to a certain extent. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view and a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the flight lifebuoy of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal and bottom structure of the flight lifebuoy of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a side view of the flight lifebuoy of this utility model; In the diagram: 1. Shell; 2. Switch; 3. Protective fence; 4. Mooring platform; 5. Battery compartment; 6. Mooring hole; 7. Observation compartment; 8. Upper shell; 9. Lower shell; 10. Through hole; 11. Propeller; 12. Motor; 13. ESC; 14. Control system; 15. Foam float; 16. Quadrupole; 17. Underwater thruster; 18. Antenna; 19. Microcontroller; 20. Satellite transmitter; 21. Guidance transmitter; 22. Multi-mode GPS / BeiDou receiver; 23. Strobe light. Detailed Implementation

[0018] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this utility model or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0020] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0023] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0024] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0025] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this utility model provides a flight lifebuoy integrating an EPIRB, comprising: a shell 1, a battery compartment 5, a control system 14, a flight propulsion system, an underwater thruster 17, and an auxiliary rescue module, wherein: The shell 1 is formed by sealing the upper shell 8 and the lower shell 9 together with plastic welding, and a foam float 15 is fixedly installed inside. In this embodiment, the shell 1 is a plastic shell, consisting of an upper shell and a lower shell. During production, the connecting parts are joined together using a plastic welding process. Before welding, the internal parts need to be fixed and installed first.

[0026] The battery compartment 5 consists of at least two independent sealed compartments symmetrically arranged inside the shell 1. Each compartment opening is equipped with a sealing cover. Each battery compartment 5 is electrically connected to the control system 14 and the flight propulsion system via wires. The control system 14 is fixed to the front mounting plate of the housing 1. The control system 14 is electrically connected to the battery compartment 5, the flight power system, the underwater thruster 17 and the auxiliary rescue EPIRB module through wires, and communicates with the external ground control terminal through a wireless link. The flight propulsion system consists of four sets of identical flight components. Each set of flight components includes an electronic speed controller (ESC) 13, a brushless motor 12, and a propeller 11. The housing 1 has four through holes 10 evenly distributed around its circumference. Each through hole 10 contains an integrally formed quadruped 16. A mounting platform is provided in the center of the quadruped 16. The brushless motor 12 is fixed on the mounting platform, and the propeller 11 is fastened to the output shaft of the brushless motor 12. The ESC 13 is fixed inside the housing 1 and is electrically connected to the brushless motor 12 and the control system 14, respectively. In this embodiment, because the propeller is large, it needs to protrude outward. Therefore, the housing of the flight lifebuoy is not a traditional ring shape.

[0027] The underwater thrusters 17 are provided in two sets, symmetrically fixed to the rear of the housing 1 on the side facing the water surface, and electrically connected to the control system 14 through wires. In this embodiment, the function of the underwater thrusters 17 is to bring the person who has fallen into the water to the shore, reducing the physical exertion of the person. When the flying lifebuoy cannot fly directly to the destination, it can swim to the destination on the water surface in conjunction with the waterproof gimbal camera and infrared detector.

[0028] The auxiliary rescue EPIRB module, embedded in the upper part of the housing 1, includes a microcontroller 19, a satellite transmitter (406MHz) 20, a guidance transmitter (121.5MHz) 21, a multi-mode GPS / BeiDou receiver 22, and a strobe light 23. The microcontroller 19 is electrically connected to the satellite transmitter (406MHz) 20, the guidance transmitter (121.5MHz) 21, the multi-mode GPS / BeiDou receiver 22, the strobe light 23, and the control system 14 via a bus. In use, the microcontroller 19 coordinates the operation of each module, stores the ship's MMSI code and registration information, and generates a distress signal format conforming to international standards. The satellite transmitter (406MHz) 20 sends a distress signal (including location and identity information) to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, with a positioning accuracy within 30 meters. The guidance transmitter (121.5MHz) 21 assists in the close-range positioning of search and rescue aircraft / ships, and the multi-mode GPS / BeiDou receiver 22 quickly acquires location information (cold start <30 seconds). In this embodiment, the life-saving EPIRB module is activated in "manual operation" mode (emergency start mode). "Manual operation" means pressing and holding the "activation button" on the flight life ring for 3-5 seconds (the exact number may vary slightly depending on the model) until the indicator light flashes (usually red or green), indicating successful activation. Observe whether the strobe light flashes 24 times per minute. If it flashes normally, it means that the device is working and has achieved the purpose of assisting rescue.

[0029] In a specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the control system 14 includes a main control module, an inertial measurement module, a power management module, an image sensor module, and a GPS module mounted on the mounting plate. The main control module is electrically connected to the inertial measurement module, the power management module, the image sensor module, the GPS module, and the auxiliary rescue EPIRB module. The antenna 18 of the image sensor module extends out of the housing 1 through the antenna hole, and the connection between the antenna hole and the antenna 18 is sealed.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the auxiliary rescue EPIRB module also integrates a warning light, a megaphone, and an infrared detector, all electrically connected to the microcontroller 19 via wires. The infrared detector senses the location of the person in the water and sends a signal to the microcontroller 19. The microcontroller 19 then activates the flight propulsion system or underwater thruster 17 via the control system 14 to approach the target. In this embodiment, the megaphone can be used for the person in the water to call for help, enabling a voice call function; the infrared detector emits infrared rays to detect the location and coordinates of the person in the water, converting the wave signal into an electrical signal and feeding it back to the control system, which can then activate the flight propulsion system to approach the person based on their location.

[0031] In a specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a switch 2 is provided on the outside of the housing 1. The switch 2 is connected in series in the power supply circuit between the battery compartment 5 and the control system 14 to control the on / off state of the entire circuit.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the housing 1 further includes an observation chamber 7, the front of which is a transparent outer cover coated with a hydrophobic coating. A waterproof gimbal camera (either a visible light camera or an infrared dual-light camera) is fixed inside the observation chamber 7. The waterproof gimbal camera is electrically connected to the control system 14 via wires. In this embodiment, the waterproof gimbal camera can adjust its shooting angle by rotating the gimbal, allowing the operator to observe the state of the person in the water and accurately position the flying lifebuoy next to them. The infrared dual-light camera can help the operator quickly identify the location of the person in the water in a field environment.

[0033] In a specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment of this utility model, at least one tethering platform 4 is provided on the edge of the shell 1 away from the through hole 10, and each tethering platform 4 is provided with a tethering hole 6 for fixing the lifeline, so as to facilitate the fixing of the life ring on the ship.

[0034] In a specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment of this utility model, protective fences 3 are fixed at both the upper and lower openings of the through hole 10 to prevent accidental injury to those who fall into the water during startup.

[0035] In a specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the battery compartment 5 is provided with a waterproof cover, and the battery compartment 5 contains 3-6 series-connected lithium batteries (the number is selected according to the actual use scenario). The connecting wires between the battery compartment 5 and the ESC 13, the control system 14 and the underwater thruster 17 all pass through the sealed joints and enter the interior of the shell 1 to ensure the watertightness of the shell 1.

[0036] In use, first turn on the switch on the casing. The ground control unit sends a remote control signal to the control system, which then activates the flight propulsion system. The flying lifebuoy takes off and flies to the designated location according to the remote control instructions. If the flight environment is limited or the target needs to be searched upon approaching the destination, the flying lifebuoy can land and float on the water. At this time, the underwater propulsion unit is activated to propel the device to the destination. During the search and rescue process, the waterproof gimbal camera can expand its field of view by rotating the gimbal, and the auxiliary rescue EPIRB module begins to work, allowing the location of the person in the water to be marked on the radar, achieving the purpose of assisted positioning.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A flight life raft incorporating an EPIRB characterised in that, include: The system comprises a shell (1), a battery compartment (5), a control system (14), a flight propulsion system, an underwater thruster (17), and an auxiliary life-saving EPIRB module, wherein: The shell (1) is formed by sealing the upper shell (8) and the lower shell (9) by plastic welding, and a foam float (15) is fixedly installed inside; The battery compartment (5) consists of at least two independent sealed compartments symmetrically arranged inside the shell (1). The compartment openings are equipped with sealing covers. Each battery compartment (5) is electrically connected to the control system (14) and the flight propulsion system via wires. The control system (14) is fixed to the front mounting plate of the housing (1). The control system (14) is electrically connected to the battery compartment (5), flight power system, underwater thruster (17) and auxiliary rescue EPIRB module through wires, and communicates with the external ground control terminal through a wireless link. The flight propulsion system consists of four sets of identical flight components. Each set of flight components includes an electronic speed controller (13), a brushless motor (12), and a propeller (11). The housing (1) has four through holes (10) evenly distributed around its circumference. Each through hole (10) has an integrally formed quadruped (16). The quadruped (16) has a mounting platform in the center. The brushless motor (12) is fixed on the mounting platform. The propeller (11) is fastened to the output shaft of the brushless motor (12). The electronic speed controller (13) is fixed inside the housing (1) and is electrically connected to the brushless motor (12) and the control system (14) respectively. The underwater thruster (17) is provided in two sets, symmetrically fixed in the rear of the housing (1) on the side facing the water surface, and electrically connected to the control system (14) through wires; The auxiliary rescue EPIRB module is embedded in the upper part of the housing (1) and includes a microcontroller (19), a satellite transmitter (20), a guide transmitter (21), a multi-mode GPS / BeiDou receiver (22), and a strobe light (23). The microcontroller (19) is electrically connected to the satellite transmitter (20), the guide transmitter (21), the multi-mode GPS / BeiDou receiver (22), the strobe light (23), and the control system (14) via a bus.

2. A flight survival capsule incorporating an EPIRB according to claim 1 wherein, The control system (14) includes a main control module, an inertial measurement module, a power management module, an image sensor module and a GPS module mounted on the mounting plate. The main control module is electrically connected to the inertial measurement module, the power management module, the image sensor module, the GPS module and the auxiliary rescue EPIRB module respectively. The antenna (18) of the image sensor module extends out of the housing (1) through the antenna hole. The connection between the antenna hole and the antenna (18) is sealed.

3. An integrated EPIRB flight life raft according to claim 1, wherein, The auxiliary rescue EPIRB module also integrates a warning light, a loudspeaker, and an infrared detector, all of which are electrically connected to the microcontroller (19) via wires. The infrared detector is used to sense the position of the human body and send the signal to the microcontroller (19). The microcontroller (19) activates the flight propulsion system or underwater thruster (17) through the control system (14) to approach the target.

4. An integrated EPIRB flight life raft according to claim 1, wherein, A switch (2) is provided on the outside of the housing (1). The switch (2) is connected in series in the power supply circuit between the battery compartment (5) and the control system (14) to control the on / off state of the entire circuit.

5. A flight lifebuoy integrating an EPIRB according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is also provided with an observation chamber (7), in which a waterproof gimbal camera is fixed. The waterproof gimbal camera is electrically connected to the control system (14) via a wire.

6. A flight lifebuoy integrating an EPIRB according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell (1) has at least one rope platform (4) at the edge of the shell (1) away from the through hole (10), and each rope platform (4) is provided with a rope hole (6) for fixing the lifeline.

7. A flight lifebuoy integrating an EPIRB according to claim 6, characterized in that, Protective fences (3) are fixed at both the upper and lower openings of the through hole (10).

8. A flight lifebuoy integrating an EPIRB according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery compartment (5) is equipped with a waterproof cover. The battery compartment (5) contains 3-6 series-connected lithium batteries. The connecting wires between the battery compartment (5) and the electronic speed controller (13), the control system (14) and the underwater thruster (17) all pass through the sealed joints and enter the interior of the shell (1) to ensure the watertightness of the shell (1).

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