Automatic rescue system for swimming pools

Abstract

Automatic rescue and lifting system for swimming pools, characterized in that it 1.1 comprises a large-area net (F) covering the entire pool floor, 1.2 carries at least one reversibly rotatable shaft (Z-1, Z-2) on each of two opposite longitudinal sides of the basin, 1.3 deflection and guide rollers (X-1 to X-4) are arranged on the shafts (Z-1, Z-2) and on the pool floor or on the pool walls, over which tensile traction means (N) are guided, wherein the net (F) is attached to the traction means via clamps (G) and is movable synchronously or quasi-synchronously vertically between the pool floor and at least the water surface (W) by rotating the shafts, 1.4 a sensor arrangement (S-1 to S-4) including at least one of the following sensor types: pressure / weight, motion, hydroacoustic, ultrasonic or radio transponder sensor, 1.5 provides a control unit which, in the event of danger, activates all drives of the shafts based on the sensor signals, and 1.6 includes a mechanical or electromagnetic locking or braking system which prevents the net from dropping unintentionally in the event of a power failure or after the target position has been reached.

Description

2. OverviewThis document describes an automated system for rescue people or animals accidentally falling into a swimming pool. The apparatus is capable of conveying both living organisms (humans, animals) and objects to the surface from the depth of the water. The main aim is to prevent a truncate from druncate by continuous monitoring. In the event of a fall or a hazardous situation, the system is automatically activated and transports the target object to the water surface.3. Detailed Description3.1 A rectangular swimming pool is shown from bird's eye view in FIG. 1 (FIG. 1 ). Two geared motors are installed at each of the four corners of this basin: The left side of the basin The geared motors A- 1 and A- 2 are located at the top left and bottom left, respectively. They are connected to one another via a shaft called Z-1: Z-1 begins at A-1 (upper left), runs along the left edge of the pelvis and ends at A-2 (lower left). Both motors A-1 and A-2 rotate shaft Z-1 synchronously, at the same speed and in a reversible direction of rotation. On the right side of the basin, analogously, there are the geared motors B- 1 (upper right) and B- 2 (lower right), which are connected via the shaft Z- 2. Z-2 starts at B) 1-top right), runs along the right pelvic edge and ends at B-2 (bottom right). Here too, the rotation of Z-2 is effected at a uniformly adjustable speed and with a reversible direction of rotation through B-1 and B-2. Pulleys X- 1 and X- 2 are located at defined distances on the shafts Z- 1 and Z- 2 (FIG. 1 ) These markings identify the positions of the pulleys on the shafts Z- 1 (left side) and Z- 2 (right side). They are responsible for holding, guiding and moving ropes or steel cables (N).3.2 Cable Guide Mechanism (FIG. 2)In Figure 2 the vertical coupling of the pulleys is illustrated: 1. upper pulleys (X-2) These pulleys are above the water surface (W) on the shaft Z-2. By the rotation of Z-2, the ropes N are wound or unwound and thereby moved vertically. 2. lower rope pulleys (X-3) Corresponding pulleys X-3 are mounted on the basin floor and do not have their own drive. They are fixed to the floor or to the walls by means of holders H (central rollers X- 3 directly to the floor, lateral rollers X- 3 additionally to the side wall). The robust ropes N connect X-2 and X-3 vertically, without play. 3. vertical movement When the shaft Z-2 is driven by the motors, the rollers X-2 rotate. As a result, the ropes N move vertically. The rollers X-3 mounted below are rotated by these forces, which enables a uniform and vigorous upward and downward movement. X-1 and X-4 (Fig. 3) On the left pool side, the same mechanism is realized: The shaft Z-1 with the corresponding rollers X-1 (top) and X-4 (bottom) provides for the vertical rope movement. In Figure 3, this mechanism is shown on the left, where X-1 and X-4 perform the same function as X-2 and X-3 on the right. The basin thus has an identical and synchronized drive on both longitudinal sides.3.3 Attachment of a load-bearing net (F)As can be seen in Fig. 2, below the point F there is a net which covers the entire pelvic surface in its size and rests on the ground: connection to the ropes (N)The net is attached to the ropes N by means of special clamps G.The right edge of the net is fixed to the ropes of the right pelvis side (Z-2), the left edge to the ropes of the left pelvis side (Z-1).Once the system is activated, all four geared motors A-1, A-2, B-1 and B-2 move and rotate shafts Z-1 and Z-2 at a fixed speed. The ropes (N) attached thereto - on the left side on the pulleys X-1 and X-4 - on the right side on the pulleys X-2 and X-3 - are thereby moved upwards. Since the large-area net is fixed in the basin floor with the aid of special clamps (G) on both cable sides (N left) and (N right), it rises like a stable, ascending platform (comparable to an elevator). In this way, all persons, animals or objects located in the water above the net are conveyed to the water surface (W) or beyond and thus saved.Load-bearing capacity and movementThe net is designed to be able to reliably support the weight of the persons and objects to be rescued.When the motors are activated, it is conveyed together with charge to the water surface and beyond.3.4 Monitoring devices (sensor system)In FIG. 1, sensors are attached to the pool walls at positions S-1, S-2, S-3 and S-4 which are responsible for continuously monitoring the basin: 1. detection of living bodies in the water using microwave, ultrasonic or hydro acoustic sensors in order to reliably detect movements under water. 2. weight and density filters use pressure sensors (load cells) or density sensors which trigger a warning from a specific limit mass (for example 50 kg). Children or animals are thus also recognized. 3. identification of authorized persons (bracelets) monitoring RFID, Bluetooth or UWB bracelets, smart watches or animal neckbands. If a bracelet is removed or not detected, an alarm signal is generated. 4. environmental resistance All sensors meet the protection class IP68 and operate safely in moist or underwater areas. 5. alarm and control signal Upon detection of a hazard (unauthorized intrusion, removal of the bracelet), the sensors send an immediate signal to all motors (A-1, A-2, B-1, B-2). These start simultaneously and raise the network. The advantage of the bracelet system floats, which can actually float, can, in an emergency, remove its silicone bracelet as quickly as possible in order to release the system. The entire configuration of the sensors is also customizable (coupling to apps, smart watches, or animal neckbands).3.5 Protection and Positioning of the Drive UnitsProtective covers over the rollers X- 1 and X- 2 (FIG. 1 ) In order to prevent injuries, protective housings are mounted over the rollers, in which protective housings only a small portion remains open for the cable movement. The motors A- 1, A- 2 and B- 1, B- 2 are accommodated in the walls D- 1 and D- 2 (at the front sides of the basin). Although they are watertight, the embedding in the basin wall additionally protects against direct water contact and reduces accessibility by unauthorized persons. Water surface (W) In FIG. 2, symbol W denotes the water level. The shafts and rollers are located above this plane. In an emergency, the net is raised above the water surface (W) and thereby rescues people or animals prior to being drown.In order to improve and complete the automatic rescue system in the swimming pool, the following functions are provided:1. Emergency Lock Mechanism (Emergency Lock Mechanism)To avoid sudden dropping or contraction of the network (F) in the event of power failure or technical defects, a mechanical or electromagnetic locking is used. This is located along the drive shafts (Z-1 and Z-2) or on the geared motors (A-1, A-2, B-1, B-2). In normal operation (with the power supply operating), the latch is open and as soon as an emergency (e.g. power failure) is detected or a corresponding control signal is present, the latch is automatically activated and prevents any uncontrolled movement.2. Advanced Sensor Suite (Advanced Sensor Suite)Ultrasonic / Hydroacoustic Sensors: For the detection of sudden movements or shocks in the water, which are caused by a person or an animal falling in.Load Cells (pressure or weight sensors): Installed at key locations of the basin floor or in the area of the network in order to detect a mass above a certain threshold value (e.g. 30-50 kg).RFID / Bluetooth / other radio sensors: A warning signal is triggered to identify specific bracelets or collars; as soon as these are not detected or removed.Optional integration of temperature and time sensors: If a living being remains under water for longer than usual or if the water temperature exceeds a defined limit value, the system can issue a warning message or automatically activate itself.3. Smart App IntegrationThe system can be controlled via a central control unit or a mobile app (smartphone / tablet). The following functions are available:Real-time monitoring (real-time monitoring): display of the sensor status, the current network position and network height and warning or error messages.User-specific settings (Customization): The user may adjust the threshold of the pressure sensors or the sensitivity of the motion sensors and set schedules or scenarios (e.g., pool party, maintenance, etc.).Logging (logging): All events-including system activation and deactivation, alarm messages and other processes-are detected and can be subsequently evaluated.4. Environmental ResistanceAll electronic and mechanical parts that are in direct or indirect contact with the water meet stringent water protection and corrosion protection standards (e.g., IP68). In addition, the materials used for the mesh (F) and the clamps (G) are resistant to chlorine or other chemicals contained in the pool water.5. Operating Procedure in Risk DetectionDetection: One or more sensors send an emergency signal (e.g., due to sudden immersion of a heavy object).Early warning: Immediately thereafter, a warning message appears on the central control panel or in the app, so that persons on site can react quickly.Drive of the lifting mechanism: The central control unit activates the geared motors (A-1, A-2, B-1, B-2) while releasing the emergency lock for the upward movement. The net (F) is then raised from the basin bottom up to or above the water surface.Safety: As soon as the desired height is reached, the emergency locking device reengages and fixes the network so that persons or animals can be safely rescued.Logging: All steps are recorded in the system or app log and can be understood at any time.6. Extended Application PossibilitiesThe system can be used not only in private or public swimming pools, but also in fish pools or industrial water reservoirs. By appropriate adaptation of the sensor system, the system can be flexibly cut to different fields of application.

Claims

Automatic rescue and lifting system for swimming pools, characterised in that it comprises 1.1 a large-area net (F) covering the entire pool floor, 1.2 at two opposite longitudinal sides of the pool carries in each case at least one shaft (Z-1, Z-2) which can be rotated reversibly by drive technology, 1.3 deflection and guide rollers (X-1 to X-4) are arranged on the shafts (Z-1, Z-2) and on the pool floor or on the pool walls, via which deflection and guide rollers (X-1 to X-4) traction means (N) are guided, wherein the net (F) is fastened to the traction means via clamps (G) and can be moved vertically between the pool floor and at least water surface (W) synchronously or quasi-synchronously by rotating the shafts, 1.4 comprises a sensor arrangement (S-1 to S-4), the at least one of the sensor types includes pressure / weight, motion, hydro acoustic, ultrasonic or radio transponder sensors, 1.5 provides a control unit which activates all drives of the shafts in the case of danger based on the sensor signals, and 1.6 comprises a mechanical or electromagnetic locking or braking system which prevents unintentional lowering of the network in the event of a power failure or after reaching the desired position.System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sensor arrangement is designed to trigger a control signal when an adjustable threshold value for the mass acting on the grid is exceeded.A system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor arrangement includes hydroacoustic or ultrasonic sensors which detect sudden movements in the water.System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shafts (Z-1, Z-2) are driven on both sides by in each case two geared motors (A-1, A-2 or B-1, B-2), and the control unit monitors a predefined small nominal synchronous deviation of the shafts.System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mesh (F) consists of a high-strength polymer fibre mixture which is resistant to chlorine and UV.System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that person or animal transponders are identified by means of RFID or Bluetooth low-energy tags and the absence of an authorized tag generates an alarm signal.System according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transponders are designed as ultra wideband (UWB) transmitters.System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an operator panel or a mobile application allows manual activation, status visualization and logging of the system.System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all the active components meet at least protection type IP 68.A pool lifting device comprising the features of sections 1.1 to 1.3 and 1.6, but without the features of sections 1.4 and 1.5, wherein the activation of the drives is performed manually or by an external control signal.

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