Unmanned underwater rescue vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) designed for the transfer of survivors in maritime accidents from the damaged vessel to a rescue vessel or the shore. The unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) of the invention comprises a body (11) in which all the equipment is positioned; maneuvering fins (12) positioned on both sides of the body (11) to steer the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) to the desired coordinates; a propeller (13) positioned at the rear of the body (11) to provide the acceleration required for the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) to move over and through the sea; and a net (14) connected to the rear of the body (11) to transport the survivors from the accident site to a vessel or shore.

Description

[0001] UNMANNED UNDERWATER RESCUE VEHICLE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to an unmanned underwater vehicle designed for the transfer of survivors in maritime accidents from the damaged vessel to a rescue vessel or the shore.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] The frequency of maritime accidents in challenging seas is increasing with each passing day. Maritime accidents are caused by various factors such as adverse weather conditions, technical failures, negligence, and carelessness. The most critical requirement in maritime accidents is the rapid rescue of survivors. Rescue operations are typically conducted by nearby vessels, coast guard teams, marine police, and other authorized or volunteer organizations.

[0006] The risk of maritime accidents especially increases in bad weather conditions. In such cases, it is very difficult to transfer survivors from the damaged vessel to the rescue vessel or the shore due to adverse weather and sea conditions. The rescue vessel may also have an accident due to the same conditions. In addition, it is frequently seen that the rescue vessel arriving at the scene are unable to approach the damaged vessel or retrieve the survivors due to environmental conditions. In case of a maritime accident, marine vehicles such as lifeboats and boats are generally used to transfer the survivors between two boats or to the shore. Since vehicles such as lifeboats and boats are easily affected by weather and sea conditions, they can be ineffective in rescuing survivors. Another rescue alternative, such as air rescue or using a rescue line between vessels, is often not successful due to weather and sea conditions. In addition, new accidents in rescue operations can jeopardize the safety of rescue personnel and cause additional harm, up to and including death. There are many case studies reflected in the media on this subject.

[0007] In maritime accidents, many studies have been conducted today to design vehicles that can be used to carry out various operations both on and under the sea to ensure the safe and rapid rescue of survivors. One of these studies is the invention that is the subject of patent application No. TR2021003697. The invention is an underwater robot designed for the benefit of humanity and to save lives. A reconfigurable modular underwater control system will be designed to close the gap in the systems used within the scope of this project. The modular system allows changes to be made in the electronic control system of the robot according to the task load (add-ons such as Robot arm, Sonar, Camera module). This structure facilitates the detection of malfunctions in electronic systems and significantly reduces the cost of repair. The modular structure will consist of 1 main control system and 3 sub-control systems. These cards are motherboard, communication card, regulation card, external peripherals card. With the combination of these cards, the basic system required for the control of the underwater vehicle is formed.

[0008] Another study is the invention subject to patent application number CN117141682. The invention relates to the technical field of underwater robots, and in particular to an unmanned underwater vehicle for sea rescue. The object of the present invention is to provide a sea rescue unmanned underwater vehicle that simultaneously performs the functions of automatic path search, return, and active rescue for people who have fallen into the water. The subject of the invention includes a main body of an unmanned underwater vehicle intended for rescue. The attitude-adjustment propellers are respectively connected to the four corners of the main body. An outer baffle is attached to the main body of the vehicle. A robotic device body containing software is connected to the center of the main body. The device can be used for active rescue of the wounded in the open sea, can be submerged underwater for safe transportation, ensures the safety of transportation and oxygen supply of the wounded, has the advantages of high rescue efficiency, ease of transportation, safety, reliability, and longevity.

[0009] Another study is the invention subject to patent application number CN116142422. The invention describes an image recognition rescue system for a small underwater unmanned vehicle. The small unmanned vehicle is equipped with a boat head, a main body part, a fin part, and a tail power cabin. The fin part is arranged on the main body. In this section, a front image recognition system is arranged in the unmanned boat head, a side image recognition system is arranged behind the unmanned boat head, and a rear image recognition system arranged behind the side image recognition system. A steering system is arranged behind the side image recognition system and in front of the fin part, and a rescue system is arranged between the fin part and the tail power cabin. The small unmanned vehicle prevents people from being harmed as a result of the water surface rescue being affected by the waves during the underwater approach of individuals who have fallen into the water and need to be rescued to the vehicle.

[0010] Another study is the invention subject to patent application number CN114771772. The invention belongs to the technical field of machinery and control, information technology, life sciences, energy and chemical industry, and particularly relates to an underwater rescue device integrating visual sense and force sense mechanical arms, which comprises a left catamaran and a right catamaran. A spring buffer device and a hydraulic damping device are respectively arranged on the left side and the middle of the top of each catamaran. The installation ends of the spring buffer device and the hydraulic damping device are both connected with the outer wall of the information processing chamber, a visual sensor is assembled on the unmanned boat so that a target object can be accurately positioned, the mechanical arm can have the watching function, a force sensor is assembled on the mechanical arm so that the target object can be accurately analyzed, and the mechanical arm can complete the needed model function. And the visual sense and the force sense are fused on the mechanical arm at the same time, and difficult fishing work can be completed on the complex sea surface. According to the method, unmanned salvage is more intelligent, a target object can be positioned in real time, force control over the target object can be completed in a self- adaptive mode, and the whole process from discovery to rescue can be completed by the mechanical arm autonomously.

[0011] Another study is the invention subject to patent application number CN114735165. The invention relates to an intelligent underwater lifesaving system which comprises an underwater robot, an unmanned aerial vehicle, a server and an intelligent bracelet. The underwater robot comprises a main body, a human body supporting seat, a life-saving belt and a life-saving fish, a first turbine used for providing ascending and descending power in water is arranged on the main body, and a second turbine is used. Assemblies for providing advancing, retreating and steering power in water are arranged at the tail of the main body. The intelligent bracelet comprises a second microprocessor, and a heart rate sensor, a water pressure sensor, a third GPS module, a fourth wireless communication module and a fourth geomagnetic sensor which are respectively connected with the second microprocessor. According to the underwater robot for underwater rescue, the lifesaving belt is used for winding a drowning person to lift the head of the person out of the water surface, and compared with manual rescue, the rescue efficiency is high, and practicability is good; According to the invention, integration of the underwater robot, the unmanned aerial vehicle, the smart bracelet and the server is realized, the server carries out real-time drowning detection by using images and physiological data provided by the smart bracelet, a drowning phenomenon is found as early as possible, and rescue is carried out in time.

[0012] As a result, the need for the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle which eliminates the disadvantages of the present art, and the inadequacy of the existing solutions have made it necessary to make a development in the relevant technical field.

[0013] Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention relates to the unmanned underwater vehicle designed for the transfer of survivor from the damaged vessel to the rescue vessel or the shore in case of maritime accidents, which meets the above-mentioned requirements, eliminates all disadvantages, and provides some additional advantages.

[0015] Based on the state of the art, the object of the invention is to ensure that rescue teams are prevented from being harmed during the rescue phase of the survivors, regardless of weather and sea conditions, thanks to the designed underwater vehicle.

[0016] The object of the invention is to provide a safer and more effective approach to the damaged vessel with better protection from the wave effect thanks to the underwater movement of the vehicle.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide survivors the opportunity to leave the damaged vessel by holding onto a net apparatus, thanks to the deployable mechanism-equipped net apparatus attached to the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle. Another object of the invention is to enable the safe retrieval of survivors who have fallen into the sea from the accident site, thanks to the deployable mechanism- equipped net apparatus.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to increase the security level of the system by allowing the survivors to secure themselves to the network using carabiner-type apparatuses.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to assist survivors in staying afloat during transfer with the help of either the life jackets of the survivors or additional flotation aids attached to the net, thereby ensuring quick and safe transport of the survivors to the shore or the rescue vessel.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to prevent survivors from being injured during rescue operations by enclosing the propellers within a protective cage.

[0021] The structural and characteristic features of the invention and all advantages thereof will be understood more clearly with the figures given below and the detailed description provided with reference to these figures, therefore, evaluation must be made by taking these figures and detailed description into account.

[0022] Brief Description of The Drawings

[0023] In order to best understand the embodiment of the present invention and its advantages with additional elements, it should be evaluated together with the figures described below.

[0024] Figure-1 is the schematic overview of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle, Figure-2 is the circuit diagram of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle.

[0025] Reference Numbers

[0026] 10. Unmanned underwater rescue vehicle

[0027] 11. Body

[0028] 12. Maneuvering wings 13. Propeller

[0029] 14. Net

[0030] 15. Pontoon

[0031] A. Starboard motor

[0032] B. Port motor

[0033] C. Compressor

[0034] D. Water-air tank

[0035] E. Main integrator

[0036] F. Fin motor

[0037] G. Power source

[0038] H. Antenna transceiver / transmitter

[0039] I Nose light

[0040] J. Antenna light

[0041] K. Port light

[0042] L. Starboard light

[0043] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0044] In this detailed description, the unmanned underwater vehicle (10) of the invention designed for the transfer of survivors in maritime accidents from the damaged vessel to a rescue vessel or the shore is described only as an example for a better understanding of the subject and in a way that does not create any limiting effect.

[0045] The unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) shown in Figure-1 comprises a body (11) in which all the equipment is positioned; maneuvering fins (12) positioned on both sides of the body (11) to steer the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) to the desired coordinates; a propeller (13) positioned at the rear of the body (11) to provide the acceleration required for the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) to move over and through the sea; and a net (14) connected to the rear of the body (11) to transport the survivors from the accident site to a vessel or shore. Said unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) preferably comprises two propellers (13). In order to prevent injuries to the survivors during the rescue, the outer part of said propellers (13) is covered with a cage. Said unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) carries the net (14) to the accident zone and removes the survivors from danger by means of this net (14). The survivors hold on to said net (14), climb on or attach themselves to the net (14) with a carabiner or similar apparatus, and are then carried to the rescue vessel or shore by the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10). Said net (14) comprises a plurality of pontoons (15) filled with air to keep the survivors afloat on the water.

[0046] Said unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) is remotely controlled with wired and wireless control, and comprises powerful propellers (13) capable of diving underwater. Having two cage propellers (13) increases maneuverability and also prevents survivors from being injured during the rescue operation. The rescue net (14) has air-filled plastic pontoons (15) to prevent it from sinking after survivors jump on top.

[0047] Said unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) approaches the danger zone in which the maritime accident has occurred from underwater. In the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10), the propellers (13) provide the required thrust, while the maneuvering fins (12) allow maneuvering in the up-down and right-left directions. When said unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) approaches the zone, it maneuvers with the maneuvering fins (12) and positions the net (14) within the reach of seafarers / survivors. Seafarers / survivors attach themselves to the net (14) by jumping on the net (14) or swimming to the net (14). When all seafarers / survivors are attached to the net (14), the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) moves again to move away from the danger zone. During this movement, the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) can move underwater or on the surface. The pontoons (15) in the net (14) ensure that the seafarers / survivors remain afloat on water during the rescue operation and prevent them from sinking.

[0048] The unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) of the invention shown in Figure-2 operates three different motors (port motor (B), starboard motor (A) and fin motor (F)), compressor (C), main integrator (E), antenna transceiver (H) and lights (port light (K), starboard light (L) and antenna light (J)) with the energy it receives from the power source (G). The high-traction starboard motor (A) and port motor (B) ensure that the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) remains maneuverable and also arrives at the scene quickly. The starboard motor (A) and port motor (B) have cages made of metal around their propellers (13). The cages prevent seafarers / survivors, net ropes (14) and sea creatures from getting entangled in the propellers (13). The compressor (C) allows it to take in or discharge water with the water-air tank (D), changing its density and allowing it to sink into the water when necessary. Said water-air tank (D) acts as a compartment through which water can enter and exit, while having additional isolation to reduce the risk of water leakage and sensors to facilitate precise adjustment. The antenna transceiver (H) allows the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) to be controlled by remote control. The antenna light (J) is connected in series to the antenna transceiver (H), facilitating the testing of whether the antenna is working or not. The fin motor (F) facilitates the diving and surfacing of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) by adjusting the hydrodynamics of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) so that it can dive or surface. The port light (K), starboard light (L) and nose light (I ) enable the position of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) to be recognized, and the position of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) is recognized during use at sea in compliance with the rules of the sea. The lights are connected in series to the nearest motors of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) for easy fault detection. Any cable fault between the port motor (A), starboard motor (A), fin motor (F), and the main integration (E) will cause the port light (K), starboard light (L) and / or antenna light (J) on that line to stop functioning, thereby facilitating fault detection. The codeable main integration (E) is the main system that contains the codes of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) and steers the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to the remote control commands through the antenna. Inside, it contains appropriate sensors to identify the location and speed of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle, a GPS for continuous location of the device, and a black box for situations such as being lost and suffering damage. From integration failures to various damage situations, the black box has signal emitting features that can be activated both remotely and activated automatically in case of emergency.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) is propelled by two alternative (backup) remote control modules, wired and wireless.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, an antenna light (J) is connected to the body (11) to locate the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10). In another preferred embodiment of the invention, wedges made of rubber and similar materials are positioned around the body (11) to prevent damage to the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) as a result of being hit by the vessel during approach. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) comprises a safety rope for towing to the area where it is operated in case of malfunction and for easy retrieval from the water.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a deployable mechanism-equipped net apparatus is attached to the rear of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10).

[0052] When the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) approaches the damaged vessel, this net mechanism is activated and opens the net (14) for the survivors to jump on and hold onto.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) comprising a body (11) in which all equipment is positioned, designed for the transfer of survivors from the damaged vessel to the rescue vessel or the shore in maritime accidents, characterized in that it comprises: a propeller (10) positioned at the rear of the body (11) to provide the acceleration required for the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (13) to move over and through the sea; a net (14) attached to the rear of the body (11) for transporting survivors from the accident site to the vessel or shore; a starboard engine (A) and port engine (B) with high tractive power to ensure that the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) remains maneuverable and arrives at the scene quickly; a water-air tank (D) acting as a compartment through which water can enter and exit while having additional isolation to reduce the risk of water leakage and sensors to facilitate precise adjustment; a compressor (C) for submerging when it is necessary to change the density by adding or draining water into the water-air tank (D); a fin motor (F) facilitating the diving and surfacing of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) by adjusting the hydrodynamics of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) so that it can dive or surface, a main integration (E) containing the codes of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) and steering the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to the control commands.

2. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a cage covering the outer part of the propellers (13) in order to prevent injury to the survivors during rescue, and to prevent the net (14) ropes and sea creatures from getting caught in the propellers (13).

3. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a plurality of pontoons (15) located on the net (14) and filled with air to keep the survivors afloat on the water.

4. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises an antenna transceiver (H) to control the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) by remote control.

5. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises an antenna light (J) connected in series to the antenna transceiver (H) to test whether the antenna is working or not.

6. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a port light (K) connected in series with the port motor (B), a starboard light (L) connected in series with the starboard motor (A), and a nose light (I) connected in series with the fin motor (F) for recognizing the position of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) and detecting malfunction during use at sea in compliance with the rules of the sea.

7. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises sensors positioned in the main integration (E) for determining the position and speed of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10).

8. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a GPS positioned within the main integration (E) for continuously locating the position of the device.

9. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a black box positioned within the main integration (E) in case of being lost or suffering damage.

10. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises wedges made of rubber and similar materials around the body (11) to prevent damage to the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) as a result of being hit by the vessel during approach.

11. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) comprises asafety rope for towing to the area where it is operated in case of malfunction and for easy retrieval from the water.

12. An unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a deployable mechanism-equipped net apparatus attached to the rear of the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) for opening the net (14) when the unmanned underwater rescue vehicle (10) approaches the damaged vessel.

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