Deployable Location Indicator Assembly for Flotation Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water safety devices, such as life vests, have limited visibility when submerged, making it difficult for search and rescue responders to locate individuals in open water, especially in rough conditions. Additionally, waterborne activities pose risks of collisions between watercraft and individuals in the water due to poor visibility.
Innovation Solution
A location indicator assembly is integrated into a flotation device, comprising a support mechanism with a scissor link mechanism and an indicator device such as a pendant or flag. This assembly can be deployed and retracted using cable assemblies and pull handles, providing high visibility when deployed and minimizing interference when retracted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a life vest is used with bright orange color, then visual identification by search and rescue responders is improved, but visibility from a distance is reduced when the vest is submerged in rough water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the visibility solution from the two-dimensional surface of the life vest to a third dimension by deploying a vertical indicator device (flag or pendant) that extends above the water surface. This dimensional extension ensures that the indicator remains visible from a distance even when the majority of the life vest is submerged in rough water conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device is designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable rather than fixed. The scissor link mechanism allows the indicator to be deployed vertically when needed for maximum visibility and retracted when not needed, adapting to different operational conditions and resolving the contradiction between visibility and profile.
2Illumination intensity
If an indicator device is deployed to enhance visibility, then visibility for search and rescue is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the indicator device with the life vest structure itself, using the life vest as the housing and mounting structure for the scissor link mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate support structures and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the deployable indicator functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device is segmented into modular components including the scissor link mechanism, the indicator element (flag or pendant), and the housing structure. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while enabling the complex deployable functionality through coordinated simple parts.
3Ease of operation
If the indicator device is made retractable to minimize interference, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor link mechanism is designed to be self-latching and self-retracting through the natural mechanical advantage of the scissor geometry. When deployed, the mechanism locks into position without additional fasteners, and when retracted, it automatically returns to the stowed position, eliminating the need for complex motorized or manually-operated retraction systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A location indicator assembly has a support mechanism for undergoing movement between a retracted position and a deployed position, an indicator device mounted to the support mechanism, and a mechanism for deploying and retracting the support mechanism to place the indicator device between deployed and retracted states, respectively. A flotation device, such as a life jacket, is equipped with the location indicator assembly to provide high visibility for an individual floating in open water while using the flotation device.