Floatable Evacuation Unit with Nested Rigid Shells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evacuation solutions, such as inflatable liferafts and lifeboats, occupy significant deck space on ships and require complex launching systems, making them inefficient for large passenger vessels where space is limited and multiple units are needed to accommodate a high number of passengers.
Innovation Solution
A floatable unit comprising two shells made of rigid or semi-rigid material that accommodate a deflated structure, which inflates to provide increased strength and capacity, with integrated ballast and propulsion systems, and a design that minimizes space usage and enhances stability and comfort during evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional inflatable liferafts are used for evacuation, then passenger capacity can be achieved, but deck space consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the deflated inflatable structure inside the hollow interior of the shell. The shell serves as a protective container that houses the compacted inflatable structure, much like a nested doll. This allows the evacuation device to maintain a small storage footprint while providing sufficient capacity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes an inflatable structure made of flexible material that can be deflated for compact storage and inflated for use. This flexible shell approach allows the same structure to occupy minimal space during storage and expand to provide adequate passenger capacity when needed, resolving the contradiction between capacity and storage space.
2Strength
If traditional lifeboats are used for evacuation, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and launching requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective shell structure with the inflatable structure into a single integrated unit. The shell provides immediate structural strength and protection, while the inflatable structure enhances buoyancy and comfort. This combination eliminates the need for separate complex launching systems required by traditional lifeboats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the evacuation structure from fully rigid (lifeboat) to a combination of rigid shell and flexible inflatable components. This parameter change allows the structure to maintain strength while simplifying the launching mechanism, as the unit can be more easily deployed from the vessel.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple liferafts are deployed to accommodate high passenger numbers, then evacuation capacity is sufficient, but the number of containers and their support structures occupy excessive deck space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional unit where the shell serves multiple purposes: it provides structural strength, protects the inflatable structure during storage and launch, acts as a hull in water, and reduces the number of separate support structures needed. This universality allows a single unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate liferafts and their support systems.
4Ease of operation
If the inflatable structure is exposed in the storage situation, then ease of deployment is improved, but the structure is vulnerable to decomposition from maritime environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-protecting the inflatable structure within the shell during storage. The shell acts as a protective barrier against UV radiation, saltwater, and other environmental factors before deployment is needed. This preliminary protection ensures the inflatable structure remains intact and ready for rapid deployment when evacuation is required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The floatable unit reduces deck space requirements, increases passenger capacity, provides enhanced stability and comfort, and allows for easier towing and directional control, while protecting the inflatable structure from damage and ensuring rapid ballast adjustment for safe evacuation.
Implementation Method 1
a floatable unit for evacuation purposes, which in a storage situation comprises at least two shells made of rigid or semi-rigid material, said shells being adapted to accommodate a deflated structure
Implementation Method 2
Additionally, the shells which accommodate the deflated structure in the storage situation protect the deflated structure and ensure that it is not decomposed by the maritime environment
Implementation Method 3
by using the inflated structure, the injuries obtained by the persons being evacuated, for instance when the floatable unit moves unexpectedly, e.g. in the situation where the floatable unit is slammed against the vessel side, are minimized, since the inflated structure has an overall softness and cushioning effect
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a floatable unit for evacuation purposes, which in a storage situation comprises at least two shells made of rigid or semi-rigid material, said shells being adapted to accommodate a deflated structure. Said deflated structure of the unit, during an evacuation situation, is inflated and the shells are attached to the inflated structure whereby the shells operate as hull parts for the floatable unit.