Folding Rescue Board with Directional Arrest

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backboards for victim extrication are cumbersome in tight spaces and pose buoyancy issues in water environments, leading to delays and increased risk of drowning during rescue operations.

Innovation Solution

A folding rescue board with adjustable buoyancy and directional arrest features, designed to be compact and neutrally buoyant, allowing single-person transport and navigation through narrow spaces, with features like rails, rollers, and pivot locks for stabilization and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a standard backboard is used for victim transport, then the victim can be supported during movement, but the backboard is cumbersome to navigate through tight quarters and corners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevictim support stabilityVSAvoidnavigation through tight spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The backboard is divided into multiple segments that can fold relative to each other, allowing the board to be compacted for navigation through tight spaces and then extended to provide full victim support during transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backboard transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic folding structure that can change its configuration between compact storage state and extended support state, enabling both easy navigation and stable victim support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a standard backboard is used in water environments, then the backboard provides structural support, but buoyancy issues cause the backboard to float uncontrollably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidcontrol in water

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The backboard incorporates buoyancy compensation mechanisms that counteract the natural buoyancy of the board in water, allowing the board to remain neutrally buoyant or sink slightly to provide stable support without floating uncontrollably

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The backboard's buoyancy characteristics are modified by changing the density or volume of integrated buoyancy elements, allowing the board to achieve neutral buoyancy in water while maintaining structural strength for victim support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a long backboard is used to fully support the victim, then complete victim support is achieved, but the backboard requires multiple persons to carry and cannot fit in limited spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete victim supportVSAvoidnumber of persons required

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The long backboard is segmented into foldable sections that can be collapsed into a compact form for single-person transport and storage, then extended to full length to provide complete victim support during extrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backboard utilizes folding motion to transition between a compact two-dimensional storage state and a full three-dimensional extended state, enabling complete victim support while reducing the number of persons required to transport it

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If time is taken to readjust the victim for navigation through tight quarters, then the victim can be safely transported, but the extrication time is increased which is detrimental to victim prognosis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe victim transportVSAvoidextrication time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The folding backboard allows dynamic adjustment of its configuration during transport, enabling navigation through tight spaces without requiring time-consuming victim readjustment while maintaining safe transport conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution significantly reduces extrication time, enhances safety by maintaining victim stability and control during transport, and allows for rapid provision of medical attention by enabling efficient navigation and storage in limited spaces.

Implementation Method 1

the board comprises a buoyancy feature configured to provide neutral or near-neutral buoyancy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS11517485B2Apparatus for victim extrication, transport, and method of use

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 RESCUE X TRAINING & CONSULTING LLC

AI summary

The present invention is directed to an apparatus resembling a rescue backboard for the extrication of individuals in scenarios wherein the individual requires attention, such as medical attention. In particular, the invention surrounds an apparatus and method providing a board which permits folding for increased stowage, and directional arrest features which assist in extricating a victim from a water-borne environment by preventing the victim from sliding back into the water after partial extrication.