Inflatable Survival Craft With Bow-Stern Vector Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable survival crafts face challenges with high drag forces and reduced maneuverability when loaded with passengers, making it difficult to navigate away from hazards or rescue individuals effectively.
Innovation Solution
The survival craft is equipped with pairs of engine-powered propulsion means at the stern and bow, with independently adjustable horizontal angles relative to the centerline, allowing enhanced maneuverability and turning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the survival craft uses non-rigid inflatable tubes to reduce space occupation, then the craft can be stored in a deflated state on the vessel, but the craft experiences high drag forces from water when moving through water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hull structure adjustable between inflated and deflated states. The inflatable tubes can be inflated to create a rigid-like structure for reduced drag during movement, and deflated to minimize space occupation on the vessel. This dynamic transformation allows the craft to adapt its physical properties to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the hull structure by controlling the inflation state of the tubes. When inflated, the tubes create a streamlined shape with reduced drag coefficient; when deflated, they minimize volume occupation. This parameter change allows the craft to optimize performance for different operational modes.
2Quantity of substance
If the survival craft is fully loaded with passengers, then the evacuation capacity is maximized, but the maneuverability and turning ability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propulsion system into multiple independent engine-powered propulsion means distributed at different locations (stern and bow). Each propulsion unit can be independently controlled, allowing the craft to maintain maneuverability even when fully loaded by applying localized forces that counterbalance the weight distribution and drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric propulsion arrangement where propulsion means are positioned at both stern and bow, rather than a conventional single-location arrangement. This asymmetric distribution of propulsion forces allows for enhanced turning capability and maneuverability by creating asymmetric thrust vectors that can pivot the craft effectively regardless of load.
3Device complexity
If the survival craft uses conventional propulsion means, then the structure is simple, but the turning ability and maneuverability in tight spaces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent engine-powered propulsion means positioned at both stern and bow. Each propulsion unit operates independently with adjustable horizontal angles, enabling precise control and sharp turns in tight spaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion means incorporate adjustable horizontal angles that can be dynamically changed during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the craft to optimize its turning radius and maneuverability in tight spaces by adapting the propulsion vector directions, without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
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 design enhances maneuverability and turning abilities, enabling safe evacuation and rescue operations by allowing the craft to navigate around obstacles and turn in tight spaces, while maintaining stability and capacity for multiple passengers.
Implementation Method 1
each engine-powered propulsion means having a propeller or a water jet
Implementation Method 2
hull, predominantly made of non-rigid inflatable tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A survival craft for maritime evacuation of passengers and crew members from a vessel or an offshore facility is disclosed. The survival craft has a hull, predominantly made of non-rigid inflatable tubes and one or more shells, the hull has a length, a width and a centerline, a bow and a stern. The survival craft further comprises a first pair of engine-powered propulsion means arranged at the stern on opposite sides of the centerline, and a second pair of engine-powered propulsion means arranged at the bow on opposite sides of the centerline, each engine-powered propulsion means has a propeller or a water jet, wherein a horizontal angle of each propeller or water jet of each engine-powered propulsion means can be independently set in relation to the centerline.