Compact Inflatable Survival Craft With Rigid Pod Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rigid lifeboats and davits occupy significant space on marine structures, reducing the number of cabins available on passenger ships, and existing inflatable survival crafts lack sufficient rigidity and propulsion capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A survival craft with a hull formed from inflatable members, including modular inflatable chambers and a canopy support structure, providing rigidity and stability, combined with a rigid pod containing a propulsion unit, allowing compact storage and independent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid lifeboats and davits are used, then the survival craft provides sufficient rigidity and propulsion capabilities, but it occupies significant space on marine structures
Solution Approach 1:
The survival craft is divided into multiple inflatable chambers (first and second inflatable chambers) that can be independently inflated to provide rigidity. The floor is segmented into modular inflatable units that can be independently deployed. This segmentation allows the craft to achieve sufficient structural strength while maintaining a compact deflated profile for space-efficient storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The survival craft transitions from a deflated state with minimal volume to an inflated state with sufficient rigidity and structural integrity. By changing the physical state of the inflatable members from collapsed to pressurized, the craft achieves the necessary mechanical properties for operation while occupying minimal space during storage and transport.
2Area of stationary object
If inflatable members are used to reduce space occupancy, then the survival craft can be stored compactly, but it lacks sufficient rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable structure is divided into multiple rigidifying elements including longitudinal inflatable members, transverse inflatable members, and modular floor chambers. When inflated, these segmented elements work together to distribute structural loads and provide the necessary rigidity for the craft to operate safely while maintaining compact storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The survival craft combines inflatable members with rigid pod structures and rigidifying elements to create a composite structure. The inflatable portions provide buoyancy and basic structure, while the rigid pod and stiffening elements provide localized rigidity and structural support, achieving both compact storage and sufficient rigidity when deployed.
3Ease of operation
If the survival craft is designed to be self-propelling, then it can move clear of the structure under its own propulsion, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is integrated with the rigid pod structure, merging the propulsion function with the existing structural element. The outboard motor is mounted on the rigid pod, which serves both as a structural component and a mounting platform for the propulsion system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining self-propulsion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid pod serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a mounting platform for the propulsion system, and contributes to the overall rigidity of the craft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while enabling self-propulsion.
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 inflatable survival craft offers compact storage, enhanced rigidity, stability, and self-propulsion, minimizing space occupancy while ensuring safe and efficient evacuation from marine structures.
Implementation Method 1
A survival craft with a hull formed from inflatable members
Implementation Method 2
A rigid pod configured to carry, in a deflated state, a survival craft... combined with a rigid pod containing a propulsion unit, allowing compact storage and independent operation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This invention relates to a survival craft comprising a hull (10) formed from inflatable members, an optional canopy support structure carried by the hull and formed from inflatable members, and an inflatable wall structure (11). The invention also relates to rigid pod (19) configured to carry a survival craft in a deflated state and be coupled to the hull when the craft is in an inflated state. The inflatable parts may be formed from drop thread material.