Inflatable Tubular Rescue Device for Man Overboard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing man-overboard rescue devices are poorly adapted to human morphology, cumbersome, and often require significant effort to use, with limitations in buoyancy, traction, and reboarding efficiency, and are not easily reusable.
Innovation Solution
A compact, reusable rescue device consisting of a floating elongated tubular structure with a flexible foam core covered in a fluorescent orange material, equipped with fastening, hoisting, and tracking means, including Velcro attachments and stainless steel components for easy deployment and reboarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional buoy is used for rescue, then the person in distress can stay afloat, but the device is poorly adapted to human morphology and requires significant effort to stay afloat
Solution Approach 1:
The rescue device uses a flexible inflatable tube structure that conforms to the human body shape, providing buoyancy support adapted to human morphology. The flexible material allows the tube to wrap around the person's torso, distributing buoyant force naturally rather than requiring the person to actively maintain position.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical state from deflated (compact) to inflated (functional) to provide buoyancy. The inflatable design allows the tube to expand and provide sufficient buoyant force to support the person's weight, eliminating the need for the person to exert effort to stay afloat.
2Reliability
If a traditional buoy is used for rescue, then the person can be kept afloat, but re-boarding the boat becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the inflatable tube provides both buoyancy support and serves as a retrieval mechanism. The tube is connected to a retrieval line that extends to the boat, allowing the person to be pulled back aboard while maintaining buoyancy support throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval line acts as an intermediary between the buoyant tube and the boat. The line transmits the pulling force from the boat to the person, enabling easy re-boarding while the tube continues to provide buoyancy support during the entire retrieval process.
3Reliability
If a traditional buoy is used for rescue, then the person can be rescued, but the buoy hinders the maneuverability of the boat
Solution Approach 1:
The rescue device is designed as a separate, detachable unit that can be independently deployed from the boat. The inflatable tube and retrieval line form a self-contained rescue system that operates independently, minimizing interference with the boat's maneuverability while maintaining full rescue capability.
4Ease of operation
If a floating line with flotation element is used, then the device allows re-boarding, but it cannot be reused immediately after a rescue
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable tube is designed to be deflated and stored in a compact form after use, allowing immediate reuse. The tube can be completely deflated through a release valve and rolled up into a small package, ready for the next rescue operation without requiring any modification or replacement of components.
5Reliability
If a floating line with flotation element is used, then the device allows rescue operations, but it is bulky and makes safety equipment for small boats restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the retrieval line is stored inside the inflatable tube when not in use. The tube itself can be deflated and rolled into a compact cylinder that fits within a small storage container on the boat, minimizing space requirements while maintaining full rescue functionality.
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 device provides effective buoyancy and traction, facilitating easy reboarding and immediate reuse without modification, enhancing safety and comfort on boats of all sizes while being easily storable and accessible.
Implementation Method 1
The device is floating and consists of an elongated tubular structure, in the initial position, consisting of floating foam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
This is a device (1) for saving a man at sea who remains conscious and can thus perform positive life-saving operations in order to get back on board a vessel. The device floats and is formed of a tubular structure which in the initial position is elongated and consists of a floating foam (2) inside a jacket (3). The structure is provided with: an attachment system (5), (6) at each end so that it can be folded around the man at sea, in such as to form a buoy in the use position; hauling means (10) for lifting the man back on board the vessel; and locating means.