Life Ring Buoy with Internal Retrieval Line and UV Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current life ring buoys and flotation cushions face issues with retrieval line fouling, leading to delayed and inaccurate deployment, as well as ultraviolet degradation of the line, which hampers rescue efforts and affects deployment distance.

Innovation Solution

A life ring buoy or flotation cushion with an internally secured retrieval line and integrated illuminating sources, where the line is protected by upper and lower rubber extrusions and a protective sleeve, allowing snarl-free deployment and illumination for better visibility during rescue operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the retrieval line is externally attached to the life ring buoy or flotation cushion, then the deployment is simple, but the retrieval line becomes prone to fouling, snarls, kinks, or snags that delay deployment and reduce accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidretrieval line functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retrieval line is nested within the hollow body of the life ring buoy or flotation cushion, with the line coiled inside the buoyant chamber. This internal placement eliminates external attachment points that would cause fouling, while still allowing the line to be deployed through a controlled opening in the buoy structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the retrieval line is left exposed to sunlight, then it is easily accessible, but the ultraviolet light causes degradation of the line material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline accessibilityVSAvoidultraviolet degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retrieval line is stored coiled within the hollow interior of the buoy, shielding it from ultraviolet exposure. The line remains accessible through a controlled opening that allows deployment while maintaining protection from harmful UV radiation during storage and non-deployment periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If the life ring buoy and retrieval line are separate components, then each can be optimized independently, but the deployment becomes awkward and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoiddeployment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The retrieval line is integrated into the life ring buoy structure, with the line coiled within the buoy's hollow body and accessible through a controlled opening. This integration combines two separate components into one unified device that deploys as a single unit, eliminating the awkwardness of handling separate components while maintaining the ability to optimize each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the retrieval line is coiled up on racks or in bags, then it is protected from UV exposure, but preparation time is required prior to deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV protectionVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retrieval line is permanently nested within the hollow body of the buoy, eliminating the need for external racks or bags. The line is accessible through a controlled opening that allows immediate deployment without prior preparation, while remaining protected from UV exposure during storage and non-deployment periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enhances deployment accuracy and distance, reduces retrieval time, and protects the retrieval line from ultraviolet degradation, resulting in more effective and swift rescue operations.

Implementation Method 1

The upper and lower rubber extrusions protect the retrieval line from harmful ultraviolet light by preventing the ultraviolet light from entering the housing.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet protection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a life ring buoy or a flotation cushion is deployed to the person in distress to aid this person in staying above water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS8951081B2Life ring buoy and flotation cushion

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 GRANDINETTI THOMAS PAUL

AI summary

The present invention is an improved life ring buoy and flotation cushion that has the ability to be deployed and retrieved to aide a distressed person from drowning. The present invention has the ability to emit light upon being deployed. The present invention combines a flotation device, a retrieval line and a plurality of illuminating sources. The retrieval line is stowed within a recessed cavity in the flotation device. The illuminating sources are switched on prior to deploying the flotation device. The retrieval line is protected from detrimental ultraviolent light because it is stowed within the flotation device. A temporary seal prevents the retrieval line from prematurely exiting the recessed cavity. The improved retrieval line has an eye spliced in the exposed end and wrapped in brightly colored protective tubing, eliminating direct exposure to sunlight. The exposed retrieval line eye is tethered to the mechanical switch for the integral lights.