Portable Davit Assembly for Man Overboard Rescue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water rescue systems lack a portable and easily attachable lift system for ships, requiring cumbersome and unsafe methods to rescue individuals overboard.

Innovation Solution

A portable lift system utilizing a davit assembly with a strap and loop system, adjustable feet, and a winch mechanism that allows for quick attachment and detachment from the ship, enabling efficient and safe rescue operations without straining the rescuer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated lift system is affixed to the ship, then the rescue operation is reliable, but the system cannot be easily attached or detached from the deck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability and ease of attachmentVSAvoidsecure attachment to ship

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lift system is divided into separate modular components including the davit assembly, winch mechanism, and attachment elements that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the system to be easily attached and detached while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic attachment mechanisms including movable davit arms, adjustable feet with friction engagement, and releasable latches that transition between secured and released states. These dynamic elements enable quick deployment and removal without permanent installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the rescuer manually secures the rescue strap, then the rescue operation can be performed, but the rescuer experiences back strain and physical burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverescuer operation simplicityVSAvoidphysical strain on rescuer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The rescue strap incorporates self-bucking mechanisms and automatic locking features that allow the strap to secure itself around the victim without requiring the rescuer to manually tighten or secure it. The strap automatically adjusts and locks, eliminating the need for rescuer physical effort in the securing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical securing action is replaced with an automated system combining the winch mechanism for lifting and self-bucking straps for securing. This substitution eliminates the need for rescuer physical strength while maintaining effective rescue capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the davit is lowered for rescue operation, then the rescue can be performed, but the davit must be quickly repositioned afterward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverescue operation speedVSAvoidtime to reposition davit

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The davit assembly includes pre-positioned guide rails, aligned attachment points, and spring-loaded latches that are prepared in advance. When the davit needs to be repositioned, these pre-configured elements enable rapid movement and re-latching without requiring complex manual adjustments or alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs quick-release mechanisms and spring-loaded latches that can be rapidly engaged or disengaged with a single motion. This allows the davit to be quickly repositioned from one rescue position to another, minimizing the time lost between operations and maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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

Enables rapid and safe rescue of individuals overboard by allowing the rescuer to maintain an upright position, reducing physical strain and ensuring efficient operation with the use of thrust bearings and a compact winch system.

Implementation Method 1

Thrust bearings are disposed on either side of a horizontal worm gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust bearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

A worm gear is efficiently disposed near the inside of the main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWorm gear: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentUS11834140B2Man overboard rescue system

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 C-HERO LLC

AI summary

A man over board rescue system 100 may comprise a main body 200 with the main body quickly and easily being attached and detached to a ship's bitt. Thus, the system may be quickly set up prior to departing and quickly put away at the end of a voyage. The system allows for the fast and efficient rescue of a person overboard without need for a rescuer to enter the water or to risk bodily injury in retrieving a person in the water. The system provides secure mechanical means allowing for a winch to be used in the support of a person which is a significant departure from the prior art.