Rescue Basket With Door Mechanism and Flotation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rescue baskets are limited in capacity, allowing only a single individual and 300 pounds, and are designed as one-piece solid frames, which hampers the speed and safety of maritime rescue operations, especially during mass rescue incidents.
Innovation Solution
A rescue basket system with a rigid, structural frame designed to hold two full-sized individuals and at least 600 pounds, featuring a door mechanism for easier loading and a flotation system for increased buoyancy and stability, allowing multiple people to be rescued quickly and safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the basket capacity is increased to hold multiple individuals, then the productivity of rescue operations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basket is divided into multiple compartments separated by partitions, allowing it to hold multiple individuals simultaneously. Each compartment can independently contain one or more persons, increasing the overall rescue capacity from one person to multiple persons while maintaining structural organization and safety.
2Ease of operation
If a door mechanism is added for easier loading, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basket incorporates a movable door mechanism at one end that can be opened and closed. This dynamic element allows rescuers to easily load and unload individuals by simply opening the door, rather than having to maneuver persons over the entire basket structure. The door provides controlled access while maintaining security when closed.
3Productivity
If the basket is designed to hold more weight, then the productivity is improved, but the strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The basket utilizes composite construction combining aluminum or stainless steel frame members with buoyant materials and structural reinforcements. This composite approach allows the basket to support increased weights (600-1000 pounds) while maintaining reasonable weight and structural integrity, distributing loads across multiple frame members and connection points.
4Reliability
If a flotation system is added for increased buoyancy, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation system is integrated directly into the basket structure, with buoyant materials attached to or forming part of the frame and compartments. This merging of flotation functionality with the structural elements provides reliable buoyancy to keep the basket afloat while holding multiple persons, without adding separate, complex flotation devices.
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 system significantly expedites water rescues by enabling the simultaneous lifting of multiple individuals, reducing rescue time and enhancing safety through improved access and buoyancy, while maintaining compatibility with existing helicopter systems.
Implementation Method 1
a flotation system having sufficient buoyancy to keep the basket afloat and maintain the basket at a desired flotation level when completely immersed in the water
Data Source
AI summary
A rescue basket having the capacity to safely hold two full-sized individuals increases the efficiency and effectiveness of helicopter water rescue and recovery operations. The rescue basket includes an open end, which affords an additional option for loading passengers, along with a door mechanism that can at least partially close off the open end for passenger safety. The rescue basket includes a flotation system that maintains the basket at a desired flotation level when completely immersed in water, along with sufficient reserve buoyancy to safely maintain the passengers above water when loaded. Methods of performing a water rescue utilizing the present rescue basket on board of a helicopter are also provided.