Rescue Drone Flotation Deployment With Retractable Tow Line
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rescue methods for individuals in distress at sea pose risks to rescuers and are inefficient in reaching the distressed individuals due to distance and hazardous conditions, such as rough seas or icy cold water.
Innovation Solution
A remote control drone assembly with a retractable spool and line system, capable of deploying a flotation device to a distressed swimmer and retrieving it using a spool retractor, allowing for safe and efficient rescue operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rescue methods (boats, helicopters) are used, then rescue capability is provided, but rescuers are placed at great risk in rough seas, icy cold water, or during high-speed vessel maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drone as an intermediary vehicle that can deliver flotation devices to distressed swimmers without requiring rescuers to physically enter the hazardous water environment. The drone acts as a mediator between the safe land-based rescue operation and the distressed individual in the water, eliminating direct exposure to harmful factors like rough seas, icy cold water, and propeller wash while maintaining rescue capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical rescue systems (boats requiring manual steering, helicopters requiring landing zones) with an autonomous drone system controlled by remote pilot. The drone uses automated navigation and positioning systems to deliver flotation devices, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated control mechanisms that can operate from safe distances while still reaching the distressed individual.
2Productivity
If the vessel stops or turns around to retrieve the fallen individual, then the individual can be rescued, but it takes upwards of one mile to stop or turn around, and the individual may drift with the current making rescue difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rescue function from the vessel itself and places it in an independent drone system. Instead of the vessel needing to stop or turn around to retrieve the individual, the drone can independently deploy flotation devices immediately upon spotting the distressed person, separating the rescue operation from the vessel's maneuvering requirements and eliminating the one-mile stopping/turning time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary action by having the drone stand ready to deploy flotation devices immediately when a distressed individual is spotted, rather than waiting for the vessel to stop or turn around. The drone can be positioned optimally and deploy rescue equipment instantly, performing the rescue action before the vessel has had time to maneuver into position.
3Productivity
If a lifeguard reaches the swimmer in a rip current situation, then the swimmer can be rescued, but the lifeguard is placed at risk to their safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a drone as an intermediary that can deliver flotation devices to swimmers in distress during rip current situations without requiring the lifeguard to enter the water. The drone acts as a safe mediator that maintains distance while still providing effective rescue assistance, allowing the lifeguard to remain on safe ground while the drone performs the hazardous delivery function.
4Reliability
If advanced equipment (airplanes, boats, communication networks) is used for SAR operations, then rescue capability is enhanced, but the equipment and operations remain complex and require highly trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a relatively simple, affordable drone system compared to complex military-grade SAR equipment. The drone uses standard components (motors, propellers, remote control) rather than sophisticated military technology, making the system more accessible and easier to operate while still providing effective rescue capability. The simplicity of the drone reduces training requirements compared to operating complex aircraft or vessels.
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 drone assembly enables safe and timely rescue by deploying a flotation device to a swimmer and retrieving it, reducing the risk to rescuers and minimizing the time required for successful rescue missions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rotor assemblies (32) and a power source (34) secured to a frame member (30)
Implementation Method 2
A flotation device (12) is secured to the frame assembly by a release bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control drone assembly to assist in the rescue of distressed swimmers. The drone assembly includes a flotation device that can be released over a distressed swimmer. A retractable spool assembly attached to the drone assembly includes a line having a proximate end tethered to the spool assembly. The drone assembly is constructed and arranged to be flown by an operator over a distressed swimmer. The floatation device is released for use by the distressed swimmer and the drone assembly is returned to the operator. The retractable spool is detached from the drone assembly and attached to a spool retractor. The spool retractor retrieving the floatation device together with the distressed swimmer.