Telescoping Rescue Pole With Rope-Actuated Clamping Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rescue devices for icy water situations face challenges in engaging individuals without their assistance, as they quickly lose ability to work due to hypothermia, and rescuers cannot approach closely to avoid breaking through the ice.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping rescue pole with a clamping mechanism featuring curved arm members and a drive system, using ropes to extend and close the arms around the individual, and flotation materials to keep the assembly afloat, allowing for safe engagement and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rescuer approaches an individual in icy water closely to provide assistance, then the rescuer can directly help the individual, but the rescuer may break through the ice and both individuals may drown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rescue device as an intermediary between the rescuer and the individual in distress. The device includes a pole with a clamping mechanism that can be operated from a safe distance, allowing the rescuer to engage and retrieve the individual without directly approaching the hazardous ice edge.
2Reliability
If an individual in icy water is engaged using a traditional harpoon or noose device, then the individual can be secured, but the device requires manual operation by the individual who quickly loses ability due to hypothermia
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is designed to automatically engage the individual without requiring their assistance. Once the pole is positioned near the individual, the clamping mechanism can be activated to secure them, eliminating the need for the individual to perform any operations despite their rapidly diminishing capabilities in icy water.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a telescoping pole with clamping mechanism is used to engage an individual from a distance, then the rescuer remains safe from ice breaking, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into telescoping sections that can extend and retract, allowing the device to reach individuals at a safe distance while maintaining a manageable size for storage and transport. This segmentation enables the pole to adapt its length based on the rescue situation without requiring an excessively long fixed structure.
4Ease of operation
If flotation materials are added to the clamping assembly to keep it buoyant, then the device can float on water surface, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flotation materials are integrated into the clamping assembly to provide buoyant force that counteracts the weight of the device and prevents it from sinking in water. This allows the device to remain afloat and operational on the water surface, compensating for the added weight through the upward buoyant force.
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 effective engagement and retrieval of individuals from icy water without requiring their assistance, maintaining safety for both the rescuer and the individual by using a telescoping mechanism that can grasp and pull the person to safety while keeping the clamping assembly buoyant.
Implementation Method 1
The curved arm members and the end portion of the body member include flotation coverings, such as Styrofoam or similar buoyant material, to float the clamping assembly on the surface of the water.
Data Source
AI summary
A rescue pole includes a clamping mechanism secured to a pole. In one aspect the rescue pole has a hollow body with exterior sections connected by sidewalls. A pair of opposed curved arms extend from the hollow body and pivot to close and separate from each other. A pulley is mounted on the body between the curved arms opposite the pole. First and second rope members secured to a drive mechanism operate the curved arms. Pulling one rope moves apart the exterior attached arms. Pulling another rope moves the arms toward each other.