Guided Rocket Flotation Rescue for Passenger Overboard Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for detecting a passenger overboard event on a vessel are inefficient due to the movement of the ship and water, which can sweep the person away from the point of incident, reducing the chances of a successful search and rescue operation.
Innovation Solution
A wearable wristband equipped with an RFID tag, RF beacon, and power supply that automatically detects a passenger overboard event and deploys a guided rocket system, comprising a guidance module, flight control module, and flotation module, to quickly locate and rescue the individual.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vessel turns around to locate the overboard person, then the search coverage is improved, but the time to reach the person increases and the person may be swept away by water movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically detecting the overboard event and pre-positioning a rescue device at the incident location before the vessel can maneuver. The wearable sensor detects when a passenger falls overboard and immediately deploys a rocket-launched rescue device to the precise location, eliminating the time loss associated with vessel maneuvering and search operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary rescue device (rocket-launched life raft or flotation device) that serves as a mediator between the vessel and the overboard person. This intermediary device is rapidly deployed to the person's location and provides immediate assistance, bridging the gap between the slow-moving vessel and the vulnerable person in the water.
2Device complexity
If traditional manual detection methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but detection speed and response time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by equipping each passenger with an automated wearable sensor that autonomously detects overboard events without requiring manual reporting. The sensor continuously monitors passenger status and automatically triggers the rescue device deployment when an overboard event is detected, eliminating the need for witness reporting and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical detection methods (visual observation, manual reporting) with electronic sensor-based detection. The wearable device uses electronic sensors to detect the mechanical event of falling overboard and converts it into an automated electronic signal that triggers the rescue system, substituting human action with electronic automation.
3Productivity
If the vessel maintains its course, then operational efficiency is improved, but the distance to the overboard person increases due to water movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the rescue device at the overboard person's location before the vessel needs to alter its course. The rocket-launched device is rapidly deployed to the precise incident coordinates, allowing the vessel to maintain its operational course while the rescue device independently reaches the person.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the distance problem by transitioning from a two-dimensional vessel-based rescue approach to a three-dimensional solution using rocket propulsion. The rescue device is launched vertically and then guided to the target location, adding a vertical dimension to the rescue operation and dramatically reducing the time and distance constraints imposed by water movement.
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 effectively reduces the distance between the vessel and the overboard passenger by rapidly guiding a rescue device to the correct location, enhancing the chances of a successful search and rescue operation.
Implementation Method 1
a rocket motor module removably attached to the flotation module and including a rocket motor configured to propel the modular rocket system
Implementation Method 2
a guidance module, the guidance module including a guidance system for guiding the modular rocket system toward a target
Implementation Method 3
A flight control module is removably attached to the guidance module and includes a plurality of airfoils
Implementation Method 4
A flotation module is removably attached to the flight control module and including a flotation safety device
Data Source
AI summary
A rescue system includes a wearable article, such as a wristband, which includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a radio frequency (RF) beacon, and a power supply. One or more RFID readers (collectively, an RF network) are located on a vessel, the RFID readers being configured to communicate with the RFID tag. Should the RF network detect a passenger overboard event, a modular rocket system is deployed. The modular rocket system comprises a guidance module, the guidance module including a guidance system for guiding the modular rocket system toward a target. A flight control module is removably attached to the guidance module, said flight control module including a plurality of airfoils. A flotation module is removably attached to the flight control module, said flotation module including a flotation device. A rocket motor module removably attached to the flotation module, said rocket motor module including a rocket motor configured to propel the modular rocket system.