Floatation device without pressurized container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emergency floatation devices used in rescue operations are heavy due to pressurized cylinders, require refilling, and have non-leakproof fabrics, leading to reduced buoyancy over time and increased storage space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A floatation device that transforms between retracted and extended configurations using a stiffener assembly to create a partial vacuum for automatic inflation, with a valve assembly to control air flow and optional manual inflation to ambient pressure, eliminating the need for pressurized cylinders and improving storage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pressurized container is used to automatically inflate the floatation device, then the device can be quickly deployed, but the weight of the device increases and the container requires refilling before reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pressurized container from the floatation device, extracting the source of high pressure while retaining the automatic inflation capability through a different mechanism that uses ambient atmospheric pressure instead of stored pressurized gas
Solution Approach 2:
The floatation device inflates itself automatically when deployed without requiring external pressurization equipment. The stiffener assembly's movement automatically creates the pressure differential needed for inflation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for refillable pressurized containers
2Productivity
If a pressurized container is used for automatic inflation, then rapid deployment is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to refilling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurized container and its associated refilling infrastructure are completely removed from the system, eliminating the complexity of refilling procedures while maintaining rapid deployment capability through automatic self-inflation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or single-use approach to the inflation system, where the floatation device is designed to inflate automatically from an deflated state without requiring recovery or refilling of pressurized containers, simplifying the operational cycle
3Ease of manufacture
If non-leak proof fabrics are used in the floatation device, then manufacturing is simpler, but the buoyancy reduces over time due to gradual pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high pressure (requiring leak-proof fabrics) to ambient atmospheric pressure (tolerating non-leak-proof fabrics). This parameter change allows the use of simpler, more manufacturable fabrics while maintaining sufficient buoyancy for the intended application
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides sufficient buoyancy through partial inflation to ambient pressure rather than requiring complete sealing and high pressure. This partial action approach maintains reliability for rescue operations while allowing simpler fabric construction
4Reliability
If alternative floatation devices like ring buoys and cushions are used, then leak-proof construction is achieved, but the storage space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floatation device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible form. The body can collapse into a compact configuration for storage and automatically expand to a functional buoyant structure when deployed, reducing storage volume while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The floatation device nests into a compact form factor when not in use, with the stiffener assembly and body collapsing together to minimize storage space, then deploying to its full functional size when needed
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 solution reduces weight, allows continuous reuse, maintains buoyancy, and minimizes storage space by using a self-inflating mechanism that maintains stability and can be manually inflated for pressure equalization.
Implementation Method 1
During the transformation of the body between the retracted position and the extended position, a partial vacuum is created within the body to inflate the floatation device
Implementation Method 2
movement of the stiffener assembly to the second position causes at least one valve of the valve assembly to seal and block a flow into and out of the interior cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A floatation device (20) includes a body transformable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. A stiffener assembly (22) is movable between a first position and a second position. The stiffener assembly is biased into the second position. The stiffener assembly is operably coupled to the body such that movement of the stiffener assembly between the first position and the second position causes the body to transform between the retracted position and the extended position. During the transformation of the body between the retracted position and the extended position, a partial vacuum is created within the body to inflate the floatation device.