Ship Deck Airbag Ejection for Survival Appliance Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small ferry-type ships often have insufficient crew to manually deploy multiple survival appliances in distress situations, as each appliance requires a trained crew member for safe operation, and existing semi-automatic systems are not adaptable for installation on ships.
Innovation Solution
A rescue device with a containerized survival appliance system that can be automatically deployed from a ship's deck using an airbag ejection mechanism, remotely controlled from the wheelhouse, eliminating the need for crew members beside each appliance and allowing gangway clearance during evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual deployment systems are used for survival appliances, then reliability of deployment is improved, but device complexity and crew requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The survival appliance system performs deployment automatically without requiring crew members to manually operate it. The system includes automatic inflation mechanisms, self-contained life rafts, and automated release systems that eliminate the need for human intervention during critical emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical deployment operations are replaced with automated mechanical and electronic systems. The patent employs automatic inflation devices, electronic control units, and automated release mechanisms that substitute for manual crew operations, reducing both complexity and human resource requirements while maintaining deployment reliability.
2Productivity
If multiple survival appliances are installed on small ships, then evacuation capacity is improved, but crew requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each survival appliance is equipped with self-service deployment capabilities, including automatic inflation systems and self-contained mechanisms that eliminate the need for dedicated crew members. Multiple appliances can be installed and operated independently without requiring additional personnel for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal deployment mechanisms and standardized equipment that can be used across multiple survival appliances. The same automated systems and control mechanisms can manage multiple life rafts and evacuation devices, reducing the overall crew requirement while maintaining the ability to handle multiple evacuation scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If automated deployment systems are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated deployment system operates independently without requiring manual intervention. The system includes self-inflating rafts, automatic release mechanisms, and self-contained control systems that execute deployment operations autonomously, making the process simple for users while managing complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all necessary deployment actions in advance through pre-programmed automatic sequences. Components are pre-assembled, pre-tested, and configured for automatic operation, so that when deployment is triggered, the system executes the complete sequence without requiring real-time manual adjustments or complex operational procedures.
4Productivity
If gangway obstruction is prevented during evacuation, then evacuation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure includes movable and adjustable components that can change configuration during evacuation operations. The structure dynamically adapts to clear the gangway path when needed, allowing efficient passenger flow while maintaining structural integrity and functionality during normal operations.
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 single-crew operation to deploy multiple survival appliances remotely, ensuring efficient and safe evacuation of passengers by automating the deployment process and maintaining gangway accessibility in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable balloon, of the airbag type, said airbag being installed between a structure secured to said deck and said container
Data Source
AI summary
The rescue device for the passengers and crew of a ship includes: a container that contains survival equipment; a system that is intended for stowing said container relative to the deck of the ship and contains at least one strap and a system for multimodally attaching and releasing said container; an airbag-type inflatable balloon set up between a structure, secured to the deck, and said container, said structure defining a passage for the passengers when needed; and a means for releasing the airbag set up on the wheelhouse of said ship. The frame-shaped structure is formed of: two side posts; a lower cradle, on which said container rests; an upper crosspiece; and a plate set up inside the ship and acting as a counterbearing for the airbag when said container is ejected.