Submarine Emergency Exit Lock Holding Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing emergency exit systems in submarines require significant physical exertion to prevent the submarine rescue suit from floating up during flooding, posing health risks, especially at greater depths, and existing solutions complicate the emergency egress process.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with detachable attachment means to the submarine structure, featuring a traction mechanism with a winch and snap shackle, prevents floating during flooding and automatically releases for safe egress, allowing for secure connection and easy detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air supply device inflates the submarine rescue suit during flooding, then the person gains buoyancy for emergency exit, but the person floats in the emergency exit lock causing the air supply connection to separate
Solution Approach 1:
A holding device with a holding element acts as an intermediary between the person and the emergency exit lock structure. This holding element releasably secures the person during flooding, preventing floating while maintaining connection reliability without requiring physical exertion from the person.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device automatically triggers the release of the holding element when flooding is detected, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by sensing the flooding condition and automatically releasing the person when appropriate.
2Ease of operation
If manual release of holding means is required, then the person can control their own exit, but this requires physical exertion posing health risks at great depths
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically detects when flooding has occurred and triggers the release of the holding element without requiring manual operation by the person. This self-service mechanism eliminates physical exertion while managing system complexity through automated sensing and actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical release operation is replaced with an automated control system that detects flooding conditions and triggers release electronically or through automated mechanical means, reducing the physical burden on the person.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holding means remain attached to the submarine rescue suit throughout, then the person remains secured, but this prevents the means from being available for other persons
Solution Approach 1:
The holding system is segmented into a reusable holding element that remains with the emergency exit lock structure and a disposable or single-use connection component attached to the submarine rescue suit. This allows the main holding mechanism to be reset and reused for subsequent persons while maintaining reliable connection during each emergency exit event.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is designed to be released from the submarine rescue suit after use and automatically reset or recovered in its initial position within the emergency exit lock, making it available for the next person requiring emergency exit assistance.
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 safe and effortless emergency egress by maintaining the person in a desired position without physical exertion, ensuring secure connection during flooding and quick release for surface exit, with a mechanism that automatically rewinds for reuse.
Implementation Method 1
the winch on which the first traction device is wound has a retrieval device for automatically winding the traction device onto the winch. This retrieval device is advantageously formed by a spring element
Implementation Method 2
The emergency exit lock is then flooded. After pressure equalization between the submarine's exterior and the interior of the emergency exit lock, a cover that normally seals the emergency exit lock is opened. The person in the emergency exit lock can then swim out of the open emergency exit lock to the water surface.
Data Source
AI summary
The submarine (2) has an emergency exit lock (6) that is provided with a holding device arranged at boat-side fixed holding unit for releasable fastening at a submarine rescue suit. A control device is provided for automatically releasing the holding unit. A traction unit is connected with the boat structure having a fitting fastened at the free end of submarine rescue suit. The traction unit is rolled on a winch.