Tacking Rudder for Towable Personal Flotation Device

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the PFD's movement path adjustable and controllable. The rudder allows the PFD to dynamically change its course in response to water flow and rudder angle adjustments, enabling the operator to steer the PFD toward the MOB rather than following a fixed spiral pattern. This dynamic control reduces delivery time from over nine minutes to two minutes or less.

The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the rudder angle to control the lateral movement of the PFD. By changing the rudder angle parameter, the operator can modify the PFD's course and speed of approach to the MOB. This parameter control enables optimized delivery paths that significantly reduce the time required to reach the MOB compared to traditional fixed-pattern towing methods.

The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the complex boat maneuvers from the rescue process. Instead of requiring the boat to perform multiple turns, jibes, and heading adjustments, the PFD is equipped with a rudder that allows it to navigate independently toward the MOB. This extracts the operational complexity from the boat operator while maintaining reliable delivery even in adverse weather and visibility conditions.

The patent implements self-service by enabling the PFD to navigate and steer itself toward the MOB using its rudder and water flow. The PFD becomes self-propelled in terms of directional control, reducing the need for continuous complex boat maneuvers. The operator simply needs to deploy the PFD and make occasional rudder angle adjustments, rather than performing elaborate sailing maneuvers.