Tethered Inflatable Tote Bag for Water Rescue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flotation devices and tote bags do not effectively address the need for a means to rescue individuals who have waded into water over their head or been carried offshore by currents, as beachgoers are reluctant to carry life preservers and existing solutions do not provide sufficient space for carrying essential items while offering flotation assistance.
Innovation Solution
A deployable tether integrated into a flotation tote bag that allows beachgoers to jettison their accessories during an emergency and extend the tethered flotation bag to a person in distress, enabling retrieval, with the option to use the bag as a lifeguard rescue device if the rescuer is a strong swimmer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a life preserver is carried to the beach, then rescue capability is improved, but beachgoers are reluctant to carry it due to custom or other reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the life preserver function with a tote bag that beachgoers are already willing to carry. The flotation device is integrated into the bag structure, allowing rescue capability to be achieved without requiring separate life preserver carrying. The bag can be inflated to provide buoyancy while maintaining its utility as a carrying container for beach items.
Solution Approach 2:
The tote bag serves multiple functions: it carries beach accessories normally, and when inflated, it provides flotation and rescue capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rescue equipment, making the device acceptable to beachgoers who may be reluctant to carry dedicated life preservers.
2Volume of moving object
If a flotation device is integrated into a tote bag, then space for carrying items is maintained, but the bag must accommodate both items and flotation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The tote bag is designed with a separate inflatable compartment that can be独立 inflated from the main bag body. This segmentation allows the flotation function to be added without requiring complete redesign of the bag structure, maintaining space for items while adding rescue capability through a modular inflatable section.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag incorporates an inflatable component that can change volume dynamically. When deflated, the bag maintains its normal carrying capacity; when inflated, it provides flotation while still accommodating items. The dynamic nature of the inflatable element allows the same structure to serve both carrying and rescue functions without permanent structural compromise.
3Reliability
If a tether is added to the flotation bag, then rescue capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tether acts as an intermediary element that connects the flotation bag to the rescuer or victim. It provides a simple mechanical means of transfer and retrieval without requiring complex mechanisms. The tether can be thrown to a victim or used to secure the bag to the rescuer's person, providing effective rescue capability through a simple adding element rather than complex integration.
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 provides a practical means for beachgoers to rescue individuals in danger of drowning by incorporating flotation into a tote bag, allowing for the retrieval of victims while maintaining space for carrying essential items, thereby addressing the lack of rescue means at unguarded beaches.
Implementation Method 1
An inflatable bag (10) is attached to a tether (6) and is part of a tote bag (1). The tether (6) is attached at one end to the flotation tote bag... The beach accessories can be jettisoned during an emergency, and the tethered flotation bag thrown or extended to a person in danger of drowning.
Data Source
AI summary
A flotation tote bag is designed to bring various items to the beach, river or other water body and serve as a flotation device. In an emergency, the rescuer extends or throws the emptied flotation bag to the person in danger of drowning and pulls the victim to safety with the tether. If the victim is beyond throwing distance, the rescuer can swim offshore to victim and extend tethered flotation bag. The rescuer can then tow the victim to shore or another safe location.