U-Shaped Self-Propelled Craft for Maritime Rescue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing search and rescue equipment at sea lacks mobility and navigational capabilities in adverse conditions, limiting its effectiveness in reaching shipwrecked individuals, especially when the device is upside down or not positioned correctly.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped self-propelled craft with two turbines and a robust remote control system, equipped with an electronic module including a magnetometer, accelerometer, GPS, and propulsion system, allowing navigation on any side and automatic water intake adjustment, enabling reliable and efficient rescue operations in rough seas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a traditional circular buoy is used, then it provides basic floating support, but it lacks mobility and cannot navigate to shipwrecked persons in adverse sea conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The craft is divided into two symmetrical halves (left and right) that can function independently or together. Each half contains its own turbine, water inlet, and propulsion system, allowing the craft to be operated as a complete unit or split into separate rescue devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The craft serves multiple functions: it can navigate to shipwrecked persons, provide floating support, be launched from various platforms (land, sea, air), and operate in any orientation. The symmetrical design with dual turbines enables it to perform rescue operations regardless of which side enters the water first.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the craft is designed to navigate only in a specific position, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot operate when upside down or not correctly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall craft is symmetrical, each half contains asymmetric components (turbine, water inlet, ejection opening) positioned to function optimally when that half is in the correct orientation. The symmetry of the whole combined with asymmetry of parts allows operation in any orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The craft dynamically adapts its water intake system based on orientation. Each half has water inlets and ejection openings positioned to function whether the craft is right-side up, upside down, or entering water from any direction, allowing continuous operation regardless of position.
3Reliability
If a robust remote control system with multiple sensors is added, then navigation and control reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module with magnetometer, accelerometer, and gyroscope enables the craft to autonomously determine its orientation and position. This self-service capability reduces the burden on the remote operator and improves reliability by providing automatic navigation assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor suite provides continuous feedback about the craft's orientation, position, and motion state to the remote control system. This feedback loop enables the operator to make informed control decisions and the system to automatically adjust for optimal performance.
4Volume of moving object
If the craft is made with reduced dimensions for easy storage, then storage versatility improves, but the propulsion power may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The craft can be stored in a compact form on land, sea, or air platforms and quickly deployed when needed. The modular design allows it to be stored in reduced dimensions while maintaining full propulsion capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The craft operates in periodic cycles of deployment and storage. When deployed, the full propulsion power is available for rapid response; when not in use, it is stored in compact form. The dual turbine system provides sufficient power during operational periods despite the small overall size.
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 U-shaped craft provides rapid and reliable rescue capabilities in demanding sea conditions, facilitating navigation and entry for shipwrecked persons, with enhanced control and mobility, reducing storage size for versatility and ease of use from various platforms.
Implementation Method 1
running through two turbines and respective motors that allow navigation on any of the sides
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates a self-propelled craft with a U-shaped main body provided with two turbines (7), one on each flap (2) of the U-shaped main body, which propel the self-propelled craft (1) through turbine operation in a chamber (8) fed by water received by water intakes (4) which is ejected by the ejection openings (3), and which turbines (7) move inside the turbine operation chamber (8) adopting automatically one of two possible positions due to the casing (15) which is placed in two different positions within the turbine operation chamber (8), which positioning results from the placement of the device on the water being done by side A or B, the water intake being done through existing water entrances (4) on side A or B of the device.