Water-Activated Inflatable Rescue Collar for Rope-Connected Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rescue and flotation devices are cumbersome to deploy, require manual activation under high-stress conditions, and lack adequate integration of rescue lines or towing elements, complicating victim retrieval and making them impractical in rapidly evolving emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose water rescue system featuring an inflatable rescue collar with a high-strength Webbing channel, a buckle-as-slide assembly, and a Water-Activated Inflator, allowing for rapid deployment and integration of a rescue rope, which can be automatically inflated upon contact with water, and includes a deployment bag with compartments to maintain rope connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rescue devices are used, then they provide basic flotation, but they are cumbersome to deploy and require manual activation under high-stress conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The collar incorporates a water-activated inflator that automatically inflates when exposed to water, eliminating the need for manual activation. The device serves itself by detecting water contact and initiating inflation automatically, reducing deployment time and operational burden on the user during high-stress emergency situations
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is pre-assembled with the inflator, webbing, and buckle mechanisms already integrated and ready for immediate use. The deployment bag contains all components pre-organized, allowing the user to simply throw the entire assembly to the victim without needing to assemble or prepare anything during the emergency
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flotation devices are used, then they provide buoyancy, but they lack adequate integration of rescue lines or towing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated collar assembly: the inflatable collar body, high-strength webbing channel, buckle-as-slide mechanism, and rescue rope are merged into one unified system. The webbing is permanently integrated within the collar structure, and the rescue rope remains continuously connected through the deployment bag, eliminating the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The collar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides buoyancy through inflation, offers a attachment point for the webbing and rescue rope, acts as a wearable collar around the victim's torso, and includes an integrated buckle-as-slide mechanism for securing and releasing. The deployment bag also serves as both storage and a means to maintain rope connectivity during separation
3Reliability
If the collar is designed with integrated webbing channels, then tensile loads are carried by the Webbing not by the inflatable portion, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented into distinct functional zones: the inflatable collar body for buoyancy, the longitudinal channel for webbing routing, the buckle-as-slide mechanism for securing, and the webbing itself for load bearing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability through clear functional separation
4Reliability
If a deployment bag with multiple compartments is used, then rope connectivity is maintained during separation, but the storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment bag uses a nested compartment structure where the first compartment contains the inflatable collar and the second compartment contains the rescue rope. These compartments are nested within each other in a compact arrangement, allowing both components to be stored together in a space-efficient manner while maintaining the ability to separate them during deployment
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 quick and efficient rescue operations by allowing the collar to be rapidly deployed and secured around a victim, with the rope remaining connected for towing, reducing strain on inflatable structures and enhancing retrieval efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Water-Activated Inflator and a manual inflation mechanism to automatically or manually provide buoyancy upon contact with water
Implementation Method 2
any tensile load is carried by the Webbing and not by the inflatable portion of the collar
Implementation Method 3
A buckle-as-slide (BAS) assembly permits the collar to be detached from a wearer, repositioned, and recoupled around the torso
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques may generally be used for a multi-purpose water rescue system that may include an inflatable collar with a tubular body defining an inflatable cavity and a longitudinal channel. The channel may allow a high-strength Webbing to slide without transferring tension to the collar. A buckle-as-slide assembly may permit uncoupling and reattaching the collar in a cinched arrangement. A Water-Activated Inflator and manual inflation handle may provide buoyancy upon submersion. A deployment bag may house the collar in a deflated state and contain a rescue rope, maintaining continuous rope connectivity across compartment attachments.