Water-Powered Rescue Drone for Ice and Open-Water Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water and ice rescue methods are limited by distance, weather conditions, and the need for human intervention, often putting rescuers at risk and failing to effectively rescue unconscious individuals or boats in dangerous situations.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled water rescue drone equipped with water jets for propulsion, cameras for visibility, communication tools, and grab mechanisms to safely retrieve victims and objects from various water and ice conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple rescue methods like throwing life rings or ropes are used, then the rescue device is simple and easy to deploy, but the rescue distance is limited and the target may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a water-powered propulsion system where a hose delivers high-pressure water to a nozzle on the rescue device, generating thrust to propel the device across water and ice surfaces. This hydraulic mechanism enables the device to reach distant victims safely without requiring complex mechanical engines or human-powered propulsion.
2Reliability
If rescue boards with ropes are used on ice, then the rescuer can reach the victim if the ice is strong enough, but the method fails when ice is thin or water currents are strong
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water-powered rescue device as an intermediary between the rescuer and the victim. The device travels across the ice or water surface to reach the victim, then the rescuer pulls the device (with the victim attached) back to safety using a rope. This intermediary approach allows the rescuer to remain on safe ice while still effecting the rescue, overcoming the limitations of direct rescue methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a water-powered propulsion system where a hose delivers high-pressure water to a nozzle, generating thrust to move the device across ice and water surfaces. This enables the device to reach victims in various conditions including thin ice and strong currents, then be pulled back to safety.
3Reliability
If experienced rescuers dive into the water to swim to the person, then rescue may be achieved, but the method is limited by water temperature, distance, and water speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water-powered rescue device as an intermediary that travels across the water surface to reach the victim. The device is propelled by a water nozzle and can carry the victim back to safety using an attached rope, eliminating the need for the rescuer to enter the dangerous water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the human rescuer's physical swimming capability with a water-powered propulsion system. The high-pressure water nozzle provides the mechanical force needed to move the device across water and ice surfaces, overcoming the limitations of human endurance, temperature tolerance, and swimming ability.
4Reliability
If fire trucks place ladders over water and on ice, then rescue may be successful, but there is often no access for the fire truck to get close enough to the water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable water-powered rescue device that can be deployed from any location near the water or ice. The device travels across the surface to reach the victim and can be pulled back to safety, eliminating the need for fire truck access to the water's edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The rescue system is divided into two components: a portable water-powered device that travels to the victim, and a rope that the rescuer uses to pull the device back to safety. This segmentation allows the rescuer to remain on safe ground while the device performs the rescue function.
5Reliability
If helicopters are used for rescue, then many people have been rescued, but helicopters are limited by weather conditions, location access, and require expensive strategic positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive, portable rescue device that can be deployed quickly from any location. The device uses a hose and nozzle system that can be set up temporarily for each rescue operation, eliminating the need for expensive helicopters and their associated infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-powered device serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the rescuer and the victim in locations where helicopters cannot land or access. The device can traverse ice, water, and rough terrain to reach victims in isolated areas.
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 multiple rescues in all weather and light conditions, safely retrieving conscious and unconscious persons, pets, and conveyances, expanding the reach and effectiveness of rescue operations beyond current technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A water powered propulsion device allows the rescuer to safely travel across the ice or water to the person or boat in need of rescue
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rescue device capable of making multiple rescues in all weather and light conditions and rescuing conscious and unconscious persons, pets, and conveyances.