Flexible Webbing Rescue Cradle for Horizontal Patient Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rescue devices for sea rescue are expensive, bulky, prone to degradation, and difficult to deploy, especially on small vessels, and do not effectively support individuals in a horizontal position to prevent post-rescue collapse and heart failure.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising rigid rods encased within flexible tubular webbing sheaths and linking webbing elements, made from synthetic fibers like polyester, which are lightweight, durable, and resistant to sea water, allowing for a compact and easy-to-deploy rescue system that can support individuals in a horizontal position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid plastic sections are linked with stainless steel rods to form a grid cradle, then the cradle can support a person in horizontal position for rescue, but the purchase and servicing becomes expensive and the plastic cradle becomes bulky taking up large storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid plastic sections with flexible webbing that forms a net structure. The webbing is folded lengthwise to create a tubular configuration that encases the rods, providing structural support while maintaining flexibility and reducing bulk. This flexible shell approach eliminates the need for bulky rigid plastic components while maintaining the ability to support a person in horizontal position during rescue operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle is divided into multiple sections with individual rods encased in separate tubular webbing segments. These segmented sections can be independently managed and stored, allowing the overall structure to be compacted more efficiently while maintaining structural integrity when deployed
2Reliability
If glass fibre rods are connected by webbing with metal rivets, then the device can be used for rescue, but the metal rivets are prone to corrosion in sea water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal rivets entirely from the structure. Instead of using metal fasteners to connect webbing to rods, the design relies on the friction fit and mechanical interlocking of the folded tubular webbing with the rods, eliminating the corrosive metal component that would deteriorate in marine environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining glass fibre rods with synthetic webbing materials. This composite approach replaces metal-fastened assemblies with a rod-webbing composite structure where the synthetic materials resist corrosion while maintaining structural integrity through their mechanical interlocking design
3Reliability
If canvas and wooden battens are used to manufacture stretchers, then the device can support persons, but the battens are susceptible to mildew and rot in damp conditions and the canvas is difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from natural materials (wooden battens and canvas) to synthetic materials (glass fibre rods and webbing). This parameter change transforms the material properties to be resistant to mildew, rot, and water absorption, while maintaining the support function. The synthetic materials can be easily cleaned and do not deteriorate in damp marine conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction with glass fibre rods providing structural support and synthetic webbing providing the connecting and supporting surface. This composite material system replaces the vulnerable canvas-and-wood construction with corrosion-resistant, easy-to-maintain synthetic materials that maintain structural integrity in marine environments
4Reliability
If a wide cradle structure is used to support an injured person in horizontal position, then the rescue function is effective, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to store on small rescue boats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic structure where the flexible webbing allows the cradle to adapt its shape during deployment and storage. When deployed, the structure expands to provide full horizontal support; when stored, the flexibility allows it to be compacted into a smaller configuration. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between rescue effectiveness and storage convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible webbing structure allows the cradle to maintain its wide, supportive configuration during rescue operations while being able to collapse or fold into a compact form for storage on small vessels. The flexible shell approach provides structural support when needed but eliminates the permanent bulk associated with rigid wide structures
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for use in recovering a person who may be exhausted, injured or unconscious from the sea. The device (1) comprises a plurality of rigid rods (2) enclosed within a sheath (7) made from flexible tubular webbing. The sheath (7) comprises at least one flange (3) extending radially outwards from the rod (2). The device (1) also comprises a plurality of linking webbing elements (4) made from a flexible material. The linking webbing elements (4) are attached to the flange (3) of the sheaths (7) encasing the rods (2) to form a network of rods (2) enclosed within tubular webbing sheaths and linking webbing elements (4).