EP1436191B1 - Water vehicle with an inflatable stabilization ring - Google Patents

Abstract

Watercraft with a solid hull and a solid outer side, where a recess extending essentially in a horizontal plane is formed in the outer side of said watercraft above the water line, in which recess an elastically deformable safety element is permanently installed, which element is folded onto itself in a first operating state and is inflated by means of a pressurized fluid from a source of pressurized fluid in a second operating state, characterized in that at least one undercut projection is formed in the recess in the outer side of the watercraft, and in that the safety element has at least one concavity designed as the negative of the positive shape of the projection, so that the projection engages positively and nonpositively with the concavity.

Description

The present invention relates to a watercraft with a solid hull and a fixed outer wall Bordaußenwand, above a waterline, a substantially extending in a horizontal plane recess is formed in which an elastically deformable security element is fixed, which in a first operating state in is folded and is inflated in a second operating state by means of compressed gas from a source of pressurized fluid.

Such a watercraft is z. B. off DE 197 47 359 known. The elastically deformable safety element is screwed to the outer wall of the vehicle over its entire length with threaded studs. The screw must be done over the length with approximately the same adhesion. This is complicated and difficult to control. It can z. B. break threaded bolt unnoticed during assembly. Even in the event that the damage should be noticed in the final inspection, the repair of the same is quite expensive. The most important disadvantage, however, is that the security element can not be attached without considerable effort.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a watercraft of the type indicated above, the security element is to be mounted and dismounted in a simple manner.

The object is achieved in that on the Bordaußenwand in the recess at least one undercut approach is formed, and that the security element in negative form to the approach has at least one recess, such that the approach positively and non-positively engages in the recess.

With the solution according to the invention, it is possible to provide a safety system in a structurally simple and extremely favorable manner, which can be attached to watercraft without manipulative additional components.

The elastic security element can now be raised from the bow or the stern with its approaches in the longitudinal direction on the conformal undercut approaches.

Another advantage is that the approaches are formed approximately T-shaped. This reinforces the bracket on the fuselage.

The arrangement of the approaches according to one of claims 3 to 5 can lead to an advantageous determination of the security element on the fuselage.

• berechenbare Sicherheit gegen Sinken,
• berechenbare Sicherheit gegen Kentern,
• berechenbare Sicherheit bei Unterwasserberührungen (Riff, Eisberg),
• System ist extrem robust und widerstandsfähig,
• zusätzliche Rumpfstabilisierung durch Formgebung,
• relativ einfaches und unkompliziertes System,
• wiederverwendbar,
• manuell und automatisch aktivierbar,
• kostengünstig durch Verzicht der konventionellen Rettungs- und Sicherungseinrichtungen,
• günstigere Versicherungspauschalen,
• nicht nur Rettung der Besatzung sondern auch der wertvollen Boote,
• kann in Normgrößen produziert werden,
• für jeden Bootstyp geeignet;

Further advantages are:

• predictable security against sinking,
• predictable security against capsizing,
• predictable safety underwater contact (reef, iceberg),
• System is extremely robust and resistant,
• additional trunk stabilization by shaping,
• relatively simple and uncomplicated system,
• reusable,
• manually and automatically activated,
• cost-effective by omitting the conventional rescue and safety equipment,
• cheaper insurance rates,
• not only rescue of the crew but also the valuable boats,
• can be produced in standard sizes,
• suitable for every type of boat;

Further advantages emerge from the features of the subclaims 2 to 8.

• Fig. 1a und 1b jeweils eine schematische Seiten- bzw. Vorderansicht eines Wasserfahrzeugs mit einem festen Rumpf und einer festen Bordaußenwand und mit einem erfindungsgemäßen elastisch verformbaren Sicherheitselement in einem ersten, nicht aktivierten Betriebszustand;
• Fig. 2a und 2b jeweils eine schematische Seiten- bzw. Vorderansicht eines Wasserfahrzeugs mit festem Rumpf und fester Bordaußenwand und mit dem elastisch verformbaren Sicherheitselement aus Fig. 1a/1b in einem zweiten, aktivieren Betriebszustand;
• Fig. 3 einen schematischen Querschnitt durch ein elastisch verformbares Sicherheitselement im ersten Betriebszustand gemäß vorliegender Erfindung;
• Fig. 4a, 4b, 4c und 4d jeweils schematisch dargestellte Zustände bei einer Aktivierung des Sicherheitselements, zwischen dem ersten Betriebszustand (Fig. 4a) und dem zweiten Betriebszustand (Fig. 4d).

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1a and 1b are respectively a schematic side and front view of a watercraft with a solid hull and a fixed outer wall and with an inventive elastically deformable security element in a first, non-activated operating state.
• 2a and 2b are each a schematic side or front view of a watercraft with a solid hull and fixed exterior wall of the vehicle and with the elastically deformable safety element of Fig. 1a / 1b in a second, activate operating state;
• 3 shows a schematic cross section through an elastically deformable security element in the first operating state according to the present invention;
• 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d respectively schematically illustrated states upon activation of the security element, between the first operating state (Fig. 4a) and the second operating state (Fig. 4d).

In Fig. 1a and 1b, a watercraft 1 with a solid hull 3 and a fixed outer wall 5 is shown schematically in cross-section. The Bordaußenwand is above a waterline and provided relatively close to its upper end 7 with a recess 9. For stability reasons, it may be provided that the contour of the recess 9 transmits to an inner wall of the ship, so as to maintain the thickness of the side wall in the region of the recess 9. By the term "fixed Bordaußenwand" is meant here that at least the part of the Bordaußenwand on which the depression is to be formed, is relatively dimensionally stable against externally acting pressures. Also, a Bordaußenwand from a per se flexible material, but which is made dimensionally stable by stiffening or other chemical and / or physical at least in the region of the wells falls under the chosen name.

In the recess 9, an elastically deformable security element 11 is arranged in a first operating state. In this first operating state, the elastically deformable security element 11 extends only slightly above the vertical plane of the Bordaußenwand, just enough so that the elastically deformable security element 11 z. B. can serve as a fender or rubbing strip. The elastically deformable security element 11 is preferably a hose body, which is folded in its first operating state in itself and thereby receives the space necessary for its second function as Fenderleiste space extension. The elastically deformable security element 11 or the hose body is fixedly mounted in the recess 9 so that it can not slip.

A pressurized fluid source (not shown), which is operatively connected to the elastically deformable safety element 11 via a conventional conduit system (not shown), is arranged inside the fuselage 3. The pressurized fluid source may be any means by which conventionally a fluid can be expelled under pressure, e.g. B. compressed air system. The term "pressurized fluid" has been chosen to include also sprayable foams, liquids and other gases other than air or the like, which either remain in their original state of aggregation under the pressures employed or alter this pressure-dependently.

In Fig. 2a and 2b, the elastically deformable security element 11 is shown in a second operating state. In this, the source of pressurized fluid was activated, so that via the corresponding fluid via the line system in the folded in Fig. 1a or 1b, elastically deformable security element 11 was blown. As a result, the elastically deformable security element 11 has filled with the fluid (which is now present in the security element 11 in an original state of aggregation, such as compressed air, or in a new state of aggregation, such as foam, for example) and is packed in the recess 9 at. The buoyancy thereby achieved at the upper end of the vehicle outer wall 5 causes a stable position of the watercraft 1 when it is in distress. The activation of the Drukfluidanlage can be done manually in case of distress or electronically triggered by suitable sensors (not shown). Such sensors, which detect an unstable of watercraft or other vehicles and trigger corresponding safety systems, are well known and will therefore not be further described here.

The recess 9 is formed in the present embodiment is substantially conical and has a to the vertex toward slightly increasing curvature, which additionally fixes the security element 11 in its second position in its position.

Due to the pressurized fluid-filled life ring on the outer wall 5, the vessel 1, which has fallen into distress, is given a relatively stable position, in which it can remain until problem-solving takes place. h., either rescue comes, a port can be called o. The like.

In Fig. 3, the elastically deformable security element 11 is shown in detail in its first, uninflated operating condition. In the Bordaußenwand 5, the recess 9 can be seen. In the area of the recess 9 a number of lugs 15 are formed on the outer wall 5. These lugs 15 are either an integral part of the on-board outer wall 5 in the region of the recess 9 or separate components, which were subsequently attached to the on-board outer wall 5. For attachment, any known means known in the art may be used, including screws, rivets and gluing.

Although a plurality of lugs 15 are illustrated in the present embodiment, any number of lugs 15 may be chosen, including only a single lug, depending on the dimensions of the vessel 1 or well 9.

Each lug 15 has two legs 15.1 and 15.2, which are fixed with a free end 15.3 on the outer wall 5 and run in such a curved or curved, that they face each other with their free ends 15.4 at a distance. Each approach 15 limited with its two legs 15.1 and 15.2 so an undercut groove, for example, approximately T-shaped. In the present embodiment, the legs 15.1 and 15.2 extend in a circular arc, with a variable radius. Also, the length of the individual legs 15.1 or 15.2 may be different, depending on at which point of the also curved recess 9 a projection 15 is located. The distances between the free ends 15.4 of each projection 15 are preferably equal in each approach 15 and form gaps 17. These gaps 17 are bounded by the almost parallel free ends 15.4 of the legs 15.1 and 15.2. The parallel free ends 15.4 of a lug 15 preferably not parallel to the parallel free ends 15.4 of an approach 15 adjacent in a vertical plane. Rather, the free ends 15.4 converge in the vertical plane of adjacent lugs 15.

In the presence of several lugs 15, they can basically be distributed arbitrarily over the surface of the recess 9. The approaches 15 can z. B. in the vertical and / or in the horizontal direction at the same distance next to each other. The lugs 15 can also be offset from each other in horizontal and vertical directions.

In the present embodiment, a peripheral portion of the formed as a hose body security element 11 is provided with recesses 11.1 and 11.2. These recesses 11.1 and 11.2 are adapted to the legs 15.1 and 15.2 of the lugs 15 and are preferably formed as the negative mold. The folded security element 11 encloses a cavity 17 which in this operating state has a visible volume only for purposes of illustration. The cavity 17 is connected via a line 19, a valve o. The like. With a source of pressurized fluid 21. The elastic security element 11 is mounted on the legs 15.1 and 15.2 lugs 15 and thereby clamped in the recess 9 during assembly of the bow or the rear with its recesses 11.1 and 11.2. Due to the large-scale clamping ensures that the hose body is not selectively overloaded and breaks.

It can also partition (not shown) may be provided in the security element 11, which could also be formed semipermeable. By the multi-chamber arrangement ensures that in the event of a collision and damage to individual areas of the elastically deformable security element 11, not the entire security system is damaged, but continue to ensure the same functionality.

From the figures it follows that the elastically deformable security element 11 is arranged substantially in a horizontal plane. But it could also be, depending on the type of ship, other orientations conceivable.

In a further embodiment, which is not described here in detail, it would also be conceivable not to form the elastically deformable security element 11 as a hose, but only as a hose wall section which is fastened to its free longitudinal edges on the outer wall 5. In this case, the compressed gas would be blown into a hollow body, the z. T. from the recess 9 of the Bordaußenwand 5 and z. T. would consist of the inner wall of the hose wall section. As attachment to the Bordaußenwand 5 z. B. undercut grooves (not shown) may be provided, for. B. T-shaped grooves into which a correspondingly formed edge of the hose body is inserted. Again, the materials may be stiffened by metal cores and other solid materials, so that a secure connection is always guaranteed.

In the following some calculations of the buoyancy forces are given by the elastically deformable security element according to the invention. The figures are approximate values with a maximum tolerance of 1.5%. The dead weight was taken into account. diameter Lift per meter for watercraft 30 cm 70 kg up to 2.5 T 50 cm 196 kg up to 7 days 70 cm 385 kg to 27 t 90 cm 635 kg up to 75 t

In the event that the elastically deformable security elements 11 serve as anti-capsule, the buoyancy forces act as maximum leverage on the vertical center of gravity of a watercraft.

In the event that the elastically deformable security elements 11 serve as a float to prevent a sinking of a vessel, only the approximately third part of the weight of the parts located in the water must be compensated (in addition to the parts located above the waterline). Due to the high position of the attachment near an upper side of the shipboard, a safety buoyancy of approx. 25% can be taken into account.

The safety system described can also be retrofitted. It is conceivable to subsequently attach the elastically deformable security element 11 to the bulkhead part (uppermost area of the hull 3), if necessary with a structurally adapted design of the outer side wall of the ship.

FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d schematically show the first, non-inflated operating state (FIG. 4a), intermediate states (FIGS. 4b and 4c) and the second, inflated operating state (FIG. 4d).

In its folded-down state, the security element 11 forms joint nodes 23 which lie on the lower edge of the depression 9 in the vertical plane (FIG. 3). Upon activation of the pressurized fluid (FIG. 4a), e.g. B. by an electronic or electrical control of the pressurized fluid system 21 or by explosion opening of a safety valve to the pressurized fluid system 21 or at the end of a supply line, in the vicinity of the security element 11, the inflowing fluid presses the folded areas of the security element 11 to the intended joint node 23 first down (Figure 4b) and then outwards (Figure 4c) until the security element 11 is tightly filled (Figure 4d).

The entire Unsinkbarkeitersicherung the invention may also be connected to a control device (not shown), which automatically generates an emergency signal when the second operating state of the fuse element 113 is triggered. For a worldwide location is z. B. the already well-known satellite navigation system GPS.

When the second operating state is triggered, the control device can also trigger the ejection of a sea anchor. The sea anchor then serves to stabilize the ship in the event of a maneuverability, such that the ship is exposed to the bow with wind and waves.

The security element can be filled not only with compressed air or another gas, but also with a sprayable foam, which develops in the security element 11 to a stable foam structure.

Claims (8)

1. A water craft with a solid hull and a solid outer side, wherein a recess (9) extending substantially in a horizontal plane is formed in the outer side (5), above a waterline, in which recess an elastically deformable safety element (11) is securely arranged, which in a first operating state is folded up and in a second operating state is inflated by means of pressurised fluid from a pressurised-fluid source (21),
   characterised in that
   at least one undercut projection (15, 15.1, 15.2) is formed on the outer side (5) in the recess (9) and that the safety element (11) in a negative form to the projection (15, 15.1, 15.2) has at least one cut-out (11.1, 11.2), such that the projection (15, 15.1, 15.2) engages in a positive and non-positive fit in the recess (11.1, 11.2).
2. A water craft according to Claim 1, characterised in that the projections (15) are undercut in approximately a T-shape.
3. A water craft according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the projections (15) are arranged in a vertical direction next to one another.
4. A water craft according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the projections (15) are arranged in a horizontal direction behind one another.
5. A water craft according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that adjacent projections (15) are each arranged offset to one another in the horizontal and vertical direction.
6. A water craft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the recess (9) is formed on the stern and on the long sides of the outer side (5).
7. A water craft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the elastic safety element (11) is a tubular body.
8. A water craft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the elastically deformable safety element (11) in the first operating state is a bumper strip.

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