WO2010020823A2

WO2010020823A2 - Vessel sinking prevention device

Info

Publication number: WO2010020823A2
Application number: PCT/HR2009/000029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rino Zaharija
Original assignee: Rino Zaharija
Priority date: 2008-08-18
Filing date: 2009-10-05
Publication date: 2010-02-25
Also published as: WO2010020823A3; HRP20080404A2

Abstract

The vessel sinking prevention device falls within the marine domain and this in the area of equipment for the rescue of vessels and persons from sinking in the event of possible damage or ship wreck. The technical problem solved by this invention is the prevention of the sinking of a vessel in the event that damage is incurred thereto, like for example ruptures, holes, damage to plating which can cause flooding and sinking. It consists of a system for inflating airbags which are fitted on the inside hull of the vessel and of airbags (8) which are permanently fastened to the shell plating in the highest part of the hull, along the whole length of the boat. This is achieved by activating the system, that is, by inflating air or gas into the airbags which, once inflated, keep the vessel afloat even when the hull of the boat is filled with water. Activation of the system is carried out manually by activating the manual activation valve (4) or automatic activation of a hydro active switch for automatic activation (6). Upon activation of the valve the inflation process begins with air from a reservoir of highly compressed air (1), through air delivery pipes (5) and pressure regulators (3), in the airbags (8). The airbags are comprised of multiple chambers image 2 and each has a reversible-check (7), for the purpose of protection against possible subsequent damage to the airbags. In the event that damage or deflation of any of the air chambers occurs, the other chambers remain inflated and keep the vessel afloat on the water thus preventing sinking.

Description

VESSEL SINKING PREVENTION DEVICE TECHNICAL AREA WITHIN WHICH THIS INVENTION FALLS

The vessel sinking prevention device falls within the marine domain and this in the area of equipment for the rescue of vessels and persons from sinking in the event of possible damage or shipwreck. According to international classification of patents it falls within the class...

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

The technical problem solved by this invention is the prevention of the sinking of a vessel in the event that damage is incurred thereto, like for example ruptures, holes, damage to plating which can cause flooding and sinking.

STATE OF THE ART

After reviewing all the available information, (Internet, books, magazines, fairs), I have not found any such technical solution directly related to vessels and therefore I am registering it.

PRESENTATION OF THE ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

The function of this system is to prevent the sinking of vessels in the event of a shipwreck or damage to plating, that is, keeping the vessel in afloat even after water has flooded the vessel. In the event of damage to a vessel and flooding of water into the hull, with the activation of the manual valve 4 or self-activation of the automatic valve 6, the process of inflating the airbags 8 which are located in the fenders of the vessel 8 commences by creating pressure in the airbags, the sides of the fenders open in which the airbags are located and are inflated to the pressure necessary to keep the vessel in afloat and prevent sinking. Pressure in the airbags is regulated by a pressure regulator 3, so that the airbags have the particular pressure necessary for keeping the specific vessel on the water surface. The size and length of the airbags is in proportion to the size and length of the particular vessel. When inflating the airbags, air passes through the reversible-check valves 7 located at the end of the delivery pipe, that is, directly at the entry point of the air into each airbag. These valves have a safety function against the deflation of the airbags in the event of possible subsequent damage to the system due to a shipwreck. The airbags 8, also have a safety feature, that is, they are made of multiple chambers so that in the event of damage to any part of the airbag the whole airbag will not deflate. The automatic switch for activation of the system 6, enables functionality even when there are no people on the vessel which makes it interesting and functional even for vessels that are moored for long periods of time and there is a possibility that they will become flooded with rainwater or are damaged during storms. In such instances the system will activate itself and prevent sinking of the vessel. The system conceived in this manner not only protects the ship from sinking but also from capsizing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS AND DETAILS

The image illustrates the vessel sinking prevention device which is comprised of 7 basic parts. Numeric codes on the images

1. bottle with compressed air

2. bottle air pressure indicator

3. pressure regulator

4. manual valve for emergency activation

5. pipes for delivery of air into the airbags

6. hydro active switch for automatic activation

7. reversible-check valve 8. fender with airbags DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE THE WAYS OF ACHIEVING THE INVENTION

This invention was conceived so that it is permanently fastened to the shell plating at the highest part of the hull, along the entire length of the ship image 2, image 3. With such fitting we obtain the conditions necessary for functional work, and at the same time it also acts as a fender - buffer. As such it protects the shell plating against minor impacts when the system is not activated, and stronger impacts and damage when it is activated. In the event of flooding and filling of the ship hull with water, the activation of the system is automatic and is turned on by a hydro active switch for automatic activation 6 at the moment when the water reaches the critical level at which the switch for automatic activation 6 turns on. In the event of damage to the vessel and flooding with water during navigation, we activate the system via the manual valve for activation 4. Upon activation of the manual or automatic valve the process of inflating the air from the highly compressed air 1 begins through the pipes for delivery of air 5 and pressure regulator 3, into the airbags 8. Once inflated the airbags prevent sinking and keep the vessel afloat even if the hull is filled with water, image 4. The airbags are comprised of separate chambers and each has a reversible-check 7, for the purpose of protection against possible subsequent damage to the airbags insofar as the vessel is in an area risky for damage to airbags like reefs, rocks, narrow straits, etc. In the event that damage or deflation of any of the air chambers occurs, the other chambers remain inflated and keep the vessel afloat on the water thus preventing sinking.

INDICATION ABOUT THE BEST MANNER OF COMMERCIAL USE OF THE INVENTION

The vessel sinking prevention device is best implemented on vessels. It can be manufactured for individual vessels made to order or as a standard product for fitting on already existing vessels of a particular size or weight. For successful commercial realisation of the aforementioned invention, material common to this branch of technology is used, that is, quality and durable material, resistant to marine conditions. The airbags must be made from quality and durable rubber due to the secondary use of this invention, and this is as a fender - bumper. Manual valve for activation must be in a visible and accessible location so that the captain of the vessel can react in advance in the event of impact with another vessel and in doing so use the function of a bumper and lessen the impact and protect the hull of the vessel from damage. For filling of the airbag highly compressed air or a light gas like helium can be used, for example insofar as the fitting system on the vessel is dictated by the size of the vessel. In this case the reservoir of compressed air would be significantly smaller. Insofar as the vessel is very heavy then it is recommended that gas is used in the system so that the load bearing capacity of the airbags is increased.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS:

1. The vessel sinking prevention device, characterized by the fact, that the system for inflation of air bags (5) is monitored inside the hull of the vessel, while the frame for the airbags (8) is permanently fastened to the shell plating at the highest part of the hull along the entire length of the ship image 3, and in this way protects the shell plating at the most forward part of the vessel, that is, has the function of a fender when the system is not activated, and the function of a bumper when it is the activated state.

2. The vessel sinking prevention device, according to application 1 , characterized by the fact, that it is activated manually via the manual activation valve (4), or automatically via the hydro active switch for automatic activation (6), which enables the captain of the vessel to react in a timely way and to turn on the system before a possible impact with another vessel or coastline, and in this way use the function of a bumper and prevent possible damage to the shell plating.

3. The vessel sinking prevention device, according to application 1 and 2, characterized by the fact, that the permanently fastened airbags are divided into separate chambers and each has a built-in reversible-check (7) which prevents deflation, and all the chambers are connected through the reversible-check (7) and the air distribution pipes (5) to the system for inflation of the airbags.

4. The vessel sinking prevention device, according to application 1 , 2 and 3, characterized by the fact, that the frame for the airbags, when the system is activated, that is, the airbags are inflated prevents capsizing and keeps the vessel afloat even when the hull of the ship is filled with water due to damage or any other cause which lead to filling with water, image 4

5. The vessel sinking prevention device, according to application 1 , 2, 3 and 4, characterized by the fact, that the fitting of the system for inflation of airbags is carried out independently of the airbags (8) image 1 , while the system uses compressed air or some light gas for filling of the airbags and in this way offers the possibility of creating a system in smaller dimensions which makes it completely adaptable to all types of vessels because it can be located in any available space within the vessel.