Rope-launching lifebuoy

Portable lifebuoy that launches a rescue rope using a spring-loaded delay mechanism

This technology is a lifebuoy featuring a buoyant ring body equipped with a rescue rope and a launching device that propels the rope outward. The launcher consists of a compression spring, pusher, rack, pinion, mainspring, and release cord, allowing the projectile to deploy after a set time once the buoy has been thrown and moved away from the user.

Existing lifebuoy deployment systems are heavy and can only be installed in specific locations on large vessels, making them impractical for beaches or riverbanks where many people swim. Furthermore, it is extremely difficult to accurately launch a lifebuoy to within reach of a person in the water dozens of meters away.

With this technology, releasing the tension on the cord allows the mainspring to slowly move the pinion and rack, unlocking the pusher. Once the buoy hits the water, the compression spring force spreads the rescue rope in all directions. Suitable for lifeguard equipment and public water rescue facilities, it increases rescue success rates by allowing victims to grab the spread rope even if the buoy lands slightly off-target.

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Key Features:

• A lifebuoy comprising a buoyant ring body, a rescue rope connected to the body, and a launching device that propels the rope outward from the body
• A launching assembly consisting of a projectile connected to the rescue rope, a compression spring that generates launch force, and a pusher that drives the projectile using the spring's force
• A rack that selectively blocks the pusher's movement, a pinion that moves the rack, a mainspring that rotates the pinion, and a release cord wound around the mainspring shaft to prevent unwinding
• A dual-structure system where the release cords of the first and second structures are connected via hooks and loops, using tension to prevent each mainspring from unwinding

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