PATRONA – man overboard rescue system
Creator:
Jona Rammler
Curator's Note
Updated: September 2021
Patrona is a bold transfer of research insights into a design concept. Now, about ten years later, the autonomously acting water-jet module seems almost self-evident and putting ones life in the „hands“ of technology as well.
What if this project was installed on the scarcely staffed containerships, transatlantic sailing vessels, other offshore platforms or even houseboats? In a high stress environment like a man overboard situation it might be time to trust robots. Especially in a world, where the sea will continuously expand and life on water is in the making.
Abstract
The basis of the project is both the phenomenon of swarm intelligence and the fundamentals of imergent systems. The transfer of intelligent, natural systems to our human environment, or rather the question where and how the advantages of a swarm can be harnessed, serves as a guiding principle in the conception.
Patrona addresses key deficiencies of the rescue maneuver as it is currently performed and develops an innovative solution for water rescue. Through autonomous robotics, the concept depicts a radical image of the future for the successful rescue of people in distress at sea.
The connection of the rescue element to the integrated interface on the life jacket is of central importance. The rescue unit approaches the person and circles him or her once before connecting to the interface. The screening process is used to accurately determine the interface and to inform the person being rescued that help is on scene. The rescuer’s 360° water jet propulsion system is tilted downward so that the jet passes underneath the person, providing additional buoyancy.
The rescue ramp is secured inside the gantry and slides on two brackets to the end of the frame. It consists of two elements, on the sides of which unfolds a rescue hose. Inside the ramp there is a rail for the winch on which the entire system is recovered. After successful rescue, the system can be folded and returned to its original shape.