WO2013174444A2

WO2013174444A2 - Avalanche life-saving system

Info

Publication number: WO2013174444A2
Application number: PCT/EP2012/059846
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Schober; Markus Eck
Original assignee: Pieps Gmbh
Priority date: 2012-05-25
Filing date: 2012-05-25
Publication date: 2013-11-28
Also published as: WO2013174444A3

Abstract

An avalanche life-saving system has an inflatable buoyancy body (2) and/or inflatable protector that is connectable close to the user's body and is made of collapsible, tear-resistant material, and a filling arrangement. The buoyancy body (2) is provided with a deployable skeleton (3) and with at least one non-return valve (6, 12), which opens into the interior of the buoyancy body (2) and is connected to the environment. In order to fill this avalanche life-saving system, a trigger device is actuated manually or electronically and the buoyancy body (2) is thereafter automatically filled. By means of automatic deployment of the skeleton (3), the buoyancy body (2) is here stretched out and in the process automatically draws ambient air in through the non-return valve (6, 12) or each non-return valve (6, 12).

Description

Avalanche Rescue System

The invention relates to an avalanche rescue system, comprising at least one inflatable buoyancy body made of collapsible, tear-resistant material and a filling arrangement, and a method for filling such an avalanche rescue system, comprising the steps of actuating the triggering device, and then the automatic filling of the buoyant body.

Such an avalanche rescue system, also known as avalanche airbag, is a rescue device, which should prevent the sinking of touring, skiers or snowshoe hikers in a flowing avalanche. The effect is not based on "swimming" in the traditional sense: An inflated avalanche airbag increases the skier / tourer / hiker and he remains in a flowing avalanche or in the surface area because of the "sorting effect". This is because large parts remain on the slab / avalanche surface due to this "inverse granulation", small ones sink into deeper layers, and finding and recovering the carrier of an avalanche airbag is made much easier by the "enlargement" of the affected person.

Currently, these avalanche rescue systems consist of one or two balloons with a total volume of approximately 150 liters. These are to be integrated in a ski touring or freeride rucksack or attached to such. When pulling a trigger handle, the balloons are inflated within 3 - 4 sec from a compressed air cartridge and a valve system with ambient air.

According to EP0123684B1, one or more balloon-type air chambers (in total about 1501) are filled via a pressure bottle, whereby about 70% of the filling volume comes from the ambient air via a venturi system. In this case, the Venturi nozzles or even the filling unit can also be installed directly in the balloons, as disclosed in EP0957994B1. The air chamber of the avalanche rescue system can also according to EP1948323A1 collar-like surrounding the neck and the thorax be at least partially covering.

All current avalanche airbags use in principle the same system, namely at least one balloon, which is inflated via a compressed air cartridge and a valve system for the most part with ambient air. However, these systems are very heavy and require relatively large compressed air cartridges. As a result, the refilling after each triggering is very expensive, which in case of emergency, a certain inhibition threshold against perhaps "unnecessary" tripping is given - in practice, it is then often to trigger late. Moreover, the possibilities for refilling by transport regulations and restrictions, for example, in aviation for compressed gas containers are limited and generally too complicated. Also, the purchase price is very high.

The object of the present invention was therefore a simple, easy and inexpensive avalanche rescue system that avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages and the supportive formation of respiratory or Bewegungshöhlen and a

Protector effect offers. Another object was an improved method of filling such a system.

To solve the first object, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the buoyancy body is provided with a foldable skeleton and with at least one opening into the interior of the buoyancy body and connected to the environment check valve.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the unfoldable skeleton comprises an automatically deploying linkage.

Another advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the unfoldable skeleton is designed as an inflatable support structure and can be filled via a compressed gas unit with compressed gas container and triggering device.

Preferably, at least part of the inflatable skeleton is designed as a protector. After its targeted venting in the event of spillage, this also ensures the creation of a vital respiratory or movement cavity.

Advantageously, the at least one check valve is fastened in the material of the buoyant body.

To stow the avalanche rescue system again after use, merge or to be able to form a rescue breathing cavity in an emergency, advantageously at least one user-operable vent valve for manually venting the buoyant body may be provided, optionally in combination with at least one check valve.

Preferably, an embodiment is provided in which the buoyant body and / or the skeleton and / or parts of the skeleton is provided with an arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation, so that in an emergency the user gets his own life-saving breathing or movement cavity created without own intervention ,

In this case, a variant may be characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation comprises a pressure relief valve.

Alternatively, it may also be provided that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation by using a combined into the interior of the buoyancy Body opening and connected to the environment check valve is realized with a pressure relief valve. Preferably, it is also possible to choose a valve design which, after a single opening after defined pressure application, also remains open when the pressure drops again.

Another alternative for the formation of the respiratory or movement cavity for the victim by slow collapse of the avalanche rescue system is characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation is realized by the use of a gas-permeable material for at least a portion of the buoyant body, optionally with an exchange of air can be provided with the environment. The selective discharge and the air exchange can each be provided individually or in combination.

Furthermore, the opening of the, or individual valves can be done electronically and so only let the air out of certain chambers of the airbag to create targeted respiratory movement cavities.

In order to ensure an automatic triggering of the avalanche rescue system in an emergency even without the help of possibly shocked or otherwise impaired by the emergency user or by the overall situation impossible made triggering, a sensor arrangement for the determination of emergency conditions provided and with actuators for the unfolding of the skeleton be connected. Various sensors could be used, such as pressure sensors, acceleration or position sensors, and much more. Of course, the release of skeleton deployment could also be done manually by the user.

To solve the further object, a method of filling the avalanche rescue system is characterized by the steps of automatically unfolding the skeleton by mounting the buoyant body and drawing ambient air over the or each check valve.

According to a first variant of this method, the filling of an inflatable support structure is provided with pressurized gas for clamping the buoyant body.

Advantageously, the inventive method also includes the targeted automatic ventilation after full deployment of the buoyant body or its skeleton or parts of the skeleton.

According to a further embodiment variant, the method may advantageously also be characterized in that an automatic triggering for the Folding of the skeleton is provided via a sensor for the determination of emergency conditions.

A preferred variant further provides that the targeted venting takes place in the presence of overpressure via a mechanical opening and / or an electronic opening of the pressure limiting valve.

In the following description, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of examples and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 2a and 2b are views of a valve for use in the avalanche rescue system according to the invention and Fig. 3 illustrates in simplified form a combined check / pressure relief valve for use in the avalanche rescue system according to the invention.

The avalanche rescue system shown in Fig. 1 consists of a special backpack 1 or even a back plate, which are connected as support elements with at least one balloon-like inflatable buoyancy body 2 of collapsible, tear-resistant material. The buoyancy body 2 is with a very fast

Folded skeleton 3 provided that can develop quickly after triggering the avalanche rescue system from a folded or folded state, while the buoyancy body 2 spans to the intended shape and size. The unfoldable skeleton 3 can comprise an automatically deploying mechanical linkage or can also be designed as an inflatable support structure, which can be filled via at least one compressed gas unit 4 comprising at least one pressurized gas container with pressurized gas, preferably compressed air. This airbag system 2, 3, 4 can also be easily removed from the backpack 1, so that it can then be used as a summer backpack without airbag system.

The mounting of the skeleton 3, for example, by blowing a support structure (in the manner of a framework) by means of C02 cartridge or a more suitable liquid gas (similar to life jackets / lifejackets) take place. These typically allow the following volumes: 60g CO 2 at 0 ° C gives a volume of 30.78 liters, 60g CO 2 at 15 ° already gives 32.46 liters and 60g NO 2 at 15 ° C gives as much as 51.3 liters. Such a volume is sufficient to inflate an optimized skeleton 3 bulging and thus "Protective pads" and the buoyancy body 2 aufzuspannen with a total volume of at least 150 L. The cartridge (s) preferably sit directly on the inflatable skeleton 3, which no pressure hoses to initiate the Gases are needed, so that losses can be avoided and time for unfolding can be achieved. Solution is done mechanically or electronically. Advantageously, a sensor arrangement for the determination of emergency conditions is provided for this purpose and connected to an actuator for the unfolding of the skeleton 3. Of course, optionally, in addition to the sensor arrangement, the filling can be triggered by a tripping device actuated by the user.

To increase the total volume of the buoyant body 2, two or more cartridges can be installed and triggered in parallel. The inflation rate of the airbag is of great importance. Due to the small diameter of the tubular textile skeleton 3 this and thus also the buoyancy body 2 and the protectors are clamped faster than conventional airbags to 100%.

Preferably, in the material of the buoyant body 2 and advantageously laterally incorporated therein or else integrated into the system via a conduit system to the buoyancy body 2 is at least one in the buoyancy body 2 opening and connected to the environment check valve, via which in the course of tightening by the action of the unfolding skeletons 3 is sucked from the environment air in the buoyancy body 2.

The valve outer side, in particular the valve opening 5, of an advantageous embodiment of a check valve 6 for the avalanche rescue system according to the invention shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b is preferably covered by its own air-permeable textile to prevent penetration and closing by fine snow. Turbine-shaped spacers 7 may be provided to increase the suction area and prevent the closing of the valve opening 5. A thin silicone membrane 8, which is limitedly movable in a cylinder 9 in the axial direction, allows air to flow in or closes in the opposite direction the valve 5, which is preferably inserted into the material of the buoyant body 2, in particular welded thereto. In addition, the attachment can be reinforced with a nut.

As a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one user-operable vent valve for manually venting the buoyant body 2 and / or the skeleton 3 or at least a part thereof may be provided. This vent valve may optionally be provided in combination with at least one check valve and allows the avalanche rescue system stowed after use again, merge or to be able to form a rescuing respiratory or movement cavity in an emergency, which blatantly increases the probability of survival, as studies have shown. The combination of check valve and pressure relief valve can also be realized in a valve 10, as shown in simplified form in FIG. In a cylindrical housing 11, a check valve 12 is inserted on or in a sealing ring 13. This sealing ring 13 is pressed by a spring 14 with a defined spring force against the pressure direction up to the sealing edge 15. If the pressure reaches a defined maximum value, the sealing ring 13 together with the non-return valve 12 seated thereon is pressed into the housing 11, which has air outlet openings 16 on the sides and underside, through which the venting proceeds. The air intake through the check valve 12 is done through these air openings 16th

When using connected to the buoyancy body 2 or used in the material pressure relief valves of the buoyancy body 2 made of an airtight material, preferably an airtight textile exist. The preferably at least two pressure relief valves serve as a defined safety device in that excess pressure is eliminated by venting air. In combination with the check valve 6 of FIGS. 2 a and 2 b or a check valve of any other construction, the air can thus freely flow in while the buoyant body 2 is being clamped, while the outflow is blocked, except in the case of an all-body spill with increased pressure on the buoyant bodies 2. Then, as explained above, the snow pressure causes the defined discharge or outflow of the air from the buoyancy body 2 or the air exchange with the environment of the buoyant body 2. Preferably, the skeleton 3 is vented into the interior of the buoyancy body 2, while the buoyancy body 2 itself to the outside, ie vented into the environment or the snow.

The opening of the or each pressure relief valve can also be controlled electronically, preferably after a predefined time or after the occurrence of certain trigger signals from position, speed, acceleration sensors or similar monitoring organs, since the carrier of the avalanche rescue system often can not manually initiate the vent, for example he is unconscious or wedged by the snow masses, the buoyancy body 2 and / or the skeleton 3 is advantageously provided with an arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation, which is preferably used only after full deployment of the buoyancy body 2 is used. Thus, under pressure - due to the surrounding snow masses - or electronically limited in time, the gas can slowly escape from the buoyant body 2 and / or from the spanning skeleton 3 or only from subregions, and thus escape the avalanche. in the case of a total burial, which may offer life-saving respiratory and / or movement cavities.

The arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation, for example, comprise at least one pressure relief valve, possibly also be realized by using at least one combined into the interior of the buoyancy body opening and connected to the environment check valve with a pressure relief valve. An embodiment which can be combined therewith or used alone for an arrangement for targeted automatic venting is realized by the use of a gas-permeable material for at least part of the buoyant body, optionally with an air exchange with the environment. The buoyancy body in this case consists of a tear-resistant textile with a consciously used and defined air permeability (It EN ISO 9237: regulates, for example, the air and thus the oxygen permeability of fabrics as for bivouac sacks in the military sector).

With regard to the valves used according to the invention, provision is advantageously made for an arrangement with at least two on the sides, preferably on at least two sides of the buoyant body. As already explained above, these valves allow the air to freely flow into the buoyant body during clamping, but then block the outflow. Only in the event of pressure on the buoyant body, as is the case in the case of a complete burial by the snow pressure, air is slowly released from the buoyancy body and there is the possibly life-saving air space in the head area of the buried.

Claims

Claims:

An avalanche rescue system comprising at least one inflatable buoyancy body (2) connectable to the user, and / or inflatable protector made of collapsible, tear-resistant material and a filling arrangement, characterized in that the buoyancy body (2) comprises a foldable skeleton (3) and at least a check valve (6, 12) opening into the interior of the buoyancy body (2) and connected to the environment.

2. avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that the

unfoldable skeleton (3) comprises an automatically deploying linkage.

3. avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that the

unfoldable skeleton (3) designed as an inflatable support structure and via a compressed gas unit (4) can be filled with compressed gas container and triggering device.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that at least a part of the inflatable skeleton (3) is designed as a protector.

5. avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one check valve (6, 12) in the material of the buoyant body (2) is fixed.

6. avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one user-operable vent valve for manually venting the buoyant body (2) and / or the skeleton (3) is provided, optionally in combination with at least one check valve (6, 12).

7. avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that the buoyant body (2) and / or the skeleton (3) or only parts of the skeleton is provided with an arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation.

8. avalanche rescue system according to claim 6, characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation comprises a mechanically or electronically opening pressure relief valve.

9. avalanche rescue system according to claim 6, characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation by using a combined in the interior of the buoyancy body opening and connected to the environment check valve (12) with a pressure relief valve (13, 14, 15) is realized.

10. avalanche rescue system according to claim 6, characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation by the use of a gas-permeable material for at least part of the buoyant body (2) is realized, wherein optionally an air exchange with the environment may be provided.

11. avalanche rescue system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a sensor arrangement is provided for the determination of emergency conditions and connected to actuators for the unfolding of the skeleton (3).

12. A method for filling an avalanche rescue system according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps of actuating the triggering device, and then the automatic filling of the buoyancy body (2), characterized by the steps of automatically unfolding the skeleton (3) with clamping of the buoyant body (2) and sucking in ambient air via the or each check valve (6, 12).

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized by the filling of an inflatable support structure with pressurized gas for clamping the buoyant body (2).

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by the targeted automatic ventilation after full deployment of the buoyant body (2).

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that an automatic triggering for the unfolding process of the skeleton (3) is provided via a sensor system for the determination of emergency conditions.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the targeted venting in the presence of overpressure via a mechanical opening and / or an electronic opening of the pressure relief valve (13, 14, 15).