JP2015051758A - Tsunami pod and method for providing shield from tsunami - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tsunami pod system and a use method of the tsunami pod capable of absorbing impact and minimizing effect given to users inside the tsunami pod.SOLUTION: A tsunami pod 100 comprises a body and a skirt 109. The body is formed of a top portion 101a, a middle portion 101b, and a base portion 101c. The base portion 101c has width wider than that of the middle portion 101b, and the middle portion 101b has width wider tan that of the top portion 101a. The skirt 109 extends out around the base portion 101c. The method for providing a shield from tsunami includes installation of the tsunami pod 100 on a seashore.

Description

  The present invention relates to a tsunami pod system and a method of using a tsunami pod.

  Historically, tsunamis have caused numerous casualties across many countries. By 2000, two record tsunamis that caused a large number of deaths had occurred. One was an Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred in 2004 and estimated an estimated 230,000 to 310,000 lives, and the other occurred in Japan in recent 2011. It is the Pacific Tsunami that caused 000 deaths. A tsunami is a series of huge waves that are often generated by the displacement of the upper part of seawater accompanying earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides in the sea.

  Experts have been trying to figure out when and where the tsunami will occur over the years. Some early warning systems are used to detect tsunamis in advance. One of these systems uses the data for seismic exploration to determine the possibility of a dangerous sign and send an alarm to the general public. However, since a tsunami wave may reach the coastline within a few minutes after detection, it is necessary for the local residents to prepare for the evacuation and to find a suitable shelter. There is little time. In addition, evacuation to high ground and high-rise buildings may not be possible, as not all shorelines have rugged buildings and nearby mountains. Moreover, tsunami threats can last for more than an hour or can occur even if several days have passed since the first wave. Therefore, residents in the surrounding area need to bring enough food, water, and emergency equipment such as flashlights, batteries and radios to withstand for several days. However, because the tsunami can occur rapidly, the surrounding residents who are affected by this tsunami have no time to prepare materials that are indispensable for surviving during and after the tsunami. Probably not.

  The main causes of death by the tsunami are the direct impact of the tsunami, drowning in the place where the tsunami struck, rushing into the sea, slamming the body against objects, and colliding with floating debris. It is to do. Tsunami pods have been developed to prevent such events. Currently, conventional tsunami pods exist in the market. A tsunami pod is a containment vessel in which one or more people can enter during a tsunami. Tsunami pods protect internal lives by preventing water from entering.

  Conventional spherical pods allow a significant amount of motion in all directions. As a result, there is a great chance that people inside will cause illness and injury. Further, the conventional pod does not provide a suitable place as a storage place that can prevent a user from being thrown into the sea. Furthermore, current systems do not absorb shocks well and do not minimize the impact on the user or the user inside.

  Thus, it is preferred that the tsunami pod be improved.

  The tsunami pod will be described below. In one embodiment, the tsunami pod may include a main body and a collar portion. The main body may include an upper portion, a central portion, and a base portion. The base may be wider than the central portion, and the central portion may be wider than the upper portion. The collar portion may extend around the base portion.

  In other embodiments, the tsunami pod may include a body having a base, a central portion, and an upper portion. The base may be wider than the center. The central part may be wider than the upper part. The main body may include an inner shell, an intermediate layer, and an outer shell. The intermediate layer may surround the inner shell. The outer shell may surround the intermediate layer.

  Furthermore, the present invention describes a method for providing protection from tsunami. In particular, the method may include installing a tsunami pod on the coast. The tsunami pod may include a main body and a collar portion. The main body may include an upper portion, a central portion, and a base portion. The base may be wider than the central portion, and the central portion may be wider than the upper portion. The collar portion may extend around the base portion.

1 shows an external view of a tsunami pod comprising a body, one or more hatches, and a plurality of handrails. 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a body comprising an outer shell, an intermediate layer, and an inner shell. FIG. 6 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a compartment in the intermediate layer. The bottom view of the tsunami pod of a state with the connection tool attached to the bottom center of the base is shown. 1 shows a mooring system further comprising a mooring line and foundation. An interior view of a tsunami pod with a post and a plurality of seats is shown. 1 shows a seat with a five-point safety belt, a tailbone protection device, a seat seat, a set of grips and a seat base. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the central portion of the tsunami pod showing a set of inlets, a set of exhaust outlets, struts, and a seat base. This shows the tsunami pod installed on the ground before the tsunami hits. A tsunami pod that is floating in seawater during a tsunami.

  Below, the usage method of a tsunami pod system and a tsunami pod is demonstrated. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention described in the claims, and is related to the specific examples described below and is readily understood by those skilled in the art. Provide an example. For ease of understanding, not all of the features of the actual embodiments are described in this specification. In the development of these examples (as well as any other development plan), design decisions should be made to achieve the designer's specific objectives (eg, compliance with system and business related constraints). It can be understood that these purposes differ depending on the embodiment. It can also be understood that such development attempts are time consuming and time consuming for those skilled in the appropriate arts to which the advantages of the present disclosure belong. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but provide the broadest claims consistent with the operating principles and features disclosed below. To do.

  FIG. 1 shows an external view of a tsunami pod 100 including at least one of a main body 101, one or more hatches 102, and a plurality of handrails 103. The tsunami pod 100 may be a movable structure that can be used by one or more people as a safe shelter during a tsunami. The main body 101 may have a round shape or a polygonal shape, and may be a main housing of the tsunami pod 100. Furthermore, the main body 101 can function as a protective shell from the external environment during the tsunami. The main body 101 may include three parts: an upper part 101a, a central part 101b, and a base part 101c. Since the upper part 101a may have a narrow outer peripheral part which becomes gradually wider toward the base part 101c, it can have a shape like an inverted cone. A cone-like shape can ensure that the tsunami pod 100 can self-recover in any sea level condition. Furthermore, the upper portion 101a has greater buoyancy to prevent the tsunami pod 100 from being pushed up or overturned by the waves and to ensure that the tsunami pod 100 can maintain a low center of gravity. On the other hand, the base 101c may have a larger mass. Moreover, the base 101c ensures that the tsunami pod 100 can provide unique hydrodynamic stability in order to reduce sustained motion and impact experienced by the user of the tsunami pod 100. Therefore, it may be sufficiently wide. In addition, the conical shape of the main body 101 can ensure that the tsunami pod 100 is not sandwiched or confined between any huge floating objects or structures. Moreover, such a shape can reduce wind loads and water loads during the tsunami. Since the main body 101 can have an outer layer having no protrusions, the tsunami pod 100 can be prevented from being caught by any floating or fixed structure or debris.

  The hatch 102 including at least one of the side surface hatch 102 a and the top surface hatch 102 b may be an opening that functions as at least one of an inlet and an outlet of the tsunami pod 100. Hatch 102 may include a waterproof structure that ensures that tsunami pod 100 is completely sealed so that water cannot pass through hatch 102 and enter. In one embodiment, the side hatch 102 a can be installed in the central portion 101 b and can be used as an entrance of the tsunami pod 100. The side hatch 102a may include an embedded handle 105 that allows a passenger to easily open and access the tsunami pod 100. The top hatch 102b can be accessible from the inside and outside and serves as an opening separate from the side hatch 102a in case the side hatch 102a is closed or the tsunami pod 100 drifts into the sea. To do. Furthermore, the top hatch 102b can be a safe opening when the passenger sends a rescue signal or a light emission signal. In addition, the top hatch 102b provides a quick and safe exit from the top so that aircraft rescuers can easily access it through the top hatch 102b. In one embodiment, the central part 101 b may have a plurality of step parts 106. The step 106 can be installed under the side hatch 102a. In one embodiment, the step 106 can be a series of concave steps leading to the side hatch 102a. In other embodiments, the step 106 may be a protrusion that slightly protrudes from the central portion 101b. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the window 107 can be installed in the central portion 101b. The window 107 is made of a transparent or translucent material such as at least one of glass, glass fiber, and hard plastic, and may be a small opening sealed by such material. The window 107 may have impact resistance and may be completely embedded in the wall of the main body 101. In addition, the window 107 can allow the passage of light, and provides the user with facilities for viewing the state of the tsunami pod 100 outside.

  The handrail 103 may be provided with a safety structure extending from the upper end surface of the upper part 101a. The handrail 103 may include a plurality of attachment portions 108, and the attachment portions 108 can also function as support portions to be grasped when a person tries to access or escape through the top surface hatch 102 b. The attachment portion 108 may be a device including a recess that can be used as an attachment location. Such an attachment 108 can be used by a rescuer to temporarily connect the tsunami pod 100 to a rescue transport such as a helicopter or a ship.

  The base 101c can support the tsunami pod 100 and provide balance. In one embodiment, the base 101c may be made of a material that allows it to be stabilized or that ensures that the tsunami pod remains floating. In other embodiments, the base 101c may be filled or the base 101c may be stabilized in order to float the tsunami pod 100 or enhance the stability of the tsunami pod 100 itself. Both the collar 109 and the mooring system 110 can be coupled to the base 101c. The collar portion 109 may extend around all or part of the base portion 101c. The collar part 109 can prevent the main body 101 from directly colliding with an arbitrary obstacle or another structure. In this way, the collar portion 109 can deflect any debris or obstacles before the main body 101 collides. Since the collar part 109 can be provided with a plurality of fragile parts 111 capable of absorbing the force from the collision, the direct impact on the main body 101 can be reduced or damage can be prevented. Can do. Furthermore, the collar part 109 may be provided with a perforation 112. The perforation 112 can improve damping characteristics. The collar portion 109 can stabilize the tsunami pod 100 as the drag characteristic and the lateral flow characteristic increase. The mooring system 110 may include a number of devices that can be utilized to maintain the tsunami pod 100 floating within the mooring area.

  FIG. 2A shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a main body 101 including an outer shell 201, an intermediate layer 202, and an inner shell 203 in one embodiment. The outer shell 201 may be an outer layer that covers the main body 101 of the tsunami pod 100. The outer shell 201 is a lightweight material such as a wavy polypropylene sheet, a wavy high-density polyethylene sheet, or a polyurethane sheet, and is made of a material having at least one of durability, waterproofness, and thermoplasticity. It may be. In this embodiment, the hydroelastic response from the outer shell 201 can reduce the load transmitted to the inner shell 203 upon collision with an object or wave.

  Since the outer shell 201 can have wear resistance and tear resistance, the possibility of wear and damage can be reduced, and thus the product life of the tsunami pod 100 can be extended. . Further, the outer shell 201 may have a weather resistance that can withstand a general weather condition. Moreover, the outer shell 201 may have a high dielectric property that ensures that no charge flows through it. Such an outer shell 201 can protect a person inside the tsunami pod 100 from an electrical accident. Furthermore, the outer shell 201 may have fluid elasticity to minimize the load transmitted to the intermediate layer 202 and the inner shell 203. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the outer shell 201 may be colored with a bright color such as yellow or orange to make it easily visible. Thereby, rescue transport organizations, such as an airplane, a helicopter, and a ship, can visually recognize tsunami pod 100 easily.

  The intermediate layer 202 may comprise a foam, a segmented fibrous pouch, or simply air, but may be composed of an elastic material that is not so limited. Further, the intermediate layer 202 may be a portion that imparts a desired buoyancy to the tsunami pod 100. Furthermore, the intermediate layer 202 can be used to attenuate at least one of sound and vibration. These characteristics can be used to soothe and reduce ear fatigue, headache and stress experienced by people inside the tsunami pod 100. In addition, the intermediate layer 202 helps to dissipate the dynamic energy received from the waves, so that the impact caused by the collision can be attenuated. In addition, since the intermediate layer 202 separates the outer shell 201 and the inner shell 203, failure and damage due to breakage of the inner shell 203 can be prevented or reduced.

  The inner shell 203 may be an inner layer of the main body 101. The inner shell 203 may be made of a lightweight material with high deformation resistance such as iron, aluminum, or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). In such a case, the inner shell 203 can have a long life and requires little maintenance. In addition, a light-emitting diode illuminating device for ensuring the provision of sufficient illumination to the inside of the tsunami pod 100 may be installed on the upper portion of the inner shell 203.

  FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of an intermediate layer 202 that can comprise a plurality of compartments 204 in one embodiment. The outer shell 201 and the inner shell 203 can be connected to form a waterproof compartment 204. The compartment 204 inside the intermediate layer 202 can maintain the buoyancy of the tsunami pod 100 when the outer shell 201 is perforated. The compartment 204 can be resized from a small one as shown in FIG. 2B to a larger compartment such as the entire side of the body 101.

  FIG. 3A shows a bottom view of the tsunami pod with the connector 301 attached to the bottom of the base 101c. The connector 301 may be a device that securely fixes the tsunami pod 100 with a support structure. In order to ensure that the tsunami pod 100 is freely movable and rotatable, the coupler 301 may be a swivel joint such as a bow swivel. Such a connector 301 allows the tsunami pod 100 to rotate horizontally around the support structure. In one embodiment, the connection tool 301 may be a breakable connection tool. The breakable connector can function as a weak connector that can be cut when sufficient stress is applied. Due to this feature, the tsunami pod 100 can be freely detached from the foundation 303. Furthermore, the breakable coupler can be changed and installed at a specific position.

  FIG. 3B shows the mooring system 110 further comprising a mooring line 302 and a foundation 303. The mooring line 302 may be a cable device such as a steel wire rope used to connect the tsunami pod 100 to the foundation 303. One end of the mooring line 302 can be fixed to the connector 301 while providing tension to the base 101c, while the other end is permanently connected to the ground via the foundation 303. be able to. Further, the length of the mooring line 302 can be made long enough to provide a safety zone and flexibility for moving on the water. Based on historical measurements of wave depth at the coast, the wave height in a tsunami does not exceed 30 meters. In one embodiment, mooring lines 302 can be 30 meters or longer. In other embodiments, the mooring lines 302 can be 40 meters or longer. In addition, since the mooring line 302 can allow the tsunami pod 100 to move freely, the load caused by the collision can be minimized. The rotation as described above also makes it possible to prevent the tsunami pod 100 from being blocked or pinched by debris. In one embodiment, the mooring line 302 can be dimensioned to break at a specific tension to function similarly to a breakable connector.

  The foundation 303 may be a type of support structure designed to have an appropriate load capacity. The foundation 303 can help transfer structural loads to hold and maintain a strong, stationary and stable base support. The foundation 303 may include a driven pile, an excavated pile, a grout pile, or a concrete block, but may be formed of at least one of a material having a weight not limited thereto and concrete. Furthermore, at least one of the depth, weight, and volume of the foundation 303 may be changed depending on ground conditions or soil conditions. In this way, the foundation 303 can be designed to withstand earthquake loads and can take up the mooring line tension during the tsunami. Moreover, the base 303 may be designed to be wear resistant in order to prevent weakening of the base support when water is washed away by allowing water to flow around the base 101c.

  FIG. 4 shows an interior view of the tsunami pod 100 including the column 401 and a plurality of seats 402. The support column 401 may be an upright column that is installed at the center of the tsunami pod 100 and functions as a support for the tsunami pod 100 and provides balance to the tsunami pod 100. Since the backrest part of the seat 402 can be installed around the support column 401, the occupant of the tsunami pod 100 can be seated facing the wall surface. Such a design may be improved to ensure the safety of people inside the tsunami pod 100 and to prevent people inside them from colliding with each other. Furthermore, in order to provide sufficient illumination inside the tsunami pod 100, a lantern of light emitting diodes may be installed around the support column 401. The seat 402 may be provided with a cushion, and may further be provided with a safety device described below.

  FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a seat 402 comprising a safety belt 501, a tailbone protection device 502, a seat seat 503, a set of grips 504, and a seat base 505. In one embodiment, the safety belt 501 may be a seat belt provided on the seat 402 and provided with five straps called a five-point safety belt. The five-point safety belt 501 may be designed as a five-point harness that is secured between both shoulders, waist, and both feet in order to hold the passenger safely. This system ensures that the passenger is not thrown out of the seat 402 to prevent crashing into the inner shell 203 in the event of a collision. The tailbone protection device 502 can be used to protect the passenger's hipbone and tailbone. Further, the tailbone protection device 502 may be placed on the seat 402 to provide a comfortable seat for the occupant. The seat portion 503 may be a part of the seat 402 on which the passenger sits. In one embodiment, the seat 503 can include a cushion and can be used as a life preserver when disconnected. In other embodiments, the seat 503 can be lifted to open up to the base 505 of the seat.

  The grip portion 504 may be attached to the upper portion on the opposite side of the seat portion 503 of the seat. Thus, the passenger can firmly hold the grip portion 504 as a support when the tsunami pod 100 is pushed by the wave. In other embodiments, the grip portion 504 can be fitted opposite the seat portion 503 of the seat. In this structure, the passenger can firmly grasp the side surface of the seat portion 503 of the seat as a handle and a support body. The seat base 505 may be a support below the seat 402 on which the seat 503 is placed.

  FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the central portion of the tsunami pod 100 showing a set of intake ports 601, a set of exhaust ports 602, struts 401, and a seat base 505. The intake port 601 can allow fresh air to flow into the tsunami pod 100. Such an inlet 601 can ensure that sufficient oxygen and air circulation is provided within the tsunami pod 100. Furthermore, the intake port 601 can be used for temperature adjustment inside the tsunami pod 100. The exhaust port 602 can prevent the atmospheric pressure inside the tsunami pod 100 from rising. In order to ensure natural air circulation, the intake port 601 and the exhaust port 602 may be installed at opposite ends of the upper portion 101a with a small difference in elevation. Further, the intake port 601 and the exhaust port 602 make it impossible for water to flow into the vent.

  The strut 401 may accommodate a radio beacon such as an emergency position indication radio beacon (EPIRBs). The radio beacon may be a transmitter corresponding to a broadcast signal that can be intercepted by a radio direction finding system. The radio beacon can be activated manually or automatically by immersion and can transmit a radio signal that allows the search and rescue system to easily locate the tsunami pod 100. Since this signal can be observed globally, the position of the ship is detected by a non-geostationary satellite and can be identified by a combination of GPS triangulation and Doppler triangulation . Further, the support column 401 may be used as another standard storage such as a mobile phone, binoculars, a life jacket, a light-emitting diode lantern, and / or a blanket.

  In one embodiment, the seat base 505 may be a rectangular shelf that can be used as a warehouse for food, water, batteries, medical supplies, and life supplies. In other embodiments, the space in the seat base 505 can be utilized for waste collection. The warehouse of the seat base 505 is preferred for one or more passengers and may be large enough to store life supplies that can last for at least three days.

  FIG. 7 shows the tsunami pod 100 installed on the ground 701 before the tsunami hits. A warning or warning that the sea level 702 leaves the coast leaving the vast seabed can be a means for detecting a tsunami several minutes before the tsunami hits directly. This gives people enough time to evacuate or evacuate inside the tsunami pod 100. Such a tsunami pod 100 can be moored to the ground 701 near the owner. Thus, the passenger can easily access the tsunami pod 100 during the tsunami hit. The tsunami pod 100 may be large and comfortable enough to carry one passenger for each seat in the device.

  FIG. 8 shows the tsunami pod that is floating on the sea surface 702 during the tsunami. The tsunami pod 100 can continue to float on the sea surface 702 via the mooring line 302 and can be safely moored on the ground 701. Furthermore, the tsunami pod 100 can minimize the load during an earthquake by making the tsunami pod 100 lightweight. Since the tsunami pod 100 floats freely on the sea surface 702, the collision with floating fragments is minimized. Once the tsunami retreats and seawater is drawn, the tsunami pod 100 can maintain a state of being stopped in an upright position on the ground 701.

  Various changes in detail in the illustrated method of use may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In some embodiments, the operations described herein may be combined as separate steps. Similarly, one or more steps described herein may be performed only in a particular environment of use and may be omitted. It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Tsunami pod, 101 ... Main body, 101a ... Upper part, 101b ... Center part, 101c ... Base part, 102a ... Side hatch, 102b ... Top face hatch, 103 ... Handrail, 105 ... Handle, 106 ... Step part, 107 ... Window, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 108 ... Attachment part, 109 ... Collar part, 110 ... Mooring system, 111 ... Fragile part, 112 ... Perforation, 201 ... Outer shell, 202 ... Middle layer, 203 ... Inner shell, 204 ... Compartment, 301 ... Connection tool, 302 ... mooring line, 303 ... foundation, 401 ... strut, 402 ... seat, 501 ... safety belt, 502 ... tailbone protection device, 503 ... seat seat, 504 ... grip, 505 ... base of seat, 601 ... air intake, 602 ... Exhaust port. 701 ... ground, 702 ... sea level.

Claims (20)

Having a body with an upper portion, a central portion, and a base portion, the base portion being wider than the central portion, the central portion being wider than the upper portion;
A tsunami pod comprising a collar portion extending around the base portion.   The tsunami pod according to claim 1, further comprising a top surface hatch within the upper portion of the main body.   The tsunami pod according to claim 1, further comprising a side hatch within the range of the central portion of the main body.   The tsunami pod according to claim 1, wherein the collar portion includes a perforation.   The tsunami pod according to claim 1, wherein the collar portion includes a fragile portion. The body includes an inner shell;
An intermediate layer surrounding the inner shell;
The tsunami pod according to claim 1, further comprising an outer shell surrounding the intermediate layer.   The tsunami pod according to claim 6, further comprising a light-emitting diode luminaire embedded in the inner shell.   The tsunami pod according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate layer includes a material that attenuates sound.   The tsunami pod according to claim 6, wherein the outer shell includes a waterproof material.   The tsunami pod according to claim 1, wherein the base is an octagon.   The tsunami pod of claim 1, wherein the base is stabilized.   The tsunami pod of Claim 1 provided with the coupling tool attached to the bottom part of the said base.   The tsunami pod according to claim 12, wherein the connector is a swivel joint.   The tsunami pod according to claim 12, wherein the connector is a breakable connector. A mooring system,
The mooring system includes a connector coupled to the base;
The basics,
The tsunami pod of Claim 1 provided with the mooring line which connects the said connector to the said foundation. Having a process of installing a tsunami pod on the coast,
Having a body with an upper portion, a central portion, and a base portion, the base portion being wider than the central portion, the central portion being wider than the upper portion;
A method for providing a protection from a tsunami comprising a collar extending around the base. Further comprising mooring the tsunami pod to the ground surface using a mooring system;
The mooring system includes a connector connected to the bottom of the base of the tsunami pod;
A foundation that can be driven into the surface;
The method for providing protection from a tsunami according to claim 16, comprising a mooring line connecting the foundation to the connector.   The method according to claim 16, wherein the collar includes a perforation. Having a base with a base wider than the top, said base further comprising an inner shell,
An intermediate layer surrounding the inner shell;
A tsunami pod comprising an outer shell surrounding the intermediate layer.   The tsunami pod according to claim 19, wherein the intermediate layer includes a plurality of sections.