Reel for SMB

Abstract

A reel for an SMB according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a body having a hollow; a line having an SMB connected to one end and wound around the body; and a sensing device formed such that one side is exposed through the hollow and the other side is exposed to the body and is covered by the line, wherein the sensing device comprises: a first substrate; a first dielectric layer formed on the lower part of the first substrate having a first tube formed to have a first diameter; a second substrate formed on the lower part of the first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer formed on the lower part of the second substrate having a second tube formed to have a second diameter; a third substrate on which the second dielectric layer is formed on the lower part; a first pad formed on the upper part of the first substrate and communicating with the first tube; and a second pad formed on the lower part of the third substrate and communicating with the second tube, wherein the first tube and the second tube are arranged so as not to be stacked with each other.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a reel used in a surface marking buoy for scuba diving. Background Technology

[0003] Contrary to popular belief, scuba diving does not have a high accident rate, and with the growing interest in travel, the number of people enjoying it in Korea is on the rise.

[0004] Scuba diving is an underwater diving activity performed while wearing a buoyancy control vest and equipped with a Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA). While the English term "SCUBA" was originally a noun referring to diving equipment, it is now used to refer to the diving activity itself that utilizes this type of apparatus, as well as an adjective. For recreational divers, the maximum diving depth is approximately 40 meters. The maximum dive duration is about three and a half hours (however, the time decreases as the dive depth increases).

[0005] An SMB (Surface Maker Buoy) refers to a buoy placed on the water's surface before diving. Korean divers commonly refer to SMBs as "sausages," and they typically carry a set with a 30-meter spool attached. They are usually used to signal to others that a diver is ascending, especially when there are no diving guidelines. Typically, when going on a dive, a descent line is set and an Alpha flag is raised on the boat; by following the dive leader, divers can usually ascend without issues. However, if you must ascend away from the descent line due to reasons such as being pushed by currents, you must fire the SMB before ascending. This helps avoid being caught in the propellers of passing boats. They are generally orange, but fluorescent yellow SMBs are used in emergency situations. Some SMBs are equipped with small strobes to send flashing light signals in case of distress, while others come with glow sticks (chemiluminescent lights) for use during night dives. There are also SMBs that reflect radar signals within a radius of at least 300m to 500m to search for a drifting diver.

[0006] SMBs come in two types of materials: vinyl and nylon. Vinyl is inexpensive but has the disadvantage of poor durability, whereas nylon is the opposite. Both require care regarding cleaning and drying after use; however, nylon requires extra attention as mold or stains can develop if not dried properly. Based on their design, they can be classified into open, semi-closed, and closed types. Air is blown in through the air inlet at the bottom of the SMB. An open type allows air to be injected directly downwards via an oral inflator (simply exhaling through the mouth) or free-flow generated by purging a regulator. A closed type requires a valve that must be held in the mouth to blow into, or a low-pressure inflator hose must be connected. A semi-closed type allows for both methods.

[0007] When inflating an SMB, divers are often pulled up by the buoyancy generated by the SMB. This occurs when a diver fails to maintain neutral buoyancy and ascends with positive buoyancy. In typical recreational diving situations where the SMB is launched at the safety stop, caution is required because having positive buoyancy at this stage can lead to a failure of the safety stop. Additionally, when launching the SMB, the decreasing water pressure during ascent can cause it to inflate rapidly, resulting in an excessively fast ascent speed or the diver being pulled up; therefore, it is recommended to inflate it to only one-third of its capacity. In the past, SMBs frequently burst during ascent due to poor materials, but most modern products feature a dump valve that allows excess air to escape. When raising the SMB, you must properly unwind the reel / spool connected to the bottom, taking care to prevent the line from tangling. Since an SMB reaching the surface rapidly can pull the line and cause it to lie flat, it is advisable to wind the line onto the reel / spool once it has fully ascended to ensure the SMB stands upright on the water. In areas with strong currents, the SMB often fails to rise straight, so prepare a sufficiently long line.

[0008] While reels are typically known to be paired with SMBs, they are used for different purposes during underwater exploration, shipwreck inspection, or cave diving. During muck diving, the seabed, shipwreck interiors, and caves are usually narrow, have poor visibility, and are low in light. Furthermore, they are filled with all kinds of sediment, so a single kick can make the water so thick that you can't even see your own hand. In such situations, it is impossible to find your way out by pinpointing the exact path you took without using a reel to mark guidelines. Additionally, during search operations, reels are used to mark the seabed to define zones and distinguish between areas already searched and those yet to be searched.

[0009] As mentioned earlier, SMBs are used to signal the presence of a diver underwater and to indicate that they are ascending to a surface indicator. To attract attention from the surface, they must be at least 1 meter in length or height; orange SMBs are used by divers to signal their location during the ascent, while fluorescent yellow SMBs are used to signal an emergency situation and seek assistance from the surface.

[0010] SMBs are classified into open, closed, and semi-closed types. An open type is defined as having a completely open bottom, a closed type as having a completely sealed bottom, and a semi-closed type as having a bottom sealed with a magnet, flat lead, etc., but which can still be opened. Open types are used by supplying air through a regulator underwater, while closed types are used by blowing air into a low-pressure hose or through the mouth. Semi-closed types have the advantage of being able to utilize both open and closed methods. For reference, many divers use semi-closed types. The reason open types are not used is that if an SMB is floated to the surface and tension is not maintained underwater, it will tilt sideways. In this situation, air can escape with an open type, so closed or semi-closed types are used instead.

[0011] However, with conventional SMBs, when inflating the SMB during the launching process, divers are often pulled up by the buoyancy generated by the SMB, and the reel is dropped while unwinding the line.

[0012] Therefore, a new scuba SMB reel capable of solving such problems is required. Prior art literature

[0014] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2576882 (Published September 11, 2023) The problem to be solved

[0015] The objective of the present invention is to provide a reel for an SMB having a more improved structure and complex functions. means of solving the problem

[0017] To achieve the problem of the present invention, a reel for an SMB according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a body having a hollow; a line wound around the body with an SMB connected to one end; and a sensing device formed such that one side is exposed through the hollow and the other side is exposed to the body and is covered by the line. The sensing device comprises: a first substrate; a first dielectric layer formed on the lower part of the first substrate having a first tube formed to have a first diameter; a second substrate formed on the lower part of the first dielectric layer having a second tube formed to have a second diameter; a third substrate on which the second dielectric layer is formed; a first pad formed on the upper part of the first substrate and communicating with the first tube; and a second pad formed on the lower part of the third substrate and communicating with the second tube, wherein the first tube and the second tube are arranged so as not to be stacked on each other. Effects of the invention

[0019] The reel for an SMB related to at least one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above can accurately determine the water pressure and the length of the line wound on the reel. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a reel for an SMB according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are cross-sectional views of a sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a photograph of an SMB and a reel for an SMB according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a photograph of a reel for an SMB according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0023] The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and "and / or" includes each of the mentioned components and all combinations of one or more. Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of the invention.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a reel for an SMB according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of a sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a photograph of an SMB and a reel for an SMB according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a photograph of a reel for an SMB according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a reel (100) for an SMB according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body (110), a line (101), and a sensing device (200).

[0030] The body (110) is formed with a hollow structure, at least a portion of which is cylindrical. The body (110) is provided with a spool (111) and flanges (113) formed on both sides of the spool. The spool is formed to allow a line (101) to be wound. The flanges are formed to allow a line (101) of 30m to 50m to be wound.

[0031] The body (110) may be equipped with a display, and the display is formed to display the length or water pressure of the unraveled string (101). The display may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display.

[0032] The cover (115) covering the hollow in the body (110) is formed such that at least a portion of it is formed of a thin film so that external pressure is transmitted to the sensing device (200) through the hollow. A fluid such as air is contained in the hollow.

[0033] The string (101) is formed to a certain length, and an SMB (130) is connected to one end and wound around the body (110).

[0034] The sensing device (200) is formed to detect the length or water pressure of the unraveled rope (101). The sensing device (200) is formed such that one side is exposed through a hollow and the other side is exposed to the body (110). The part exposed to the body (110) is formed to be covered by the rope (101). The sensing device (200) measures pressure by being powered by a battery. The battery and the display are mounted on the body (110).

[0035] The detection device (200) includes a first substrate (210), a first dielectric layer (240), a second substrate (220), a second dielectric layer (250), and a third substrate (230).

[0036] The substrates can be formed from a conductive material (e.g., copper). If necessary, the substrates can be manufactured by forming a conductive layer of a transparent conductive material, such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, carbon nanotubes, etc., on a base film, such as PET, PI, PMMA, etc., which has high light transmittance. Among the substrates, the second substrate (220) can be formed from a flexible material having flexibility.

[0037] The dielectric layer can be formed from a material having a predetermined elasticity and dielectric constant, and, for example, can be formed from a material such as PDMS or silicon.

[0038] Pressure detection can be based on changes in capacitance. By measuring changes in voltage applied to the circuit boards, the change in capacitance according to pressure can be detected.

[0039]

[0040] The capacitance C between substrates can be calculated based on the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer, the opposing area A of the substrates, and the distance d between the substrates.

[0041] The first dielectric layer (240) is formed by having a first tube (261) having a first diameter, and the second dielectric layer (250) is formed by having a second tube (271) having a second diameter.

[0042] The first tube (261) is in communication with a first sensing unit that detects pressure inside the body (110), and the second tube (271) is in communication with a second sensing unit that detects pressure applied by the string (101).

[0043] When pressure is detected in the first sensing unit, gas within the first sensing unit flows into the first tube (261), and when pressure is detected in the second sensing unit, gas within the second sensing unit flows into the second tube (271). When gas from the first sensing unit flows in and the first tube (261) expands or contracts, the distance between the second substrate (220) and the third substrate (230) decreases or increases. Since the second substrate (220) is formed of a flexible material, when the first tube (261) expands or contracts, it moves downward or upward, causing the distance between the substrates to decrease or increase. As a result, pressure detection due to the expansion of gas within the first sensing unit is possible. Conversely, when gas from the second sensing unit flows in and the second tube (271) expands or contracts, the distance between the second substrate (220) and the first substrate (210) decreases or increases. When the second tube (271) expands or contracts, the second substrate (220) moves upward or downward, causing the distance between the substrates to decrease or increase. Through this, the pressure change of the first and second sensing parts can be detected.

[0044] The first tube (261) and the second tube (271) are arranged so as not to be stacked on top of each other so that the first tube (261) and the second tube (271) operate independently of each other.

[0045] The first tube (261) and the second tube (271) can be formed from a transparent resin material. For example, they can be formed from PTFE (Teflon) or PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy alkane).

[0046] When the rope (101) wound around the body (110) is unwound, the pressure transmitted to the second sensing unit decreases, so the sensing device (200) can detect this and display the length of the wound rope. At this time, the pressures transmitted through the first sensing unit (201) and the second sensing unit (202) must be compared and quantified in advance. That is, when comparing the case where the water pressure detected through the second sensing unit is 5 bar and the case where it is 10 bar, even if the pressure detected through the first sensing unit is the same, the actual length of the rope unwound will have different values. Therefore, the laboratory must quantify this in advance and set the data so that the accurate unwound length of the rope can be displayed.

[0047] The circuit boards are connected to the circuit section, and the circuit section can be electrically connected to the battery and the display.

[0048] Although the first tube (261) and the second tube (271) in the detection device (200) have been described as examples, multiple tubes may be formed. For example, the first tube (261) and the second tube (271) may be formed in multiple numbers and arranged in a grid pattern. As a result, minute changes in heat or pressure can be detected over a wider area.

[0050] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

Claim 1 A reel for an SMB comprising: a body having a hollow; a string having an SMB connected to one end and wound around the body; and a sensing device mounted such that one side is exposed through the hollow and the other side is exposed to the body and is formed to be covered by the string, wherein the sensing device comprises: a first substrate; a first dielectric layer formed on the lower part of the first substrate having a first tube formed to have a first diameter; a second substrate formed on the lower part of the first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer formed on the lower part of the second substrate having a second tube formed to have a second diameter; a third substrate on which the second dielectric layer is formed on the lower part; a first pad formed on the upper part of the first substrate and communicating with the first tube; and a second pad formed on the lower part of the third substrate and communicating with the second tube, wherein the first tube and the second tube are arranged so as not to be stacked with each other.

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