Stabilization system for a diver

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable stabilization system (100) for adjusting the depth position of a diver in an underwater environment with respect to the surface of the water, the system (100) comprising a supply source (200) of pressurized gas, a supply source of respiratory gas, an inflatable device (300), and a respiratory device (400) configured to allow the diver to breathe respiratory gas from the supply source of respiratory gas and to allow the diver to manually trigger filling of the inflatable device (300) with gas.

Description

[0001] "Diver stabilization system"

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of scuba diving. It finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of stabilizing a diver while diving.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Before the invention of buoyancy compensators, divers were forced to regulate their buoyancy and therefore their depth by inhaling or exhaling while constantly keeping air in their lungs, which were more or less inflated.

[0006] With the arrival of the first stabilization vests commonly called stab in French and BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) in English, the diving experience changed radically.

[0007] This buoyancy compensator has a dual function. On the one hand, it allows the diver's buoyancy to be adjusted during the dive according to the depth and allows him to control his ascent to the surface. On the other hand, this vest allows him to support the diving tank(s) attached to the diver's back.

[0008] It should be noted that over time, this vest has been able to fulfill various other functions such as supporting numerous accessories.

[0009] It is interesting to note that it is through the regulator that the air adjustment in this vest is generally regulated.

[0010] Most current regulators are two-stage regulators. That is to say, the 200 bar air from the cylinder, called High Pressure (HP), is first expanded to Medium Pressure (MP), or about 10 to 12 bars above ambient pressure by the first stage, located directly on the cylinder valve. From this regulator, several Medium Pressure (MP) hoses depart: one for the BCD and one or two for the second stage(s) of expansion at ambient pressure, called Low Pressure (LP), allowing the diver to breathe. When there are two second stages, one, the main one, is used by the diver and the other, called the safety one, is used in case of failure of the main regulator of this diver or another diver. Second-stage regulators deliver air at a pressure that the diver can breathe based on ambient pressure, where ambient pressure is the water pressure at the depth the diver is at.This pressure delivered by the second stage is identical to ambient pressure or very close to ambient pressure.

[0011] In the prior art, the vest is inflated using a hose directly connected to the first stage of the regulator. Inflation is then activated by an inflation button located on a manual inflator which is a device comprising a mouthpiece to allow the diver to inflate his or her BCD by blowing into this mouthpiece. In addition, this manual inflator also includes another button for purging the vest so as to evacuate the air it contains.

[0012] With this type of prior art system, adjusting the stabilization is difficult for the diver because, unlike a rigid ballast, the inflatable vest system with flexible air pockets is fundamentally unstable.

[0013] With prior art systems, if the diver is stabilized at a certain depth and a slight imbalance causes him to rise a little, then the ambient pressure decreases, the volume of the vest increases and the Archimedean force causes the diver to rise even faster.

[0014] This is particularly problematic during the diver's ascent to the surface, where, in order to ascend at a slow, controlled speed to avoid decompression sickness, the diver must constantly empty the air contained in the BCD in a controlled manner. This problem is the opposite during descent.

[0015] Known systems are thus the source of numerous diving accidents each year. This problem is even more acute at shallow depths since the pressure gradient varies greatly with depth. Because of this risk of accident, scuba diving, apart from introductory dives which take place in very shallow waters, remains accessible only to relatively experienced divers.

[0016] An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution to at least some of these problems.

[0017] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated.

[0018] SUMMARY

[0019] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a portable stabilization system is provided capable of adjusting the depth position of at least one diver in an underwater environment relative to the surface of the water, the system comprising at least one pressurized gas supply source, at least one breathing gas supply source, at least one inflatable device, and at least one breathing device configured to allow the diver to breathe breathing gas from the breathing gas supply source and preferably to allow the diver to manually trigger a gas filling of the inflatable device.

[0020] The system is configured to be able to alternate between:

[0021] - an inflation configuration in which the inflatable device is configured to be inflated, at least partially and preferably automatically, so as to reduce the depth position of the diver,

[0022] - a stop configuration in which the inflatable device is configured to inject or extract gas so as to maintain the diver's position at depth,

[0023] - a deflation configuration in which the inflatable device is configured to be deflated, at least partially and preferably automatically, so as to increase the depth position of the diver.

[0024] The stabilization system comprises an automatic control device configured to automatically switch the configuration of the system between any of the up, down, and down configurations. The automatic control device comprises an electronic module configured to evaluate the depth position of the diver and a control module configured to receive at least one depth datum from the electronic module and to determine a control instruction at least from said depth datum.

[0025] The stabilization system also comprises a switching device configured to cooperate with the automatic control device so as to switch the configuration of the system according to at least said control instruction. The switching device comprises at least: o a primary pressurized gas inlet configured to cooperate with the pressurized gas supply source, o a primary pressurized gas outlet configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to inflate the inflatable device when the system is in the inflation configuration, o an evacuation module configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to reduce the quantity of gas contained in the inflatable device when the system is in the deflation configuration.

[0026] This allows the diver to easily control his depth and stabilize at the desired depth.

[0027] The invention thus makes it possible to considerably reduce the risks of uncontrolled ascent which can cause serious decompression accidents. It thus solves the problem of significantly improving the safety of scuba diving systems. The invention thus allows inexperienced divers to access the pleasure of diving. In addition, the invention provides greatly improved comfort, since it allows the diver to facilitate his stabilization at a desired depth.

[0028] This allows breathing gas to be evacuated from the inflatable device in a simple, reliable, quick and easy manner.

[0029] Without the present invention, the diver may be forced to adopt a complex, unpleasant or awkward posture to cause a pressure differential between the pressure of the air contained in the inflatable device and the ambient pressure at an outlet of the air contained in the inflatable device, in order to evacuate part of the gas present in the inflatable device. Advantageously, this technical solution makes it possible to manually or automatically control the depth of the diver.

[0030] Another aspect relates to a method for stabilizing the position at depth of at least one diver in an underwater environment relative to the surface of the water, said diver comprising at least one system according to the invention, a pressurized gas supply source, at least one inflatable device, the method comprising at least the following steps implemented by the automatic control device:

[0031] - Determination of the diver's breathing rate from the breathing sensor,

[0032] - Determination of the diver's depth variations based on his breathing rate determined from the depth sensor,

[0033] - Automatic control of the permutation device by the automatic control device so as to adjust the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device so as to compensate for the determined depth variations.

[0034] This compensates for variations in depth related to variations in the volume of breathing gas present in the diver's lungs when breathing.

[0035] Another aspect relates to a computer program product comprising instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, executes at least the steps of the method.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0037] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention in a shutdown configuration.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention in an inflation configuration.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention in a deflation configuration.

[0041] Figure 4 schematically represents a diver equipped with the present invention according to a first embodiment. Figure 5 represents a schematic representation of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention in a shutdown configuration.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention in an inflation configuration.

[0043] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention in a deflation configuration.

[0044] Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 9 shows a schematic enlargement of a portion of a trolley according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 10 shows a control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figures 11 and 12 show a control device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figures 13A-14B depict an energy system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 15 shows a diagram of a portion of the system in which an energy system according to an embodiment of the present invention is located.

[0050] The drawings are given as examples and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to the scale of practical applications. In particular, the dimensions are not representative of reality.

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Before commencing a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively are set out below:

[0053] In one example, the pressurized gas supply source and the breathing gas supply source form a single pressurized breathing gas supply source.

[0054] In one example, the vent module is configured to cooperate with the inflatable device to reduce the amount of gas contained in the inflatable device when the system is in the deflation configuration by creating a pressure differential.

[0055] In one example, the pressure differential is generated automatically and / or manually.

[0056] This may be a pressure differential between the pressure of the air contained in the inflatable device and the ambient pressure at an outlet of the air contained in the inflatable device.

[0057] According to one example, the evacuation module comprises a gas outlet to be evacuated intended to be arranged at a depth shallower than the depth of the inflatable device, in particular when the diver is in a horizontal swimming or ascent position. The pressure differential is generated by positioning the control device at a depth shallower than the depth of the inflatable device.

[0058] In one example, the evacuation module includes a suction module configured to cooperate with the pressurized gas supply source and the inflatable device to reduce the amount of gas contained in the inflatable device when the system is in the deflation configuration. The pressure differential is generated by the suction module.

[0059] In one example, this pressure differential corresponds to a suction of part of the gas contained in the inflatable device.

[0060] According to one example, the suction module comprises:

[0061] • a first inlet, designated a secondary pressurized gas inlet, fluidly connected with the pressurized gas supply source when the system is in the deflation configuration. This inlet is not fluidly connected with the pressurized gas supply source when the system is in the inflation configuration,

[0062] • a second inlet, designated the primary suction gas inlet, fluidly connected with the inflatable device when the system is in the deflation configuration,

[0063] • a primary outlet for suction gas.

[0064] The suction module is configured such that when the system is in the deflation configuration, the suction module is supplied with pressurized gas from the power source through its secondary pressurized gas inlet. The suction module is configured such that this supply of pressurized gas causes, by venturi effect, a suction of the air contained in the inflatable device. This air is drawn into the suction module through the primary suction gas inlet of the suction module.

[0065] The aspirated gas is then discharged through the primary aspirated gas outlet. In one example, the primary outlet is fluidically connected to the surrounding environment. In this case, the air extracted from the inflatable device is then discharged. Pressurized gas from the power source through the secondary inlet of the aspirator module is also discharged through the primary aspirated gas outlet.

[0066] In practice, only a very small amount of air from the power source is needed to create this suction by the venturi effect. It is then possible to deflate the vest in a perfectly easy way for the diver without having to create a pressure differential by placing the inflator nozzle at a depth lower than that of the inflatable device, typically his stabilization vest.

[0067] According to one example, the switching device includes a secondary pressurized gas outlet configured to cooperate with the suction module and to form a deflation circuit with the primary pressurized gas inlet.

[0068] This allows the pressurized gas from the power source to be used to generate the venturi effect. Preferably, this allows energy to be produced to operate a suction device. In one example, the suction module comprises:

[0069] - a secondary pressurized gas inlet,

[0070] - a primary intake of suction gas and

[0071] - a primary suction gas outlet, such that, when the system is in the deflation configuration, the secondary pressurized gas inlet is fluidly connected to the secondary pressurized gas outlet and the primary suction gas inlet is fluidly connected with the inflatable device so as to deflate the inflatable device by suction via the venturi effect generated by the pressurized gas entering through the secondary pressurized gas inlet, the gas sucked through the primary suction gas inlet and at least part of the pressurized gas then being discharged through the primary suction gas outlet.

[0072] This makes it possible to draw at least part of the breathing gas from the inflatable device without the diver himself having to physically create a pressure differential between the pressure of the air contained in the inflatable device and the ambient pressure at an outlet of the air contained in the inflatable device.

[0073] For example, when descending, the diver must not hold the hose above his head in such a way as to create a pressure difference between the air contained in the vest and the air outlet, which until now put the diver in uncomfortable positions.

[0074] In fact, this allows the air contained in the inflatable device to be emptied in a simple, reliable and minimally, if at all, way.

[0075] In one example, the secondary pressurized gas inlet includes a larger diameter than the primary suction gas inlet.

[0076] In one example, the secondary pressurized gas inlet is aligned with the primary suction gas outlet to define a pressurized gas flow path, and wherein the primary suction gas inlet is disposed orthogonally to said pressurized gas flow path.

[0077] In one example, the secondary pressurized gas inlet is aligned with the primary pressurized gas outlet to define a pressurized gas flow path having a diameter, the diameter having a narrowing at the primary aspirated gas inlet in the direction of flow of the pressurized gas along the breathing gas flow path. In one example, the system is further configured to have a control configuration configured to stabilize the depth position of said diver by controlling, preferably automatically, the amount of gas present in the inflatable device.

[0078] According to one example, the electronic module comprises at least one depth sensor configured to assess the depth at which the diver is located.

[0079] According to one example, the electronic module is preferably entirely immersed in a waterproof material, preferably in resin.

[0080] In one example, the control module is preferably fully immersed in a sealed material, preferably resin. In one example, the system includes at least one safety valve configured to alternately enable and disable the supply of pressurized gas to the system.

[0081] In one example, the system includes a manual control device configured to manually switch the system configuration between any of the up, down, and off configurations.

[0082] In one example, the automatic control device and the manual control device are physically connected to each other.

[0083] According to one example, the switching device comprises at least one multi-valve comprising at least one actuator capable of moving a movable element between at least a first position, a second position and a third position, the first position being configured to switch the system at least partially into the stop configuration, the second position being configured to switch the system into the deflation configuration, the third position being configured to switch the system into the inflation configuration.

[0084] This allows the configuration of the stabilization system to be controlled simply by translating the moving element of the multi-valve.

[0085] According to one example, the multi-valve comprises at least one body in which the movable element moves via the actuator, this body comprising the primary pressurized gas inlet, the primary pressurized gas outlet, a secondary pressurized gas outlet and a secondary suction gas outlet, the secondary pressurized gas outlet being fluidly connected to the suction module, and the secondary suction gas outlet being fluidly connected to the suction module.

[0086] According to one example, the movable element is at least partly movable in rotation around an axis of rotation.

[0087] According to one example, the movable element is at least partly movable in translation along a translation axis.

[0088] According to one example, the secondary pressurized gas outlet being connected to the secondary pressurized gas inlet of the suction module and the secondary suction gas outlet being connected to the primary suction gas inlet of the suction module.

[0089] According to one example, the mobile element is shaped so as to cooperate with the body of the multi-valve in order to form pressurized gas circulation circuits depending on the configuration of the system, these paths comprising at least:

[0090] An inflation circuit formed at least partially between the primary pressurized gas inlet and the primary pressurized gas outlet when the system is in the inflation configuration;

[0091] A suction module supply circuit formed at least partially between the primary pressurized gas inlet and the secondary pressurized gas outlet when the system is in the deflation configuration;

[0092] A deflation circuit formed in part at least by the secondary suction gas inlet and the secondary suction gas outlet when the system is in the deflation configuration. According to one example, the movable element comprises at least one reflective element capable of reflecting at least one light ray.

[0093] This provides a sensor that allows the control device to know the configuration of the stabilization system in real time.

[0094] This also allows for a sensor that is very insensitive, or even insensitive, to the marine and underwater environment.

[0095] According to one example, the switching device comprises at least one set of valves comprising at least one inflation valve, one deflation valve and one suction module supply valve, and wherein the inflation valve is configured to fluidly connect the pressurized gas supply source to the inflatable device, and wherein the deflation valve is configured to fluidly connect the inflatable device to the suction module such that at least a portion of the gas contained in the inflatable device is sucked by a venturi effect or by another suction device, the suction module supply valve being configured to fluidly connect the pressurized gas supply source to the suction module such as to generate said venturi effect allowing the suction of at least a portion of the gas present in the inflatable device.

[0096] According to one example, the automatic control device cooperates with at least:

[0097] The switching device driver module configured to change the system configuration;

[0098] An optical transmitter and an optical receiver configured to enable tracking of the system configuration;

[0099] The electronic module comprising at least:

[0100] A respiratory sensor configured to allow the assessment of the diver's breathing rate; A depth sensor configured to allow the assessment of the diver's depth;

[0101] A plurality of actuators configured to enable the automatic control device to be controlled by a diver. Preferably, the actuators are configured to be actuated by a diver to enable the automatic control device to be controlled by a diver, such that said control instruction is a function of the diver's actuation of the plurality of actuators.

[0102] A microprocessor configured to execute a series of system control instructions. This allows the diver to control the stabilization system and obtain dive information.

[0103] According to one example, the reflective element is configured to cooperate with the optical transmitter and with the optical receiver so as to establish at least one optical path between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver depending on the configuration of the system.

[0104] In one example, the breathing sensor is configured to cooperate with the automatic control device and with the depth sensor such that the automatic control device drives the switching device so as to switch the configuration of the system in accordance with the adjustment of the quantity of gas required in the inflatable device to counterbalance the breathing gas present in the lungs of the diver and the variations in depth of the diver caused by his breathing.

[0105] This compensates for variations in depth linked to variations in the volume of breathing gas present in the diver's lungs during breathing.

[0106] In one example, the system includes at least a first actuator and a second actuator of the plurality of actuators, the first actuator including a first optical transmitter and a first optical receiver, the second actuator including a second optical transmitter and a second optical receiver, the first optical transmitter being configured to transmit a first series of pulses toward the first optical receiver, and the second optical transmitter being configured to transmit a second series of pulses toward the second optical receiver, the transmission of the second series of pulses being time-shifted by a predetermined time relative to the transmission of the first series of pulses, such that when the pulses of the first series of pulses are transmitted, no pulses of the second series of pulses are transmitted, and such that when the pulses of the second series of pulses are transmitted,no pulse from the first pulse series is emitted.,

[0107] Alternatively, the system comprises a particular capture device configured to allow the exchange of codes corresponding to an up command or a down command. According to another particular example, the system comprises another alternative solution, an optical member configured to concentrate the emission light so that it cannot illuminate a single target cell while avoiding the others. Thus, it illuminates a single target cell.

[0108] According to one example, the system comprises at least one exhaust circuit comprising a plurality of turns disposed between a gas inlet to be exhausted and a gas outlet to be exhausted. This makes it possible to delay any penetration of water into the exhaust circuit.

[0109] According to one example, the gas outlet to be evacuated is fluidically connected to a check valve comprising a gas outlet and being configured to prevent water from entering the evacuation circuit via the gas outlet to be evacuated.

[0110] According to one example, the automatic control device comprises at least one hygrometric sensor disposed at least partially in the evacuation circuit and being configured to allow the detection of the presence of water in the evacuation circuit.

[0111] According to one example, the automatic control device is preferably entirely immersed in a waterproof material, preferably in resin.

[0112] This protects any electronic element of the control device from the effects of the sea.

[0113] This allows the control device that includes optical actuators to be sealed. In one example, the system includes an assembly that includes a turbine and an alternator, the energy system being fluidically connected to the pressurized gas supply source and configured to transform the pressurized gas into electrical energy.

[0114] According to one example, the system comprises at least two assemblies configured to be connected in series or in parallel. According to one example, the system comprises a storage device capable of supplying electrical energy to the system so as to enable its proper operation and of storing the electrical energy delivered at the output of the energy system.

[0115] The present invention relates to a depth stabilization system for a diver. This system is designed to allow the diver to manually or automatically control, via a control device, his ascent, descent and stabilization during an underwater dive.

[0116] As described below, this system has been cleverly designed to ensure safety, reliability and comfort for the diver.

[0117] According to a preferred embodiment, the stabilization system is portable so as to be worn by the diver.

[0118] According to another embodiment, at least part of the system can be moved to the surface or not so as not to be entirely carried by the diver.

[0119] According to one embodiment, a part of the stabilization system is comprised by a marine vehicle, preferably underwater.

[0120] In one example, the switching device is carried by a first diver and such that the automatic control device is configured to be carried at least in part by a second diver, such that the second diver controls the switching device of the first diver.

[0121] According to one example, the system comprises an energy system comprising an assembly which comprises at least one turbine and at least one alternator, the energy system being positioned so as to be in contact with a flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply source and configured so as to transform part of the energy of this flow into electrical energy.

[0122] In one example, the system comprises at least two assemblies configured to be connected in series or in parallel.

[0123] According to one example, the system comprises an electrical energy storage device capable of supplying electrical energy to the system and storing the electrical energy delivered at the output of the energy system.

[0124] According to one example, the system also includes a respiratory sensor configured to enable the assessment of the diver's breathing rate, the control module being configured to determine the control instruction also based on the assessment of the diver's breathing rate.

[0125] According to another embodiment, part of the stabilization system can be worn by a first user and another part by a second user. For example, the first user can be a diving instructor and the second user can be a student learning to dive, for example. According to this embodiment, the first user can have a remote control device allowing the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device worn by the second user to be controlled. This particularly advantageous embodiment makes it possible to avoid decompression accidents when an inexperienced diver returns to the surface too quickly. Similarly, this prevents an inexperienced diver from escaping the attention of his instructor and descending too deep.

[0126] In the case of a dive group, this method allows the dive leader to position all the divers at the desired depth. This depth control can be adjusted individually for each diver. Conversely, this control can be unique for all the divers in the group. This allows the instructor to safely manage the stops made by the divers.

[0127] According to one example, the invention relates to a method for stabilizing the position at depth of at least one first diver in an underwater environment relative to the surface of the water, using at least one system in which the permutation device is carried by a first diver and the automatic control device is carried in part at least by a second diver, the method comprising the following steps: a. selection by the second diver of a permutation instruction from the automatic control device, b. transmission of the permutation instruction from the automatic control device to the permutation device carried by a first diver, c. permutation of the configuration of the system according to at least said permutation instruction.

[0128] The invention thus allows unqualified divers to make exits to depths usually reserved for more experienced divers without the risk of decompression caused by excessively rapid ascents.

[0129] To this end, it may be provided that the switching device carried by a first diver receives a control or switching instruction from a second diver (the instructor or dive leader). Thus, remotely, the second diver's control device transmits switching instructions to the first diver.

[0130] Advantageously, the stabilization system makes it possible to adjust the depth position of a diver in an underwater environment relative to the surface of the water. Cleverly, the stabilization system is configured to cooperate with the common devices and equipment of a diver. Thus, the stabilization system is configured to cooperate with at least one pressurized gas supply source, such as for example one or more diving cylinders, and with at least one inflatable device, such as for example a stabilization vest, commonly called a stab, or even with a ballast or a buoy for example. Preferably, the stabilization system can be configured to cooperate with at least one breathing device. This breathing device is configured to allow the diver to breathe breathing gas from a pressurized gas supply source.Advantageously, the pressurized gas supply source and the breathing gas supply source form a single pressurized breathing gas supply source. As described below, this breathing device may also be configured to allow the diver to manually trigger the filling of the inflatable device with gas and / or its purging via a manual purge circuit.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the stabilization system is configured to alternately present several configurations.

[0132] For example, the stabilization system is configured to have an inflation configuration. This inflation configuration is configured to reduce the depth position of the diver by at least partially inflating the inflatable device, or subsequently deflating it when the pressure on the inflatable device decreases during the user's ascent to the surface. Reducing the depth position therefore means ascending towards the surface of the water.

[0133] For example, the stabilization system is configured to have a deflation configuration. This deflation configuration is configured to increase the depth position of the diver by at least partially deflating the inflatable device. Increasing the depth position therefore means descending towards the seabed and away from the water surface.

[0134] For example, the stabilization system is configured to have a stop configuration. This stop configuration is configured to stabilize the depth position of said diver by allowing ejection of the gas in the inflatable device so as to maintain the depth position of the diver. In the stop configuration, the system is configured to inject gas into the inflatable device or extract gas from the inflatable device.

[0135] Maintaining the diver's position means ensuring that the depth at which the diver is located does not vary by more than 1 m.

[0136] Advantageously, and according to one embodiment, the stabilization system is configured to have a regulation configuration. This regulation configuration is configured to regulate the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device. Thus, in the regulation configuration, the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device is adjusted; this adjustment, preferably automatic, makes it possible to add and / or extract and / or retain a predetermined quantity of gas from the inflatable device so as to compensate for the variations in depth generated by the diver's breathing.

[0137] Thus, advantageously, the stabilization system is configured to switch from one configuration to another automatically and / or manually.

[0138] An inflation configuration will be understood to mean an inflation configuration of the stabilization system leading to an ascent of the diver. Similarly, a deflation configuration will be understood to mean a deflation configuration of the stabilization system leading to a descent of the diver.

[0139] A shallower depth means a position of the submerged system closer to the water surface. In other words, a greater or greater depth means a position of the submerged system further from the water surface, and therefore located vertically below the shallower depth.

[0140] According to a preferred embodiment, the stabilization system comprises at least:

[0141] - an automatic control device configured to automatically switch the system configuration between any of the up, down, down and regulation configurations;

[0142] - a switching device configured to cooperate with the automatic control device so as to switch the configuration of the system according to at least said control instruction.

[0143] As described hereinafter, the automatic control device comprises at least:

[0144] - an electronic module configured to evaluate the depth of the diver; This electronic module may further comprise a depth sensor, for example, intended to measure at least one physical and / or chemical and / or biological parameter allowing the evaluation of the depth of the diver,

[0145] - a control module configured to receive at least one depth data item from the electronic module and to determine at least one control instruction from said depth data item.;

[0146] As described in the figures below, the switching device comprises at least:

[0147] - a primary pressurized gas inlet configured to cooperate with the pressurized gas source;

[0148] - a primary pressurized gas outlet configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to inflate the inflatable device when the system is in the inflation and / or preferably stabilization configuration,

[0149] - an evacuation module configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to reduce the quantity of gas contained in the inflatable device when the system is in the deflation configuration by means of the creation of a pressure differential.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the evacuation module comprises a gas outlet. This gas outlet is intended to be arranged at a shallower depth than the depth of the inflatable device. This allows the pressure differential to be created. This pressure differential can thus be created manually for example. Thus, the pressure differential is generated by positioning the automatic control device at a depth less than the depth of the inflatable device, preferably by the user himself.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the evacuation module comprises a suction module configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to reduce the quantity of gas contained in the inflatable device. Preferably, this suction is generated by the Venturi effect. In a known manner, a nozzle of the suction system makes it possible to generate a pressure differential by a Venturi effect. In a known manner, the nozzle has a narrowing of the passage section. This thus makes it possible to automatically generate the pressure differential and thus avoids the user having to manually create the pressure differential between the ambient pressure at the depth of the inflatable device and the air pressure at an outlet of the inflatable device by positioning the outlet of the inflator above his head for example. It will be noted that the suction module can also have another configuration, without implementing the Venturi effect.

[0152] Advantageously, the suction module comprises at least:

[0153] - a secondary pressurized gas inlet,

[0154] - a primary inlet for suction gas,

[0155] - a primary outlet for suction gas.

[0156] It should be noted that the gas present in the inflatable device may include breathing gas and / or a gas which is not suitable for inhalation but comes, for example, from the diver's exhalation; this may be the case when the diver inflates the inflatable device himself.

[0157] Preferably, the suction module is configured so that when the system is in the deflation and / or regulation configuration, the secondary pressurized gas inlet is fluidically connected to the primary pressurized gas inlet and the primary suctioned gas inlet is configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to deflate the inflatable device by suction. According to a non-limiting embodiment, this suction is cleverly made possible through a venturi effect. This venturi effect is advantageously generated by the pressurized gas entering through the secondary pressurized gas inlet. Thus, the gas sucked through the primary suctioned gas inlet and at least part of the pressurized gas are then evacuated through the primary suctioned gas outlet of the suction module.

[0158] According to a particular embodiment, the system 100 comprises a Venturi or Venturi device configured to suck in the gas present in the inflatable device 300 in order to avoid the diver having to hold the system 100 above his head during the ascent phase. The Venturi behaves like a vacuum cleaner. The Venturi makes it possible to deflate the inflatable device 300 without having to create a pressure difference between the pressure level present in the inflatable device 300 and the pressure level at the respiratory gas outlet 660. Advantageously, the Venturi is arranged in an inverted manner.

[0159] It will be noted that according to a preferred embodiment, the system may comprise a pressure drop device making it possible to at least partially isolate the manual purge circuit from the deflation circuit.

[0160] This stabilization system thus allows manual or automatic control of the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device and therefore allows adjustment of the diver's depth. In addition, as described below, in a clever manner, the diver's breathing rate can be taken into consideration to counterbalance its effect on the stabilization of the diver at depth. Indeed, with each inspiration and each expiration, the diver oscillates at depth due to the fluctuating volume of breathing gas in his lungs. Advantageously, the present system also allows measurement and / or forecasting and / or prediction of the diver's breathing rate so as to compensate for these fluctuations by adjusting in real time the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device.

[0161] We will now describe the present invention through Figures 1 to 12.

[0162] Figures 1 and 5 represent, according to one embodiment, the stabilization system 100 according to the present invention.

[0163] In these two figures, the system 100 is in the off configuration, that is to say that the quantity of breathing gas present in the inflatable device 300 is left as is.

[0164] In particular, it will be noted that neither the inflation circuit 611 nor the deflation circuit 621 are open.

[0165] In Figures 2 and 6, the system 100 is in the inflation configuration. Indeed, in these two figures, the permutation device 600 is configured to allow pressurized gas to circulate from the pressurized gas supply source 200 to the inflatable device 300, preferably via the inflation circuit 61 1 .

[0166] In Figures 3 and 7, the system 100 is in the deflation configuration. Indeed, in these figures, the permutation device 600 is configured to allow pressurized gas to circulate from the pressurized gas supply source 200 to the suction module 630, preferably via the supply circuit 612 of the suction module, and the permutation device 600 is configured to allow gas to be sucked by the suction module 630 from the inflatable device 300, preferably via the deflation circuit 621 and advantageously via the generation of a venturi effect by the suction module 630.

[0167] According to one embodiment, when the system is in the regulation configuration, it alternates between an inflation, deflation, or even a stop configuration. Indeed, in the regulation configuration, the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device 300 is either adjusted continuously and in real time, or adjusted according to the user's needs.

[0168] Indeed, according to one embodiment and by way of non-limiting example, the stabilization system 100 can be configured so as to limit the user's ascent speed. In particular, depth stops can be configured in the stabilization system 100 so that when the user wishes to return to the surface, the system automatically controls the diver's buoyancy so as to respect these predetermined stops. Also, when the diver is in a stop, the system can automatically block the ascent for a predetermined time. However, and in a safe manner, an emergency ascent function can be provided to bypass the automatic system.

[0169] In Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, there is a pressurized gas supply source 200, such as for example a pressurized air bottle, fluidly connected to a regulator 210, itself fluidly connected to the breathing device 400 provided with a breathing mouthpiece 430 allowing the diver to breathe and / or manually inflate the inflatable device 300.

[0170] Advantageously, the pressurized gas supply source 200 is thus a pressurized breathing gas supply source. In these figures, the pressurized gas supply source 200 is also fluidically connected to the switching device 600 so as to supply it with pressurized gas when necessary, preferably when the diver and / or the automatic control device 500 automatically considers it necessary to inflate the inflatable device 300 or to deflate the inflatable device 300. It will be noted that the pressurized gas supply source 200 is fluidically connected to the switching device 600 by the primary pressurized gas inlet 610 previously presented.

[0171] Finally, the pressurized gas supply source 200 is fluidically connected to the breathing device 400, for example, so as to be able to manually supply the inflatable device 300 with pressurized gas via a manual inflation actuator 410.

[0172] In these figures, the inflatable device 300 preferably, but not limited to, a stabilization vest worn by the diver and which is fluidically connected to the permutation device 600, preferably via the primary pressurized gas outlet 620 of the permutation device. According to one embodiment, the inflatable device 300 is a stabilization vest worn by the diver.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the inflatable device can be filled with gas directly by the user by blowing through a conduit, such as for example via the breathing nozzle 430.

[0174] In these figures, the inflatable device 300 is fluidly connected to the breathing device 400, preferably via an inflation outlet 310. In these figures, it will be noted that the inflation inlet 411 is fluidly connected to the pressurized gas supply source 200 and that via the manual inflation actuator 410, the diver can circulate, preferably in at least a portion of the breathing device 400, and advantageously via a manual inflation valve 412, the pressurized gas from the supply source 200 to the inflatable device 300. It will be noted in these figures that the breathing device 400 may also comprise a manual purge actuator 420 for the inflatable device 300. This actuator 420 controls a purge valve 421 configured to manually open a circuit for discharging the gas contained in the inflatable device 300. This evacuation then preferably takes place via the respiratory gas outlet 422.The manual purge actuator 420 and the purge valve 421 are part of the manual purge circuit. This manual functionality, common in the prior art, preferably represents only a manual solution in the event of a malfunction of the automatic control device, for example, and nevertheless requires the diver to adopt uncomfortable positions well known to divers.

[0175] According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises at least one pressure drop device configured to at least partially isolate the manual purge circuit from the deflation circuit described below. This device may in particular be produced by a ball, guillotine or membrane type valve.

[0176] According to a preferred embodiment, the stabilization system 100 comprises at least one safety valve 604. This safety valve 604 is configured to alternately authorize and prohibit the supply of pressurized gas to the system 100. According to one embodiment, this safety valve 604 allows operation only in manual mode or in automatic mode. This prevents the system from operating simultaneously in manual and automatic modes. According to this embodiment, this safety valve 604 directs the supply of pressurized gas either to the manual control device or to the automatic control device.

[0177] According to another embodiment, the safety valve 604 allows continuous operation of the manual mode and the automatic mode. However, and preferably, switching to the manual position makes it possible to isolate the supply of pressurized gas to the automatic control device. This makes it possible not to lose breathable air in the event that the electronics and / or the mechanics on the automatic side are defective and the pressurized gas supply source is a pressurized breathing gas supply source. This safety valve thus makes it possible, depending on a position, to isolate the automatic mode from the manual mode and thus to preserve the safety of the user in the event of an electronic and / or mechanical problem.

[0178] Advantageously, this 604 safety valve is a ball valve.

[0179] In Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, the permutation device 600 is shown. This thus comprises the primary inlet 610 of pressurized gas intended to form the inflation circuit 611 with the primary outlet 620 of pressurized gas. This primary inlet 610 of pressurized gas is also intended to form the supply circuit 612 of the suction module 630 with the secondary inlet 631 of pressurized gas preferably carried by the suction module 630 and via the secondary outlet 613 of pressurized gas preferably carried by the permutation device 600.

[0180] The permutation device 600 also comprises the secondary inlet 622 of aspirated gas intended to form the deflation circuit 621 with the secondary outlet 623 of aspirated gas. It will be noted that, in a combined or alternative manner, this secondary outlet 622 can also be provided by the primary outlet 620 of pressurized gas, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In this case, the primary outlet 620 ensures: in the inflation configuration, the outlet of the pressurized gas from the permutation device 600 for its injection into the inflatable device 300, in the deflation configuration, the inlet of the aspirated gas coming from the inflatable device 300.

[0181] This secondary suction gas outlet 623 is configured to be fluidically connected with the primary suction gas inlet 632 of the suction module 630 when the system 100 is in the deflation and / or regulation configuration.

[0182] In these figures, and according to a preferred embodiment, it will be noted that the permutation device 600 comprises a multi-valve.

[0183] This multi-valve preferably comprises at least one movable element and an actuator 521. According to one embodiment, this actuator may comprise an electric motor and / or a pneumatic device, such as a cylinder for example. This actuator 521 is preferably capable of moving the movable element between at least a first position, a second position and a third position.

[0184] Advantageously, the first position is configured to switch the system 100 to the stop configuration, the second position is configured to switch the system 100 to the deflation configuration, the third position is configured to switch the system 100 to the inflation configuration.

[0185] Advantageously, the first position, i.e. that corresponding to the stop configuration, is kinematically located between the second position, i.e. that corresponding to the deflation configuration, and the third position, i.e. that corresponding to the inflation configuration.

[0186] Preferably, the multi-valve thus comprises a body in which the movable element moves via the actuator 521.

[0187] According to one embodiment, this body comprises the primary inlet 610 of pressurized gas, the primary outlet 620 of pressurized gas, a secondary outlet 613 of pressurized gas, a secondary inlet 622 of aspirated gas, a secondary outlet 623 of aspirated gas. It will be noted that, when the system 100 is in the deflation and / or shutdown configuration, the secondary outlet 613 of pressurized gas is fluidically connected to the secondary inlet 631 of pressurized gas of the suction module 630 and that the secondary outlet 623 of aspirated gas is fluidically connected to the primary inlet 632 of aspirated gas.

[0188] Thus, and in a clever manner, the movable element is configured to cooperate with the body of the multi-valve in order to alternately form respiratory gas circulation paths.

[0189] In the inflation configuration, for example, the primary inlet 610 of pressurized gas forms, with the primary outlet 620 of pressurized gas, the inflation circuit 611 allowing the circulation of a portion of pressurized gas from the supply source 200 to the inflatable device 300.

[0190] In the deflation configuration, for example, the primary pressurized gas inlet 610 forms, with the secondary pressurized gas outlet 613 and with the secondary pressurized gas inlet 631 of the suction module 630, the pressurized gas supply circuit 612 of the suction module 630, and the secondary sucked gas inlet 622 forms, with the secondary sucked gas outlet 623 and with the primary sucked gas inlet 632 of the suction module 630, the deflation circuit 621 allowing the suction of a portion of respiratory gas from the inflatable device 300 towards the primary sucked gas outlet 633 of the suction module 630.

[0191] In the off configuration, for example, the system 100 can switch, preferably automatically, between the deflation configuration and the inflation configuration so as to adjust the quantity of breathing gas present in the inflatable device 300 or can then simply close the previous circuits 611, 612 and 621 so as to keep the quantity of breathing gas present in the inflatable device 300 constant.

[0192] According to one embodiment, and as shown more precisely in Figures 1 to 3, the mobile element comprises a mechanical part that can rotate about an axis of rotation. It is by rotating about this axis that the different gas circulation circuits are formed. According to another embodiment, and as shown more precisely in Figures 5 to 7, the mobile element comprises a carriage 670 that can move in translation about a translation axis.

[0193] According to one embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 9 for example, the mobile element, for example the carriage 670 or the rotating mobile part, may comprise one or more positioning elements. These positioning elements are configured to make it possible to determine the position of the mobile element. According to one embodiment, these positioning elements may comprise reflective elements 671 and / or waveguides and / or a type of inductive and / or resistive proximity detector such as servomotors for example, or even simple contacts, or finally be based on optical and / or capacitive and / or resistive technology. According to one embodiment, these positioning elements comprise reflective elements 671.These reflective elements 671 are configured to cooperate with at least one optical transmitter 531 and one optical receiver 533 so as to allow the transmission or not of a light flux from the optical transmitter 531 to the optical receiver 533 depending on the position of the mobile element, and therefore depending on the configuration of the system 100.

[0194] Cleverly, this or these optical transceivers are mounted in the automatic control device 500. Preferably, this or these optical transceivers are optically connected to the switching device 600 via one or more optical fibers and / or waveguides.

[0195] Thus, when the movable element is in a certain position, that is to say when the system 100 is in a certain configuration, a certain optical path 532 may or may not be established and thus be detected or not by the automatic control device 500, this allowing the automatic control device 500 and its on-board electronics to determine the configuration of the system 100 for example.

[0196] As will be described more precisely later, the automatic control device 500 is entirely cast in a resin so as to protect any electronic element from the marine and preferably underwater environment. Also, the present system 100 very cleverly uses optical control and transmission technology based at least in part on optical fiber technologies.

[0197] Figure 4 illustrates a diver 700 using the present invention according to an embodiment in which the pressure differential is manually generated by the user 700. The diver places an outlet of a conduit (inflator outlet) communicating with the air contained in the inflatable device 300 at a depth lower than that of the inflatable device 300. He thus creates a pressure differential between the ambient pressure at the depth of this outlet and the pressure of the air contained in the inflatable device 300.

[0198] This pressure differential allows the adjustment of the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device 300. However, even if the generation of this pressure differential is manual, the system 100 can nevertheless authorize or not the evacuation of the gas, for example in order to respect depth stops. According to another embodiment, the pressure differential is generated automatically, avoiding the user having to do it himself.

[0199] Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention according to which the permutation device 600 comprises a plurality of valves controlled by the control device, preferably solenoid valves.

[0200] According to this embodiment, the multi-valve can be replaced and / or supplemented by a plurality of controlled valves 601, 602, 603 allowing the establishment or not of the inflation 611, deflation 621 and supply 612 circuits of the suction module 630. Preferably but not limitingly, this plurality of controlled valves 601, 602, 603 are distinct from one another,

[0201] Thus, for example, the inflation valve 601 is activated when the system is in the inflation and / or stop configuration so as to establish the inflation circuit 611.

[0202] For example, the deflation valve 602 is activated when the system is in the deflation and / or shutdown configuration so as to establish the deflation circuit 621.

[0203] For example, the supply valve 603 of the suction module 630 is activated when the system is in the deflation and / or shutdown configuration so as to establish the supply circuit 612 of the suction module 630 with pressurized gas.

[0204] Finally, it will be noted in Figure 8, but which may also be present depending on the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, the presence of a safety valve 604 configured to stop the supply of pressurized gas from the supply source 200 to the switching device 600.

[0205] According to a preferred embodiment, and as illustrated schematically in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, the system 100 may comprise an evacuation circuit 640 comprising an inlet 641 for gas to be evacuated and an outlet 642 for gas to be evacuated.

[0206] Cleverly, the inlet 641 of gas to be evacuated is fluidically connected to the primary outlet 633 of aspirated gas of the suction module 630 so as to allow the evacuation of a portion of the gas contained in the inflatable device 300.

[0207] Preferably, the outlet 642 of gas to be evacuated is fluidically connected to a non-return valve 650 itself fluidically connected to a gas evacuation 660. This non-return valve is configured to allow the evacuation of gas from the suction module 630 to the evacuation 660 and to limit, preferably, prevent water from entering the suction module 630 and preferably into the evacuation circuit 640.

[0208] It will be noted that the evacuation circuit 640 advantageously comprises a plurality of turns so as to slow down the water in the event of a failure of the non-return valve 650 or a leak in the evacuation circuit 640.

[0209] Advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises a hygrometric sensor 540, preferably based on optical technology, or even on electronic technology for detecting electric current between two electrodes, for example without limitation. This hygrometric sensor 540 is configured to allow the detection of a water ingress in the evacuation circuit 640. This then makes it possible to warn the plunger 700 which can for example inject pressurized gas from the power source 200 into the evacuation circuit 640 so as to expel the water present. This injection of pressurized gas can also be triggered automatically by the automatic control device 500.

[0210] Figures 10 to 12 illustrate different embodiments of the automatic control device 500.

[0211] Advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises and / or cooperates with at least: a. A control module 520 of the permutation device 600 so as to modify the configuration of the system 100. This control module 520 can for example control the actuator 521 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 and / or the controlled valves 601, 602 and 603 according to the embodiment of FIG. 8; b. An optical sensor 530; The optical sensor 530 comprising for example an optical transmitter 531 and an optical receiver 533 configured to allow monitoring of the configuration of the system 100 as previously described; c.Preferably, a respiratory sensor 510 configured to allow the evaluation of the breathing rate of the diver; Advantageously, this respiratory sensor 510 can be at least partly arranged at the level of the respiratory device 400; Advantageously, the respiratory sensor 510 can be based on optical technology; According to one embodiment, the permutation device can be separate from the respiratory device; according to this embodiment, and by way of non-limiting example, the stabilization system uses ambient pressure and / or depth data to generate a depth curve when a respiratory sensor is not usable or present. This depth curve makes it possible to deduce the volume of air inspired / expired by the user and thus to compensate for this volume of air. d.A depth sensor configured to allow the evaluation of the depth of the diver; This depth sensor, here again, may be based on optical or mechanical technology, such as for example a pressure sensor, for example an ambient pressure sensor of the water surrounding the diver. e. A plurality of actuators 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 570, 580, 590, 410, 420 configured to allow the automatic control device 500 to be piloted by a diver; each of these actuators can also be described as a user interface element or button. f. A microprocessor configured to execute a series of instructions for piloting the system 100. Advantageously, the present invention takes advantage of at least two microprocessors configured to monitor each other so as to guarantee the safety and reliability of the present invention.In this way, if one of the two microprocessors malfunctions, the second takes over. This technological choice is a guarantee of reliability and safety for the diver. g. A source of electrical current; h. A source of light flux.

[0212] It will be noted that according to one embodiment, the manual inflation 410 and manual purge 420 actuators can also be mounted in the automatic control device 500. This allows the user to have all the controls on a single device. It will be noted that for safety reasons, the manual inflation 410 and manual purge 420 actuators can be mechanical actuators such as those provided for a breathing device 400 for example.

[0213] Advantageously, the respiratory sensor 510 is configured to cooperate with the automatic control device 500 and with the depth sensor so that the automatic control device 500 can determine the variations in depth of the diver as a function of his breathing. Thus the automatic control device 500 can control the permutation device 600, and preferably the actuator 521 and / or the piloted valves 601, 602 and 603, so as to permute the configuration of the system 100 as a function of the adjustment of the quantity of gas required in the inflatable device 300 to counterbalance the quantity of respiratory gas present in the lungs of the diver and the related variations in depth of the diver.

[0214] Advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises a hygrometric sensor 540 arranged in the evacuation circuit 640 so as to detect the presence of water in the evacuation circuit 640 as previously described.

[0215] Figures 6 to 8 show several developments of the automatic control device 500.

[0216] In Figure 10, we find: a. The actuators, preferably mechanical, for manual inflation 410 and manual purge 420; b. An actuator 570 for activating a flashlight and controlling its light power; This power being displayed by an indicator 571 of the light power level of the flashlight; c. An indicator 501 of the quantity of electrical energy remaining; d. An actuator 551 for switching the system 100 to the inflation configuration. Preferably, on the surface, this actuator 551 is configured to allow the inflation of the inflatable device 300, in other words of the stab. And, preferably, when diving, this actuator 551 is configured to allow the ascent of the diver 700; e. An actuator 552 for switching the system 100 to the deflation configuration. Preferably, on the surface, this actuator 552 is configured to deflate the inflatable device 300, in other words the stab.And, preferably, when diving, this actuator 552 is configured to allow the descent of the diver 700; f. An actuator 553 for switching the system 100 to a static stop configuration, this involves keeping a constant quantity of breathing gas in the inflatable device 300; g. An actuator 554 for switching the system 100 to a dynamic stop configuration, this is the option allowing compensation for variations in depth due to the diver's breathing. h. An actuator 555 for activating a stepwise ascent procedure; in fact, given the possibility of automatically controlling the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device 300, the present invention makes it possible to initiate an automatic ascent procedure, preferably at a controlled speed, by regularly measuring the depth of the diver and adjusting the quantity of breathing gas in the inflatable device 300.This allows the diver not to worry about the different stops necessary to follow before his ascent, the whole thing is automatically ensured by the stabilization system 100 and pre-programmed in the automatic control device 500.

[0217] In Figure 11, the embodiment of the automatic control device 500 further comprises: a. A data display screen 502, such as for example depth tracking, or even images taken in photos; b. A camera 581; c. An actuator 590 for taking photos; d. An actuator 580 for recording video.

[0218] In Figure 12, the automatic control device 500 further comprises: a. A dive data display screen 503; b. Actuators 504 for recording dive data; c. An indicator 560 of the quantity of breathing gas remaining in the pressurized gas source 200.

[0219] Thus, the 500 automatic control device is cleverly designed to allow the diver to manage all the functions of the 100 system and make his dive easier while ensuring his safety.

[0220] It will be noted that advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises an electric battery configured to be recharged preferably by induction.

[0221] In order to protect the electronics of the automatic control device 500, the latter is preferably entirely cast in resin, so that all the electronic components are protected from the aggressions of the sea. In addition, at least some of the actuators are optical actuators designed according to the principle of the interruption or not of a light beam between an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. This optical technology not being affected, or only very little, by the conditions at sea and underwater, this guarantees significant reliability and longevity to the automatic control device 500.

[0222] The present invention also relates to a method for stabilizing, preferably dynamically, the depth position of a diver equipped with the present invention. This method comprises at least the following steps implemented by the control device: a. Determination of the breathing rate of the diver by the automatic control device 500 via the breathing sensor 510; b. Determination of the depth variations of the diver as a function of his breathing rate determined by the automatic control device 500; c. Control of the permutation device 600 by the control device so as to adjust the quantity of breathing gas present in the inflatable device 300 so as to compensate for the determined depth variations. According to one embodiment, a simple manner may comprise the continuous monitoring of the depth and the adjustment of the exact quantity of corresponding gas. However, this consumes a lot of air.According to another preferred embodiment, a maximum depth variation, i.e. a maximum depth variation, is predetermined, for example 10 cm, so the adjustment of the quantity of gas is only done when the depth variation exceeds the predetermined maximum depth variation. According to another advantageous embodiment, it is also possible to use an algorithm based on previous breaths to calculate the average quantity of air to be injected or withdrawn from the inflatable device 300 which will be useful for limiting depth variations. This method makes it possible to optimize air consumption.

[0223] In a clever way, the diver's depth is no longer affected, or only minimally, by their breathing. This is very advantageous, for example, when the diver wants to be precisely stabilized at depth, for example, to make an underwater video. It is also advantageous when an inexperienced diver needs to be automatically assisted to be stabilized at depth, for example, to avoid decompression sickness.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the automatic control device 500 also comprises a memory module, preferably non-transitory, making it possible to store a plurality of data and also instructions for controlling the permutation device 600, as a function of commands transmitted by the actuators, and also as a function of parameters measured by various sensors. Thus, the present invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions, which when carried out by the microprocessor of the automatic control device 500, executes at least the steps of the stabilization method previously described.It should be noted that advantageously, and for reasons of continuous improvement and / or legal proof in the event of a trial, at least part of the latest information and actions are recorded on a non-transitory memory, preferably until said memory is saturated, which may represent several dozen dives, or even several hundred for example.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the automatic control device 500 comprises a plurality of electronic elements, preferably entirely immersed in a waterproof material, such as resin for example.

[0226] According to one embodiment, at least some, and preferably all, of the actuators of the automatic control device 500 are optical actuators, that is to say they operate according to the principle of interruption or non-interruption of one or more light rays, preferably these light rays are infrared rays, advantageously, these light rays can be lasers. Thus for example, to actuate the ascent actuator, the diver only has to place his finger at the location corresponding to the actuator, this then causes the interruption of one of several light rays and then notifies the automatic control device 500 of the action performed by the user.

[0227] This optical technology and this electronics immersed in a waterproof material allow the automatic control device 500 to be protected from the aggressions of the marine and underwater environment and provides increased security for the on-board electronics. Sea water contains many particles which has the effect of diffracting the light rays and the emission of the "up" button can perfectly find a path to reach the receiver of the "down" button. To counter this parasitic phenomenon, several techniques were developed during the development of the present invention. For example, and according to one embodiment, the optical messages transmitted by each transmitter are coded so as to be interpreted only by the appropriate receiver for which they are intended. The coding of the optical signal(s) allows the individualization of said optical signals.According to another preferred embodiment, each signal comprises a series of pulses and the sending of each signal is shifted in time between each source so that only one pulse is emitted at a given time. Thus, a first transmitter transmits a first series of pulses, and a second transmitter transmits a second series of pulses, the transmission of the second series of pulses then being shifted by a predetermined time relative to the transmission of the first series of pulses. This predetermined time is for example equal to one hundredth of a second. No pulse of the first series of pulses is emitted at the same time as a pulse of the second series of pulses and vice versa. This alternation of pulses, in other words this transmission frequency, allows the receivers to identify the transmitter of the received signal.Advantageously, several, for example three consecutive interruptions are required to validate the presence of the diver's finger, that is to say to validate an action.

[0228] AUTONOMOUS CHARGING

[0229] As illustrated in Figure 13A and according to a particular embodiment, the system 100 comprises an energy generator 800 configured so as to allow greater energy autonomy for the system 100.

[0230] According to one embodiment, the pressurized gas contained in the source 200 allows the diver 700 to transform, via the energy generator 800, pneumatic energy into electrical energy necessary for the proper functioning of the system 100.

[0231] The energy generator 800 includes a storage device 820 configured to be alternately recharged and discharged.

[0232] The energy generator 800 advantageously comprises a turbine device 811 and an alternator 812 configured to be electrically connected to each other so as to transform the energy of the gas flow from the pressurized gas source 200 into electrical energy, in other words so as to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. The turbine may comprise blades or vanes.

[0233] Furthermore, the system 100 is advantageously configured to operate autonomously in energy, that is to say using only a general pneumatic power supply, preferably from the air contained under high pressure in the bottle.

[0234] According to a particular embodiment, the control device 500 may be configured to allow the actuation of a pressurized air supply into the energy generator 800. Alternatively, the system is configured to allow the passage of a pressurized gas from the pressurized gas supply source 200 to the energy generator 800, preferably without interfering with the inflation or deflation of the inflatable device 300.

[0235] The energy generator 800 advantageously comprises an electrical system 810. The system 810 comprises a turbine 811 extending along a drive axis Xa. The turbine 811 is configured to be rotated along the drive axis Xa by the gas from the pressurized gas supply source 200. Preferably, the pressurized gas 200 is expanded to medium pressure through a conduit 814 or a guide nozzle. At least a portion of the turbine 811 is inside the conduit 814 in an operating configuration.

[0236] The turbine 811 and the alternator 812 are further configured to supply energy to the storage device 820. The storage device 820 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a capacitor. The recharging and / or discharging of the storage device 820 is configured to be carried out directly or via an electronic regulation device.

[0237] As illustrated in Figure 13A, the energy generator 800 may comprise a single electrical system 810a. Preferably, this electrical system 810a comprises a single turbine 811 and a single alternator 812.

[0238] As illustrated in Figure 13B, the energy generator 800 comprises a first electrical system 810a and a second electrical system 810b which respectively comprise a first turbine 811a and a first alternator 812a and a second turbine 811b and a second alternator 812b. The first electrical system 810a and the second electrical system 810b extend along the same drive axis Xa. The energy generator 800 is configured so that the first electrical system 810a and the second electrical system 810b form a series connection. Advantageously, the two turbines are included at least partially inside the same guide duct 814. Preferably, between the two electrical systems 810a 810b, there is arranged a device 813 for reshaping the pressurized gas jet. Preferably, this configuration makes it possible to optimize the efficiency of the energy generator 800.

[0239] As illustrated in Figure 14A, the system 100 comprises two electrical systems 810a, 810b extending respectively along two collinear and non-confounded drive axes Xa, Xa. The two electrical systems 810a, 810b are preferably juxtaposed next to each other so as to form a parallel assembly. As illustrated in Figure 14B, the system comprises four electrical systems 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d and combines the two previous embodiments. The four electrical systems 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d are mounted two by two in series so as to form two juxtaposed pairs.In other words, according to this same embodiment, the energy generator 800 comprises a first assembly comprising a first electrical system 801 a and a second electrical system 810 b in a series assembly along a first axis Xa and a second assembly comprising a third electrical system 810 c and a fourth electrical system 810 d, and a second assembly comprising a third turbine and a fourth turbine in a series assembly along a second axis Xa.

[0240] The first axis Xa and the second axis Xa being advantageously collinear and not coincident. The energy generator 800 being configured so that the first assembly and the second assembly form a parallel assembly. Thus, this embodiment allows for much greater energy generation.

[0241] In this embodiment, the energy system 800 includes a conduit with two separate sealed portions.

[0242] As illustrated in Figure 15, the energy generator 800 can be included in the stabilization system 100 between the inflation device 300 and a distributor 830, preferably motorized, included by the stabilization system 100 so that the distributor 830 is configured to direct the air flow from the pressurized gas source 200 to the energy generator 800.

[0243] The energy generator 800 preferably comprising at least one alternator and one turbine. The energy generator 800 being configured so as to be able to supply electricity directly via an electronic card, the control device 500 and / or allow the recharging of a storage system 820 which may be for example a battery and / or a capacitor.

[0244] The present invention allows access to diving for beginner divers by facilitating numerous procedures while guaranteeing the safety of users.

[0245] Advantageously, the system includes batteries that can be recharged by induction in case the turbine does not provide enough energy or, for example, if a lamp is added to the system

[0246] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the claims.

[0247] Digital references:

[0248] 100 Stabilization System

[0249] 200 Pressurized gas supply source

[0250] 210 Regulator

[0251] 211 Entry of depressurized breathing gas into the breathing device

[0252] 300 Inflatable device 310 Breathing gas deflation outlet for inflating the inflatable device

[0253] 400 Respiratory Device

[0254] 410 Manual inflation actuator of the inflatable device

[0255] 411 Pressurized gas entry into the breathing device

[0256] 412 Manual inflation valve

[0257] 420 Inflatable device manual purge actuator

[0258] 421 Purge valve

[0259] 422 Breathing gas outlet

[0260] 430 Breathing Mouthpiece

[0261] 500 Control device

[0262] 501 Electrical energy level indicator

[0263] 502 Display screen

[0264] 503 Dive Data Display

[0265] 504 Dive Data Recording Actuators

[0266] 510 Respiratory Sensor

[0267] 520 Control Module

[0268] 521 Engine

[0269] 530 Optical Sensor

[0270] 531 Optical transmitter

[0271] 532 Optical path

[0272] 533 Optical Receiver

[0273] 540 Hygrometric sensor

[0274] 550 Actuators

[0275] 551 Lift actuator

[0276] 552 Descent actuator

[0277] 553 Static stabilization actuator

[0278] 554 Dynamic stabilization actuator

[0279] 555 Automatic ascent by stages

[0280] 560 Amount of breathing gas remaining

[0281] 570 Flashlight Actuator

[0282] 571 Flashlight light intensity level indicator

[0283] 580 Photo Taking Actuator

[0284] 581 Camera

[0285] 590 Video Capture Actuator

[0286] 600 Switching Device

[0287] 601 Inflation valve

[0288] 602 Deflation valve

[0289] 603 Suction module supply valve

[0290] 604 Safety valve 610 Primary pressurized gas inlet

[0291] 611 Inflation circuit

[0292] 612 Suction module power supply circuit

[0293] 613 Secondary pressurized gas outlet

[0294] 620 Primary pressurized gas outlet

[0295] 621 Deflation circuit

[0296] 622 Secondary suction gas inlet

[0297] 623 Secondary suction gas outlet

[0298] 630 Suction module

[0299] 631 Secondary pressurized gas inlet

[0300] 632 Primary suction gas inlet

[0301] 633 Primary suction gas outlet

[0302] 640 Evacuation circuit

[0303] 641 Gas inlet to be evacuated

[0304] 642 Gas outlet to be evacuated

[0305] 650 Check Valve

[0306] 660 Evacuation of respiratory gas

[0307] 670 Chariot

[0308] 671 Reflective element

[0309] 700 Diver

[0310] 800 Energy Generator

[0311] 810a, 810b, 810c, 81 Od Electrical Systems

[0312] 811 a, 811 b, 811c, 811 d Turbines

[0313] 812a, 812b, 812c, 812d Alternators

[0314] 813 Fitness device

[0315] 814 Conduit

[0316] 820 Storage Device

Claims

Claims Portable stabilization system (100) capable of adjusting the depth position of at least one diver (700) in an underwater environment relative to the surface of the water, the system (100) comprising at least one pressurized gas supply source (200), at least one breathing gas supply source, at least one inflatable device (300), and at least one breathing device (400) configured to allow the diver to breathe breathing gas from the breathing gas supply source and preferably to allow the diver to manually trigger a gas filling of the inflatable device (300), the system (100) being characterized in that it can alternate between: - an inflation configuration in which the inflatable device (300) is configured to be inflated, at least in part and preferably automatically, so as to reduce the depth position of the diver (700), - a regulation configuration in which the inflatable device (300) is configured to inject or extract gas so as to maintain the depth position of the diver (700), - a deflation configuration in which the inflatable device (300) is configured to be deflated, at least in part and preferably automatically, so as to increase the depth position of the diver (700), and in that it comprises: - an automatic control device (500) configured to automatically switch the configuration of the system (100) between any one of the inflation, regulation and deflation configurations, the automatic control device (500) comprising an electronic module configured to evaluate the depth position of the diver (700) and a piloting module (520) configured to receive at least one depth datum from the electronic module and to determine a control instruction at least from said depth datum, - a permutation device (600) configured to cooperate with the automatic control device (500) so as to permute the configuration of the system (100) as a function at least of said control instruction, the permutation device (600) comprising at least: - a primary inlet (610) of pressurized gas configured to cooperate with the pressurized gas supply source (200), - a primary outlet (620) of pressurized gas configured to cooperate with the inflatable device (300) so as to inflate the inflatable device (300) when the system (100) is in the inflation configuration, - an evacuation module configured to cooperate with the inflatable device (300) so as to reduce the quantity of gas contained in the inflatable device (300) when the system (100) is in the deflation configuration by means of the creation of a pressure differential. System (100) according to the preceding claim in which the pressurized gas supply source (200) and the respiratory gas supply source form a single pressurized respiratory gas supply source. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the pressure differential is generated automatically and / or manually.System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the evacuation module comprises an outlet for gas to be evacuated (642) intended to be arranged at a depth less than the depth of the inflatable device (300), in particular when the diver is in a horizontal swimming or ascent position, and in which the pressure differential is generated by the positioning of the control device (500) at a depth less than the depth of the inflatable device (300). System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the evacuation module comprises a suction module (630), the suction module (630) comprising:. • a first inlet, designated secondary inlet (631) of pressurized gas, fluidically connected with the pressurized gas supply source (200) when the system (100) is in the deflation configuration, • a second inlet, designated primary inlet (632) of aspirated gas, fluidly connected with the inflatable device (300) when the system (100) is in the deflation configuration, • a primary outlet (633) for sucked gas, the suction module (630) being configured so that when the system (100) is in the deflation configuration, the suction module (630) is supplied with pressurized gas by the supply source (200) via its secondary inlet (631) for pressurized gas, the suction module (630) being configured so that this supply of pressurized gas causes, by venturi effect, a suction of the air contained in the inflatable device (300), the air sucked out of the inflatable device (300) by venturi effect reaching the suction module (630) via the primary inlet (632) for sucked gas and being discharged from the evacuation module via the primary outlet (633) for sucked gas. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the evacuation module comprises a suction module (630) configured to cooperate with the pressurized gas supply source (200) and with the inflatable device (300) so as to reduce the quantity of gas contained in the inflatable device (300) when the system (100) is in the deflation configuration, and in which the pressure differential is generated by the suction module (630).

7. System (100) according to the preceding claim in which the permutation device comprises a secondary outlet (613) of pressurized gas configured to cooperate with the suction module (630) and to form a deflation circuit (621) with the primary inlet of pressurized gas.

8. System according to the preceding claim in which the suction module (630) comprises: • A secondary inlet (631) of pressurized gas, • A primary inlet (632) for suction gas and • A primary outlet (633) for sucked gas, such that, when the system is in the deflation configuration, the secondary inlet (631) for pressurized gas is fluidly connected to the secondary outlet (613) for pressurized gas and the primary inlet (632) for sucked gas is fluidly connected with the inflatable device (300) so as to deflate the inflatable device (300) by suction by venturi effect generated by the pressurized gas entering through the secondary inlet (631) for pressurized gas, the gas sucked through the primary inlet (632) for sucked gas and at least a portion of the pressurized gas then being evacuated through the primary outlet (633) for sucked gas.

9. System according to any one of claims 5 or 8, in which the secondary inlet (631) of pressurized gas comprises a diameter greater than the primary inlet (632) of aspirated gas.

10. System according to any one of claims 5 or 8, wherein the secondary inlet (631) of pressurized gas is aligned with the primary outlet (633) of aspirated gas so as to define a circulation path of the pressurized gas, and wherein the primary inlet (632) of aspirated gas is arranged orthogonally to said circulation path of the pressurized gas.

11. System (100) according to any one of the three preceding claims wherein the secondary inlet (631) of pressurized gas is aligned with the primary outlet (633) of pressurized gas so as to define a pressurized gas circulation path having a diameter, this diameter having a narrowing at the level of the primary inlet (632) of aspirated gas according to the direction of circulation of the pressurized gas along the pressurized gas circulation path.

12. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims further configured to have a regulation configuration configured to stabilize the depth position of said diver by regulating, preferably automatically, the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device (300).

13. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electronic module comprises at least one depth sensor configured to evaluate the depth at which the diver (700) is located.

14. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the electronic module is, preferably entirely, immersed in a waterproof material, preferably in resin.

15. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the control module (520) is, preferably entirely, immersed in a waterproof material, preferably in resin.

16. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one safety valve (604) configured to alternately allow and interrupt the supply of pressurized gas to the system (100).

17. The system (100) of any preceding claim comprising a manual control device configured to manually switch the configuration of the system (100) between any of the inflation, regulation, and deflation configurations.

18. System (100) according to the preceding claim in which the automatic control device (500) and the manual control device are physically integral with each other.

19. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the permutation device (600) comprises at least one multi-valve comprising at least one actuator (521) capable of moving a movable element between at least a first position, a second position and a third position, the first position being configured to permute the system (100) at least partly into the regulation configuration, the second position being configured to permute the system (100) into the deflation configuration, the third position being configured to permute the system (100) into the inflation configuration.

20. System (100) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 5 wherein the multi-valve comprises at least one body in which the movable element moves via the actuator (521), this body comprising the primary inlet (610) of pressurized gas, the primary outlet (620) of pressurized gas, a secondary outlet (613) of pressurized gas and a secondary outlet (623) of aspirated gas, the secondary outlet (613) of pressurized gas being fluidly connected to the suction module (630), and the secondary outlet (623) of aspirated gas being fluidly connected to the suction module (630).

21. System (100) according to the preceding claim in which the mobile element is at least partly mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation.

22. System (100) according to claim 20 in which the movable element is at least partly movable in translation along a translation axis.

23. System (100) according to any one of the three preceding claims in combination with any one of claims 5 or 8 wherein the secondary outlet (613) of pressurized gas is connected to the secondary inlet (631) of pressurized gas of the suction module (630) and the secondary outlet (623) of aspirated gas is connected to the primary inlet (632) of aspirated gas of the suction module (630).

24. System (100) according to any one of the four preceding claims in which the movable element is shaped so as to cooperate with the body of the multi-valve in order to form pressurized gas circulation paths depending on the configuration of the system (100), these pressurized gas circulation paths comprising at least: • An inflation circuit (611) formed at least in part between the primary inlet (610) of pressurized gas and the primary outlet (620) of pressurized gas when the system (100) is in the inflation configuration; • A supply circuit (612) of the suction module formed at least in part between the primary inlet (610) of pressurized gas and the secondary outlet (613) of pressurized gas when the system (100) is in the deflation configuration; • A deflation circuit (621) formed at least in part between a secondary inlet (622) of aspirated gas and the secondary outlet (623) of aspirated gas when the system (100) is in the deflation configuration.

25. System (100) according to any one of the five preceding claims in which the mobile element comprises at least one reflective element (671) capable of reflecting at least one light ray.

26. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 in combination with claim 6 wherein the permutation device (600) comprises at least one set of valves (601, 602, 603) comprising at least one inflation valve (601), one deflation valve (602) and one supply valve (603) of the suction module (630), and wherein the inflation valve (601) is configured to fluidly connect the supply source (200) of pressurized gas to the inflatable device (300), and wherein the deflation valve (602) is configured to fluidly connect the inflatable device (300) to the suction module (630) so that at least part of the gas contained in the inflatable device (300) is sucked by a venturi effect,the supply valve (603) of the suction module (630) being configured to fluidically connect the supply source (200) of pressurized gas to the suction module (630) so as to generate said venturi effect allowing the suction of at least part of the gas present in the inflatable device (300)., 27. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an energy system (800) comprising an assembly which comprises at least one turbine (811) and at least one alternator (812), the energy system (800) being positioned so as to be in contact with a flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply source. (200) and configured to transform part of the energy of this flow into electrical energy.

28. System (100) according to the preceding claim comprising at least two assemblies configured to be mounted in series or in parallel.

29. System (100) according to any one of the two preceding claims comprising an electrical energy storage device (820) capable of supplying electrical energy to the system (100) and of storing the electrical energy delivered at the output of the energy system (800).

30. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims also comprising a respiratory sensor (510) configured to allow the evaluation of the respiratory rate of the diver, the control module (520) being configured to determine the control instruction also as a function of the evaluation of the respiratory rate of the diver.

31. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the automatic control device (500) cooperates with at least: • The control module (520) of the permutation device (600) configured to modify the configuration of the system (100); • An optical transmitter (531) and an optical receiver (533) configured to enable tracking of the configuration of the system (100); • The electronic module comprising at least: - A respiratory sensor (510) configured to enable the evaluation of a respiratory rate of the diver; - A depth sensor configured to allow the assessment of the diver's depth; • A plurality of actuators (550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 570, 580, 590) configured to allow the automatic control device (500) to be controlled by a diver; • A microprocessor configured to execute a series of system control instructions (100).

32. System (100) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 24 wherein the reflective element is configured to cooperate with the optical transmitter (531) and with the optical receiver (533) so as to establish at least one optical path (532) between the optical transmitter (531) and the optical receiver (533) depending on the configuration of the system (100).

33. System (100) according to any one of the two preceding claims wherein the respiratory sensor (510) is configured to cooperate with the automatic control device (500) and with the depth sensor so that the automatic control device (500) controls the permutation device (600) so as to permute the configuration of the system according to the adjustment of the quantity of gas necessary in the inflatable device (300) to counterbalance the breathing gas present in the diver's lungs and the variations in depth of the diver caused by his breathing.

34. The system (100) of any one of the three preceding claims, comprising at least one first actuator and one second actuator among the plurality of actuators (550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 570, 580, 590), the first actuator comprising a first optical transmitter and a first optical receiver, the second actuator comprising a second optical transmitter and a second optical receiver, the first optical transmitter being configured to transmit a first series of pulses toward the first optical receiver, and the second optical transmitter being configured to transmit a second series of pulses toward the second optical receiver, the transmission of the second series of pulses being time-shifted by a predetermined time relative to the transmission of the first series of pulses, such that when the pulses of the first series of pulses are transmitted, no pulses of the second series of pulses are transmitted,and such that when the pulses of the second series of pulses are emitted, no pulses of the first series of pulses are emitted., 35. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims configured so that the permutation device (600) is carried by a first diver and so that the automatic control device (500) is configured to be carried in part at least by a second diver, so that the second diver controls the permutation device (600) of the first diver.

36. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one evacuation circuit (640) comprising a plurality of turns arranged between an inlet (641) of gas to be evacuated and an outlet (642) of gas to be evacuated.

37. System (100) according to the preceding claim wherein the outlet (642) of gas to be evacuated is fluidically connected to a non-return valve (650) comprising an evacuation (660) of the gas and being configured to prevent water from entering the evacuation circuit (640) via the outlet (642) of gas to be evacuated.

38. System (100) according to any one of the two preceding claims wherein the automatic control device (500) comprises at least one hygrometric sensor (540) arranged at least partly in the evacuation circuit (640) and being configured to allow the detection of the presence of water in the evacuation circuit (640).

39. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the automatic control device (500) is, preferably entirely, immersed in a waterproof material, preferably in resin.

40. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inflatable device 300 comprises a stabilization vest worn by the diver (700). Method for stabilizing the position at depth of at least one diver in an underwater environment relative to the surface of the water, said diver comprising at least one system (100) according to claim 31, a pressurized gas supply source (200), at least one inflatable device (300), the method comprising at least the following steps implemented by the automatic control device (500): • Determination of the diver's breathing rate from a breathing sensor (510); • Determination of the diver's depth variations based on his breathing rate determined from the depth sensor; • Automatic piloting of the permutation device (600) by the automatic control device (500) so as to adjust the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device (300) so as to compensate for the determined depth variations. Method for stabilizing the position at depth of at least one first diver in an underwater environment relative to the surface of the water, using at least one system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 39, in which the permutation device (600) is carried by a first diver and the automatic control device (500) is carried at least in part by a second diver, the method comprising the following steps: • selection by the second diver of a permutation instruction from the automatic control device (500), • transmission of the permutation instruction from the automatic control device (500) to the permutation device (600) carried by a first diver, • permutation of the configuration of the system (100) as a function of at least said permutation instruction. Computer program product comprising instructions, which when carried out by at least one processor, executes at least the steps of the method according to any one of the two preceding claims.

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