Aquatic Signalling Fluid Jet for Low-Light Diver Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signalling buoys for divers are insufficient in low light conditions or when there is a significant distance between the diver and the boat, particularly under swell conditions, leading to difficulty in visual localization.
Innovation Solution
A signalling system that combines a fluid jet formed by mixing water and pressurized gas, with an optional light beam, to create a visible visual element that can be oriented and manually maneuvered for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If deployable signalling buoys with height larger than 50 cm are used, then the visibility of the diver is improved, but the bulk and weight of the diver's equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressurized gas from diving cylinders to eject a fluid jet that forms a visible plume in water. This pneumatic-hydraulic mechanism creates a signalling effect without requiring large physical buoys, thus improving visibility while minimizing bulk by using the diver's existing pressurized gas supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and flow parameters of water and gas to create a visible plume. By controlling the pressure and flow rate of the ejected fluid jet, the system produces an optically detectable signal without requiring large physical dimensions, resolving the contradiction between visibility and bulk
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If deployable signalling buoys are used, then the diver can be localized from a distance, but the device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the diver's existing pressurized gas cylinders serve a dual function: supplying breathing gas and powering the signalling system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate signalling devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining long-range localization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the diver's own pressurized gas supply to generate the signalling plume, making the diver self-sufficient for signalling purposes. No external power source or additional complex mechanisms are required, as the diver's breathing apparatus already provides the necessary pressurized gas
3Illumination intensity
If reflective strips are added to buoys to improve visibility in the dark, then the visibility is enhanced, but the bulk and complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive reflective mechanical strips with an active fluid dynamic system that creates a visible plume through pressurized gas ejection. This substitution eliminates the need for reflective materials and their associated structural requirements, reducing bulk while providing visibility enhancement that works actively in dark conditions
4Reliability
If the diver carries additional signalling equipment to improve visibility, then the signalling effectiveness is improved, but the weight of the diver's equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pressurized gas cylinders serve a dual function: supplying breathing gas and powering the signalling system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate signalling devices, reducing weight while maintaining reliable signalling effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the diver's own pressurized gas supply to generate the signalling plume, making the diver self-sufficient for signalling purposes. No external power source or additional weight-bearing equipment is required, as the diver's breathing apparatus already provides the necessary pressurized gas
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly improves diver visibility, especially in reduced luminosity conditions, by forming a large, illuminated fluid jet that can be seen from a distance without increasing bulk or weight, enhancing safety and facilitating localization.
Implementation Method 1
water and the gas mix in the pipe
Implementation Method 2
enable the formation of a fluid jet propagating outside the system according to a main direction, the jet being formed of water and gas escaping from the pipe
Implementation Method 3
at least one optical output, secured to the ejection device and configured so as to propagate a light beam delimited by a casing according to a secondary direction
Implementation Method 4
the system being configured so that the envelope of the light beam emitted from the optical output intersects the envelope of the beam of the fluid jet ejected from the fluid outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A signalling system is configured to be carried by a user at the surface of a body of water. The system includes a device for ejecting a fluid having a first fluid inlet configured to enable the penetration of water into a pipe, a second fluid inlet configured to enable the penetration of gas into the pipe, a fluid outlet of the pipe is configured so as to enable the formation of a fluid jet propagating out of the system. The jet being formed of the water and the gas coming out of the pipe. The ejection device being configured so that the water and gas mix in the pipe.