Buoyancy Control Device Backrest Floating Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional buoyancy control devices (BCDs) for scuba diving face issues with mechanical stress on the air bladder due to the weight of the cylinders, leading to potential structural integrity problems, and are often heavy and bulky, affecting comfort and packing convenience.
Innovation Solution
A buoyancy control device design that features a backrest with flexible connecting straps to float the backrest relative to the air bladder, transferring mechanical stresses to the shoulder and abdominal straps, while also using lightweight and flexible materials to reduce weight and bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the backrest is rigidly connected to the air bladder using bolts through holes in the air bladder, then the backrest provides stable support for the cylinders, but the weight of the cylinders transfers mechanical stresses to the air bladder, compromising its structural integrity over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces connecting straps as an intermediary element between the backrest and the air bladder. These straps are fastened to the air bladder by stitches rather than rigid bolt connections, thereby mediating the stress transfer. The straps distribute and reduce the mechanical stresses from the cylinder weight that reach the air bladder, while still providing adequate support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter from rigid mechanical fastening (bolts through holes) to flexible stitching attachment. This parameter change allows the connection to maintain strength while reducing stress concentration on the air bladder material, thus preserving its structural integrity over time.
2Strength
If traditional rigid backrests and heavy materials are used, then the BCD provides durable and stable support, but the device becomes heavy and bulky, penalizing wearing comfort and complicating packing for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible connecting straps instead of rigid structural elements for attaching the backrest to the air bladder. These flexible straps provide sufficient strength and durability while significantly reducing the overall weight and bulk of the BCD, thereby improving wearing comfort and packability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material and structural parameters from heavy rigid components to lightweight flexible elements. This parameter change maintains the necessary mechanical strength and durability of the backrest system while dramatically reducing weight and volume, resolving the contradiction between strength and portability.
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 design effectively relieves mechanical stress on the air bladder, enhancing its structural integrity and longevity, while also providing a lightweight, comfortable, and easily packable BCD for divers.
Implementation Method 1
said connecting straps support said backrest floatingly with respect to said air bladder
Data Source
AI summary
The buoyancy control device for scuba diving comprises an air bladder, a harness comprising at least two shoulder straps and an abdominal strap made up of two abdominal half-straps, a backrest provided with first slots engaged by the abdominal half-straps, second slots engaged by at least one retaining strap for retaining at least one air cylinder, one or more third slots engaged by the two shoulder straps, and one or more fourth slots engaged by corresponding straps for connecting the backrest to the air bladder.