Underwater Breathing System Bubble Diffuser Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Open system SCUBA equipment generates loud and disruptive bubbles during exhalation, which can scare underwater wildlife and obstruct the diver's vision, due to the release of low-frequency energy bubbles.
Innovation Solution
An underwater breathing system incorporating an air supply, regulator, air/water separator, and bubble diffuser that separates exhaust air from water and disperses it as a fine mist, reducing noise and energy release, allowing the diver to approach wildlife without disturbing them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If exhaust air is released as large bubbles through existing regulators, then the diver can exhale comfortably, but loud low-frequency noise is generated that scares underwater wildlife and obstructs vision
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust air flow is segmented from large bubbles into numerous small bubbles through the air/water separator and bubble diffuser system. This segmentation reduces the low-frequency noise energy while maintaining the exhalation function, allowing comfortable breathing without disturbing wildlife.
Solution Approach 2:
An air/water separator and bubble diffuser are introduced as intermediary devices between the regulator and the surrounding water. These intermediaries transform the exhaust air from large bubbles into a fine mist of small bubbles, reducing noise while preserving the diver's ability to exhale comfortably.
2Productivity
If large bubbles are released during exhalation, then exhaust air can be vented effectively, but bubbles pass adjacent to the diver's ear and mask causing noise and vision obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust air is segmented into small bubbles that disperse as a fine mist rather than forming large bubble groups. This segmentation allows effective venting of exhaust air while the small bubbles naturally disperse without passing adjacent to the diver's ear and mask, eliminating noise and vision obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble diffuser creates a local transformation of exhaust air into small bubbles at the point of release. This local quality change ensures that the exhaust air is vented effectively while the resulting small bubbles disperse harmlessly in the surrounding water, away from the diver's sensitive areas.
3Speed
If large bubbles are formed during exhalation, then air can be expelled quickly, but low-frequency energy is released that startles underwater wildlife
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust air is segmented into numerous small bubbles that are expelled quickly through the bubble diffuser. This segmentation maintains the speed of exhaust air expulsion while transforming the low-frequency energy of large bubbles into high-frequency energy of small bubbles, which does not startle wildlife.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the exhaust air are changed by transforming it from large bubbles into a fine mist of small bubbles. This parameter change maintains the expulsion speed while altering the frequency and energy distribution, eliminating the low-frequency noise that disturbs wildlife.
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 reduces bubble noise and energy release, enabling divers to approach underwater wildlife without startling them and maintaining clear visibility by dispersing exhaust air as a fine mist, improving the diving experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
An air/water separator (AWS) is coupled to the exhaust conduit to separate the exhaust air from the water in said mixture and to direct the separated exhaust air along an exhaust air conduit
Implementation Method 2
a bubble diffuser coupled to the exhaust air conduit which passes the separated exhaust air as a fine mist of bubbles into the surrounding water
Implementation Method 3
a bubble diffuser coupled to the exhaust air conduit which passes the separated exhaust air as a fine mist of bubbles into the surrounding water. The bubble diffuser may be hinged to generally maintain the diffuser within a desired attitude range irrespective of the attitude of the diver
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for use during open system diving to support underwater human respiration. In accordance with various embodiments, an air supply provides a supply of air along a supply conduit. A regulator is adapted for engagement with a diver's mouth to receive air from the supply during an inhale cycle and to direct a mixture of water and exhaust air away from the diver along an exhaust conduit during an exhale cycle. An air/water separator separates the exhaust air from the water in said mixture and directs the separated exhaust air through an exhaust air port. In some embodiments, a one-way stop valve is provided within the air/water separator to prevent back flow. In further embodiments, a bubble diffuser emits the exhaust air as a fine mist of bubbles into the surrounding water.