Buoyancy Jacket Handpiece With Pneumatic Multi-Valve Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrostatic balancing jackets for scuba diving face challenges with the positioning and complexity of single discharge valves, which complicate inflation and deflation operations, especially when multiple valves are needed, and the mechanical control mechanisms are cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A command and control unit with a primary supply conduit connected to the air chamber and a handpiece with a secondary supply conduit for compressed air, featuring pneumatic actuation conduits for simplified inflation and deflation, allowing for easy operation with one hand and precise control of air flow through preloaded valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single discharge valve is used in the upper region of the jacket, then the structure is simple, but the diver cannot operate it effectively in all positions (especially when head is down)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge valve operationVSAvoidposition independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single discharge valve is segmented into multiple discharge valves positioned at different locations on the jacket (upper region, lower region, and lateral regions). This allows the diver to select and operate the most convenient valve depending on body position, solving the problem of position-dependent operation while maintaining structural simplicity through modular valve placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discharge valves are added to enable operation in any position, then position independence is improved, but the mechanical control mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition independenceVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical control system is replaced with a pneumatic control system. A pneumatic actuator receives control signals from the diver and actuates multiple discharge valves through pneumatic pressure transmission. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages and actuation mechanisms while enabling position-independent operation through pneumatic signal distribution to multiple valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

A pneumatic control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the diver's input and the multiple discharge valves. The pneumatic system transmits control signals through fluid pressure, allowing a single control interface to manage multiple valves without requiring direct mechanical connection to each valve, thus reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If mechanical control means are integrated in the supply duct, then the discharge valve can be controlled, but the system becomes more complex and harder to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve control integrationVSAvoidoverall control operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated mechanical control means in the supply duct is replaced with a pneumatic control system. The pneumatic actuator with diaphragm and spring mechanism provides control through pneumatic pressure rather than mechanical linkages, simplifying the control interface and improving ease of operation while maintaining effective valve actuation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution simplifies the operation of hydrostatic balancing jackets by grouping controls for inflation and deflation in a compact, easy-to-use unit, enabling the diver to manage buoyancy effectively in any position without the need for complex mechanical actuation, enhancing safety and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic actuation conduit (801) for the discharge valves of said jacket being provided, in communication fluid with said secondary supply conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic actuation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

whose stem (711) is controlled by a button (721), provided with elastic loading means (741)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic loading: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11358690B2Command and control assembly for inflating and deflating a hydrostatic balancing jacket

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 MARES SPA

AI summary

A command and control assembly for inflating and deflating a hydrostatic balancing jacket includes a primary supply duct connected to an end of an air chamber of the jacket and provided, at the opposite end, with a hand piece having a mouthpiece device. A connection socket is provided on the hand piece, which is in fluid communication with a secondary supply duct connected to a compressed air tank, and a pneumatic actuation duct actuates a discharge valve of the jacket, which is in fluid communication with the secondary supply duct. Control systems of the delivery from the secondary duct, of the delivery to the pneumatic actuation duct, and of the delivery from the mouthpiece are arranged on the hand piece.