Buoyant Snorkel Head Unit for Above-Water Breathing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Younger users face difficulties in snorkeling due to the risk of swallowing water or dropping their snorkel tube below the water line, limiting their ability to enjoy underwater scenery with older family members.
Innovation Solution
A floatable breathing device with a buoyant head unit and integrated snorkel system that maintains the snorkel above water level, featuring a buoyant outer material and inner shell configuration to ensure continuous airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common snorkel is used by younger users, then they can attempt to snorkel, but they are likely to swallow water or drop the snorkel tube below the water line causing difficulty in breathing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies buoyancy (anti-weight principle) by incorporating a floatation device attached to the snorkel tube. This floatation device provides upward buoyant force that counteracts the downward weight of the snorkel tube, keeping the tube elevated above the water surface and preventing it from submerging during use by younger or less experienced swimmers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a floatation device as an intermediary element between the user and the snorkel tube. This intermediary component facilitates easier snorkeling by automatically maintaining the snorkel tube in the correct position above water, eliminating the need for the user to constantly manage the tube's position
2Adaptability or versatility
If younger users use a common snorkel, then they can participate in snorkeling, but they experience difficulty keeping the tube vertical and devoid of water
Solution Approach 1:
The floatation device provides continuous buoyant force that automatically keeps the snorkel tube vertical and above water. This eliminates the need for younger users to expend energy or skill to maintain proper tube orientation, making snorkeling accessible to participants of all ages and skill levels
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
Enables younger users to snorkel safely and comfortably alongside older family members by preventing the snorkel from submerging, enhancing their underwater experience.
Implementation Method 1
The head unit has buoyant properties and includes an ornamental shaped buoyant outer material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a floatable breathing device. The floatable breathing device provides includes a head unit, a snorkel, a plurality of receiving passageways, and an internal pathway. The head unit has buoyant properties and includes an ornamental shaped buoyant outer material and an inner shell positioned within the buoyant outer material. The inner shell forms a head receiving section and a protruding section. The head receiving section is received internal to the buoyant outer material and is configured to be contoured to a human head, the protruding section extending from the head receiving section to a vent opening in the outer buoyant material. The snorkel is connected to and extending through the head unit, while the plurality of receiving passageways are disposed about the inner shell and receiving the snorkel such that the snorkel extends through and exits a portion of the head unit at the vent opening. The internal pathway is positioned along a base of the outer buoyant material and extends between the internal shell and the buoyant outer material, passing to the interior of the interior shell through a cutout in a protruding portion thereof and terminating adjacent to the vent opening.