Distributed Air Supply Body Suit for Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scuba gear oxygen tanks are bulky and inflexible, posing safety risks during cave dives and other activities that require maneuvering through small spaces, and do not accommodate physiological differences between individuals or those with disabilities.
Innovation Solution
A body suit with an integrated and distributed air supply system, allowing multiple smaller air tanks to be attached to various locations on the body, with a coupling mechanism and controller that manages air distribution based on pressure and depth measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large oxygen tank is mounted to a diver's back, then the diver has sufficient air supply, but the diver cannot easily maneuver through small spaces and tight openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air supply system into multiple smaller air tanks distributed across the body (chest, back, hips, thighs) rather than using one large tank. This segmentation allows the diver to maintain sufficient total air capacity while reducing bulk in any single location, enabling maneuverability through tight spaces.
2Quantity of substance
If a large oxygen tank is mounted to a diver's back, then the diver has sufficient air supply, but the tank can become caught in narrow openings, threatening diver safety
Solution Approach 1:
By distributing multiple smaller air tanks across the body instead of using one large tank, the patent eliminates the hazard of a single large tank getting caught in narrow openings. The segmented configuration allows the diver to pass through tight spaces without the bulk that would cause entanglement, while maintaining sufficient total air capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a one size fits all oxygen tank is used, then the equipment is simple to manufacture, but it does not accommodate physiological differences between male and female bodies or people with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal air supply system where multiple standardized air tanks can be distributed and configured to suit different body types and abilities. The system adapts to various physiological needs through flexible placement options across the body while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized tank components.
Solution Approach 2:
The air supply system is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing users to adjust tank placement and distribution based on their specific physiological characteristics and abilities. This dynamic adaptability enables the same standardized equipment to serve diverse user needs effectively.
4Ease of operation
If multiple smaller air tanks are distributed across the body, then the diver can maneuver through small spaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air supply into multiple smaller tanks distributed across the body, which improves maneuverability by reducing bulk in any single location. While this increases structural complexity, the segmentation enables flexible configuration that adapts to different diving needs and body types.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed air tank system provides dynamic flexibility in configuration and placement, allowing the diver to optimize tank positions for both maneuverability and comfort. This dynamic adaptability justifies the increased structural complexity by enabling superior operational flexibility.
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
This design reduces bulk, allows for customizable oxygen supply, and enables easy attachment and detachment of air tanks during a dive, enhancing safety and comfort by distributing weight and accommodating individual needs.
Implementation Method 1
capturing, by one or more sensors, a pressure measurement associated with the air supply
Implementation Method 2
a second stage regulator held in the mouth of a diver
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a suit with an integrated air supply. The suit includes a body comprising a first body portion and a second body portion, an air supply coupleable to the body, a coupling mechanism coupled to the body and arranged for releasably receiving the air supply. The coupling mechanism is disposed on the first body portion and the second body portion of the suit.