Diver Breathing Tube With Float-Actuated Water Shutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snorkels for divers suffer from bulkiness, heterogeneity of components, high cost, unreliable operation when not vertical, and increased breathing effort due to reduced cross-sectional area, compromising safety and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A breathing device with a rigid tube featuring an inclined opening, a movable shutter, and external articulation means, formed from a single tubular piece with constant cross-sectional area, incorporating a float and counterweight to ensure reliable closure and reduced effort breathing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the float and shutter are directly articulated on the opening of the breathing tube to reduce bulk, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of operation deteriorates due to precarious articulation means
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: the float, shutter, and articulation means are distinct elements rather than integrated. The float is connected to the shutter via a rod, and the shutter is separately articulated to the tube, creating modular segments that can be independently optimized for reliability while maintaining compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A rod is introduced as an intermediary element connecting the float to the shutter, mediating the force transmission between these components. This intermediary allows the float to reliably actuate the shutter through a defined mechanical linkage, improving operational safety while keeping the articulation points separate and robust.
2Device complexity
If the shutter and float form a single piece to reduce bulk, then the device complexity is reduced, but the functionality deteriorates due to unwanted water splashes entering the tube
Solution Approach 1:
The float and shutter are segmented into separate components connected by a rod, allowing independent optimization of each element. The float can be designed purely for buoyancy and actuation, while the shutter can be optimized for water sealing, preventing unwanted splashes while maintaining compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-blocking function is extracted and dedicated to the shutter component, while the float is extracted as a separate actuation mechanism. This separation allows the shutter to focus exclusively on preventing water ingress, improving breathing functionality while the float handles only the actuation task.
3Device complexity
If a second tube is added internally at the end of the main tube to reduce bulk, then the device complexity is reduced, but the breathing effort increases due to reduced cross-sectional area
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed as a dynamic component that can change position between open and closed states, covering the opening at the end of the tube. This dynamic element allows the tube to maintain its full cross-sectional area for breathing when open, while the shutter provides water protection when closed, avoiding the need for a reduced cross-section internal tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area parameter of the breathing tube is maintained at its maximum value throughout the tube length. Instead of reducing the cross-section to save bulk, the invention changes the state parameter of the opening (open/closed via shutter) to achieve water protection while preserving optimal breathing dimensions.
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 device provides reduced bulk, high mechanical strength, low cost, reliable operation in any orientation, and effortless breathing by maintaining a constant cross-sectional area, enhancing operational safety and reducing water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a float (8) for actuating the shutter (7)
Implementation Method 2
only hydrostatic pressure keeps the shutter in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing device for divers comprises a mouthpiece and a rigid breathing tube with a first end featuring an inclined opening, and a second end connected to a joint of the mouthpiece, a movable shutter that can move between an open and a closed position of the opening of the first end, a float for actuating the shutter, first articulation means for connecting the shutter to the tube, and second articulation means for connecting the float to the tube wherein the breathing tube is formed from a single tubular piece, externally to which the first and second articulation means are positioned.