Integrated Diving Buoy with Reel and Comms Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diving safety systems lack a single buoy that can simultaneously serve as a mobile location marker, dive line reel, and communications hub for divers to signal third parties above water or among divers, particularly in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A flotation buoy system that integrates a reel for an underwater tending line, an optional underwater communication line, and electronic communication components, including microcontrollers and RF transceivers, to enable bi-directional communication between divers and surface or shore-based receivers, using wired, wireless, or acoustic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for location marking, dive line management, and communication, then each function can be performed reliably, but the overall system complexity and the number of equipment pieces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate diving safety devices into a single integrated buoy system. The buoy integrates location marking capabilities (visual flags, lights), dive line reel functionality, and communication hub features (RF transceiver, acoustic modem, wired connections) into one unified device, eliminating the need for multiple separate equipment pieces while maintaining all required functions
Solution Approach 2:
The buoy is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously serves as a location marker, dive line reel, communication relay, and emergency signaling device. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple previously separate functions, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability through integrated design
2Adaptability or versatility
If a buoy integrates multiple functions including communication hub, then the system versatility improves, but the buoy size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication and electronic components are nested within the buoy structure. The RF transceiver, acoustic modem, control circuits, and power management systems are housed inside the buoy's internal compartments, allowing the buoy to maintain a compact form while integrating multiple functions. The components are arranged concentrically and hierarchically within the buoy volume
3Ease of operation
If communication components are integrated into the buoy, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy is designed with modular segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The communication components, reel mechanism, and buoyancy elements are produced as separate modules using standardized manufacturing processes, then integrated during final assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process while simplifying the overall production workflow
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 provides a compact and portable solution for divers to signal emergencies and communicate effectively, enhancing safety by eliminating the need for separate communication devices and simplifying the retrieval of dive lines, while maintaining visibility and location markers.
Implementation Method 1
a flotation buoy that also acts as a diving line spool or reel
Implementation Method 2
RF transceivers, to enable bi-directional communication between divers and surface or shore-based receivers
Implementation Method 3
acoustic modems for communication between an anchoring point at the bottom of the tending line and a diver
Data Source
AI summary
A diving safety system comprising a floatation buoy acting as a diving line spool, a slip ring within the buoy containing components of a wired and/or wireless electrical communication system allowing an underwater diver to communicate with a boat or shore-based persons, with a method of use.