Diving Computer Gas Bottle Frequency Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for wireless bottle-pressure data transfer in diving and firefighting applications face challenges with power consumption and real-time data transmission, particularly with low-frequency electromagnetic signals, which limit the accuracy and frequency of gas pressure monitoring.

Innovation Solution

The use of two different data-transfer frequencies, a low frequency (less than 1 MHz) for underwater communication and a high frequency (above 1 MHz) for above-water communication, enables efficient and real-time monitoring of respiratory gas sufficiency, reducing power consumption and ensuring accurate pairing of the wristop computer with the gas bottle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If low-frequency electromagnetic signals are used for underwater data transfer, then the signal can travel the necessary distance in water, but the power consumption increases and real-time data transmission is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The data transfer process is segmented into two distinct phases: underwater low-frequency transfer and above-water high-frequency transfer. This segmentation allows each frequency to be optimized for its specific medium, resolving the contradiction between reliable underwater transmission and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between low-frequency and high-frequency data transfer modes based on the operational context (underwater vs. above water). This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain reliable communication while minimizing power consumption in each environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If low-frequency electromagnetic signals are used for data transfer, then the signal can penetrate water, but the data transfer rate decreases and real-time monitoring is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunderwater signal penetrationVSAvoiddata transfer rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is divided into two segments: low-frequency communication for underwater operation and high-frequency communication for above-water operation. This segmentation enables high data transfer rates when needed while maintaining reliable underwater signal penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the frequency parameter of electromagnetic signals based on the operational environment. Low frequency is used when water penetration is required, while high frequency is used when rapid data transfer is the priority, resolving the contradiction between signal penetration and transfer rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If magnetic-pulse transmission technique is used, then data can be transferred wirelessly, but the power consumption increases greatly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless data transferVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the transmission frequency based on whether the device is underwater or in air. This dynamic selection enables wireless data transfer functionality while minimizing power consumption by using the more efficient high-frequency mode when available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission frequency parameter is changed based on the operational environment. The system uses low-frequency magnetic-pulse transmission only when underwater (where high-frequency signals cannot propagate), and switches to high-frequency transmission in air, thereby maintaining wireless operation while reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If data is transmitted frequently to maintain real-time monitoring, then the real-time nature of display is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time monitoring accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The data transmission frequency is dynamically adjusted based on the operational mode. When in high-frequency communication mode (above water), data can be transmitted more frequently with lower power consumption, enabling real-time monitoring. When in low-frequency mode (underwater), transmission is optimized for power efficiency while maintaining essential real-time capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The communication frequency parameter is changed to match the operational environment, enabling the system to achieve real-time monitoring with optimized power consumption. High-frequency transmission allows for more frequent updates with less energy expenditure compared to low-frequency transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach allows for reliable, real-time monitoring of gas pressure and efficient data transfer, enabling safe and accurate multi-gas diving operations while minimizing power consumption and preventing confusion between gas bottles.

Implementation Method 1

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, a pressure detector is used for the change of frequency.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

According to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, a resistivity sensor is used for the change of frequency.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistivity detection: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

Under water, it is necessary to use in telecommunications a low frequency, for example, of 5.3 kHz, which in diving applications will travel in water the necessary distance of 1-2 m from a gas bottle to a wristop computer.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8275311B2Method in connection with a wrist diving computer and a wrist diving computer system
Publication Date: 2012.09.25 SUUNTO OY
  • US8275311B2 patent drawing
  • US8275311B2 patent drawing
  • US8275311B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and system in connection with a wristop diving computer (1). According to the method, at least the pressure of a gas bottle (2) is measured and the pressure data is transmitted under water using a low first frequency f1 to a wristop computer (1). According to the invention, on the surface of the water a second frequency f2, higher than the first frequency f1, is used for two-way telecommunications between the gas bottle (2) and the wristop computer (1).