Full Face Diving Mask Separate Exhalation Ducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing full-face diving masks face challenges in maintaining a watertight seal and ensuring proper air flow due to complex manufacturing processes and potential leaks in the exhalation ducts, which can lead to misting and inadequate breathing.
Innovation Solution
The design features separate inhalation and exhalation ducts with unidirectional valves and a perimetric exhalation path formed by U-shaped channels on the visor, which are closed by the sealing skirt, simplifying assembly and ensuring a consistent air flow regardless of face size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a channel is formed in the strapping by blowing hot gas during moulding, then the exhalation duct is created, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and tricky
Solution Approach 1:
The exhalation duct is segmented into two independent parts: a first duct formed in the strapping and a second duct formed in the sealing skirt. These separate components are assembled together, avoiding the complexity of forming complex channels during moulding while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first exhalation duct in the strapping and the second exhalation duct in the sealing skirt are merged through assembly to form the complete exhalation path. This combining of simpler components achieves the same function as a complex molded channel but with simplified manufacturing.
2Reliability
If small tubes are used to connect the channel and oronasal compartment, then air flow is enabled, but the watertight seal may fail due to impact or compression
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable small tube connections are extracted and replaced with a more robust integration method. The exhalation duct is formed as an integral part of the sealing skirt through moulding, eliminating the need for separate small tube connections that could fail under impact or compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates potential failures of small tube connections by using a more durable integrated duct structure in the sealing skirt that can withstand impact and compression forces, providing beforehand protection against seal failure.
3Ease of operation
If the mask adapts to user face dimensions, then comfort is improved, but the exhalation duct compression varies causing insufficient air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The exhalation duct in the sealing skirt is designed with local structural characteristics that maintain its shape and internal volume despite variations in face dimensions. The duct's cross-section and positioning are optimized to ensure consistent air flow regardless of compression variations caused by different face sizes.
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 solution enhances the manufacturing simplicity and watertightness of the mask, preventing misting and ensuring reliable breathing by maintaining distinct air paths and a consistent exhalation flow, independent of user face dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The tube is made with separate ducts for the air inhaled and exhaled provided with suitable directional valves
Implementation Method 2
The channel in the strapping is formed during moulding of the strapping by blowing a suitable hot gas in the area where said channel is to be made
Data Source
AI summary
A full face diving mask having a transparent visor (2), a frame or strapping (3), a sealing skirt (4) to ensure the water-tight seal, and suitable straps (5) for fitting the mask on the user's face. The mask has a breathing tube (6) which engages on the tipper part of the mask and which allows the flow of air to enter into the compartment made between the frame and the visor.The breathing tube is made with separate ducts for the air inhaled and exhaled and the inside of the mask is made with two compartments, an upper main compartment (26) and a lower oronasal compartment (7) separated by a separating wall.