Communicating Diving Mask Glass Vibration Transducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diving masks do not facilitate vocal exchanges when speaking underwater, lacking a system for effective sound transmission.
Innovation Solution
A communicating diving mask with an electromagnetic transducer in contact with the glass, a microphone, and a control unit that vibrates the mask's glass to radiate sound into the water, enabling vocal communication underwater without complex adjustment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional diving mask is used, then the mask structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but vocal communication underwater is not facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the diving mask structure: the glass serves as both a protective element and a sound radiation surface, the electromagnetic transducer integrates with the mask body to convert electrical signals to mechanical vibrations, and the microphone is incorporated into the mask to capture sound waves. This merging enables vocal communication without requiring separate external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the electromagnetic transducer and glass membrane to transfer sound signals from air to water. The transducer converts voice signals into mechanical vibrations that propagate through the glass and into the surrounding water, enabling sound transmission across the air-water interface where direct transmission would be ineffective.
2Ease of operation
If an electromagnetic transducer system is added to enable sound transmission, then vocal communication underwater is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glass element in the diving mask serves multiple functions: it provides the structural barrier between the diver's face and water, acts as a mounting surface for the electromagnetic transducer, and functions as a radiating membrane for sound transmission into the water. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The diving mask's existing glass structure serves the dual purpose of protection and sound radiation. Rather than requiring a separate speaker housing or additional membrane, the mask's own glass element is utilized as the sound radiation surface, allowing the system to leverage its existing structure for the new communication function.
3Ease of operation
If the glass is made to vibrate for sound radiation, then sound transmission into water is effective, but the mask structure must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sound transmission function into separate modular components: the electromagnetic transducer as a distinct element that can be mounted on the glass, the glass itself as a separate radiating element, and the microphone as an independent sensing component. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately before assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the added functionality.
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
Enables clear vocal communication underwater by converting sound waves into vibrations that radiate through the mask's glass, effectively transmitting sound into the water, overcoming the limitations of prior masks.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic transducer arranged in contact with the glass (10) to cause it to vibrate
Implementation Method 2
the wall of the mask or glass 10, which thus acts like a loudspeaker membrane radiating sound into the water
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is for a communicating diving mask with a body including a frame (20) surrounding at least part of a user's face; a glass (10) surrounded by the frame (20), where the diving mask has an electromagnetic transducer (23) arranged in contact with the glass to vibrate it; and a microphone (22) arranged in the mask, and a control unit (25) configured to control the vibration of the electromagnetic transducer (23) on the basis of a signal transmitted by the microphone (22).