Diving Mask Hollow Flange Frame for Reduced Internal Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diving masks have a large internal space that requires pressure compensation during diving, which can be challenging, especially when diving without breathing apparatus, and often result in a poorly hydrodynamic profile and increased production costs due to complex assembly methods.
Innovation Solution
A diving mask design featuring a soft, elastically yielding facepiece with a rigid frame comprising two interconnected elements and a hollow positioning flange with a spiral transversal section, allowing for a dismountable connection without gluing or overmoulding, which reduces the internal space and improves hydrodynamics while simplifying production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms (radial or axial) are used to seal lenses and ensure mask rigidity, then the mask structure is stable and reliable, but the internal space becomes excessively large requiring pressure compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple elements (first frame element, second frame element, third frame element) that can be assembled separately. The positioning flange is integrated with the facepiece as a separate component, allowing independent optimization of sealing and space reduction functions without compromising overall structural reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The first frame element is inserted into the hollow positioning flange, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the frame elements to occupy minimal space while maintaining secure sealing contact with the lenses and facepiece, significantly reducing the internal mask space compared to conventional external mounting arrangements
2Volume of stationary object
If filler material is positioned in the internal space to reduce volume, then the pressure compensation need is reduced, but the visual field of the user is reduced and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for filler material by redesigning the fundamental structure. Instead of adding material to reduce space, the frame elements and positioning flange are configured to inherently minimize internal space through their geometric arrangement and nesting configuration, maintaining full visual field without obstructions
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow positioning flange extends in the depth dimension (posteriorly from the front opening), reducing internal space vertically rather than horizontally. This dimensional approach to space reduction preserves the lateral visual field area while achieving volume reduction through optimized z-axis configuration
3Volume of stationary object
If gluing or overmoulding is used to seal facepiece to lenses, then internal space is reduced, but the production process becomes enormously complicated and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning flange structure provides self-aligning and self-sealing functionality through its geometric configuration. The hollow flange with specific cross-sectional shape automatically positions the frame elements correctly and creates sealing contact without requiring external gluing agents or complex overmoulding operations, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining space reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning flange integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, defines the internal space geometry, enables lens positioning, and creates sealing surfaces. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate sealing materials or complex assembly processes, reducing both internal space and manufacturing complexity
4Device complexity
If conventional frame connections are used, then the mask structure is simple, but the profile becomes poorly hydrodynamic with large recesses causing turbulence and deteriorating visual sharpness
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning flange and frame elements are designed with curved, streamlined surfaces that follow hydrodynamic flow patterns. The hollow flange's cross-sectional shape and the frame elements' contours are optimized to eliminate sharp edges and recesses, reducing water turbulence and improving hydrodynamic performance while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure applies different geometric qualities to different regions: the positioning flange has a hollow nested configuration for space reduction, while the external surfaces are streamlined for hydrodynamics. This local optimization allows the same structure to simultaneously achieve space reduction, manufacturing simplicity, and hydrodynamic efficiency without compromising any single function
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 design minimizes internal space for pressure compensation, maintains a clear visual field, and enhances the mask's hydrodynamic profile, making it more efficient and cost-effective to produce.
Implementation Method 1
a facepiece (3) made of a soft and elastically yielding material
Data Source
AI summary
A diving mask including at least one lens, a facepiece made of a soft and elastically yielding material, provided with at least a front positioning opening that positions the at least one lens, and a rear profiled element that rests on a user's face. Also included is a rigid frame that includes a first frame element and a second frame element anterior to the first frame element, fixed to one another such as to guarantee a seal between the facepiece and the lens. The front positioning opening of the facepiece can exhibit, along a perimeter edge thereof, a hollow positioning flange for the first frame element, the hollow positioning flange extending from an internal side of, and at least partially posteriorly to, the front positioning opening of the facepiece.