Diving Mask with Nasal Partition for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snorkeling masks face issues such as unnatural breathing, inability to speak underwater, fogging of the visor, discomfort, and difficulty in pressure equalization during depth changes.
Innovation Solution
A diving mask design featuring a flexible skirt and nasal parts that allow breathing through the nose and mouth, with a snorkel connected to an upper chamber for fresh air circulation and exhaled air exhaust, enabling pressure equalization and preventing fogging, while being comfortable and easy to position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional snorkel mask is used, then the user can observe the seabed while swimming on the surface, but breathing through the mouth is unnatural and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mask integrates both nasal and oral breathing capabilities into a single device. The nasal passage allows breathing through the nose, while the oral cavity remains accessible for mouth breathing, making the mask universal for different breathing preferences and needs
2Illumination intensity
If a conventional snorkel mask is used, then the structure is simple, but fogging occurs in the vision chamber impairing visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the exhaled air from the vision chamber by providing a dedicated exhaust passage that directs it away from the lens. This removal of problematic exhaled air prevents condensation and fogging, maintaining clear visibility without adding complex anti-fog systems
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall with its specific configuration acts as an intermediary structure that separates the nasal and oral chambers while providing controlled air flow paths. This intermediary structure manages air circulation to prevent fogging without requiring additional complex components
3Ease of operation
If a conventional snorkel mask is used, then the device is lightweight, but pressure equalization at the ears cannot be achieved during descent
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal passage is designed with a specific configuration that allows the user to perform Valsalva maneuver (pinching nose and blowing) to equalize ear pressure before or during descent. The pre-designed passage geometry facilitates this pressure equalization action, making it easier to perform
Solution Approach 2:
The partition and nasal structures are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing the user to dynamically control air flow for pressure equalization by pinching the nose. The dynamic interaction between the user's actions and the mask structure enables pressure management
4Ease of operation
If a full face mask is used, then breathing through nose and mouth is possible, but the mask is heavy and difficult to position
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper chamber for vision, a lower chamber for breathing, and a nasal passage section. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining full breathing functionality through both nose and mouth
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
Facilitates comfortable, natural breathing through both nose and mouth, prevents fogging, and allows for easy pressure equalization, enhancing underwater visibility and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the partition comprising at least one passage arranged to allow circulation of fresh air between the upper chamber and the lower chamber during an inspiration phase of the user
Implementation Method 2
the body comprises an exhaled air exhaust device which fluidly connects the lower chamber with the air duct of the snorkel
Data Source
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AI summary
A diving mask (1) comprising a body (10) equipped with a visor (20) comprising an upper portion (21), and a flexible skirt having a partition delimiting an upper chamber (45) for vision from a lower chamber (50) for respiration, the partition being arranged so as to bear above the nose. The mask (1) comprises a tube (70) arranged in extension of an upper portion (10a) of the body (10). The body (10) comprises a main nasal portion (15) that is flexible and deformable, of which the upper edge (15a) is secured in a sealed manner to the lower edge (21a) of the upper portion (21) of the visor (20). The main nasal portion (15) further comprises a main recess (16) receiving the nose and configured so as to allow pinching of the nose of the user.