Full Face Diving Mask Rear Exit Mouth Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Full face diving masks suffer from inefficient exhalation due to long air pathways, high production costs, and issues with air bubbles disturbing users and obstructing their view during underwater activities.
Innovation Solution
A full face diving mask design with exit mouths positioned at the rear perimeter edge of the rigid frame, utilizing a deflector body to direct exhaled air away from the user's ears and a shorter exhalation pathway, reducing noise and obstruction, and incorporating a flexible face member with a partition to facilitate natural breathing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the snorkel is used for both inlet and outlet of air, then the device complexity is reduced, but the exhalation pathway becomes very long causing high pressure drops and requiring strong breathing effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air pathway into separate inlet and outlet channels within the rigid frame. The inlet channel brings air from the snorkel to the upper chamber, while the outlet channel provides a short path from the lower chamber to the rear of the mask, avoiding the need for air to travel the full length of the snorkel during exhalation.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet channel is positioned at the rear perimeter edge of the rigid frame, creating a three-dimensional shortcut for exhaled air. This spatial arrangement allows air to exit directly backward without traveling up through the snorkel, dramatically reducing the exhalation pathway length and pressure drop.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the outlet channels are positioned at the lateral portions of the frame, then the exhalation pathway is shortened, but air bubbles are produced near the user's ears causing noise and disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet channel is positioned asymmetrically at the rear perimeter edge of the rigid frame rather than at the lateral portions. This asymmetric placement directs exhaled air and bubbles away from the user's ears and field of view, eliminating the noise and visual disturbance caused by bubbles near the face.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of bubbles near the ears is eliminated by extracting the outlet function from the lateral portions and relocating it to the rear perimeter edge, where bubbles are discharged away from the user's sensitive areas.
3Ease of manufacture
If the frame is made of flexible material, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the duct becomes subject to deformation causing unreliable air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rigid frame structure with integrated outlet channels formed as a single piece. The rigid material provides structural stability that prevents deformation of the air pathways, ensuring reliable air flow from the lower chamber to the rear outlet while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated construction.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the exit pathway is made short, then the pressure drop is reduced enabling natural breathing, but the outlet must be positioned at the rear perimeter edge requiring specific design configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the upper and lower chambers, and incorporates the outlet channel as an integrated feature at the rear perimeter edge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while achieving the short exhalation pathway for natural breathing.
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 natural breathing by minimizing exhalation effort and preventing air bubbles from obstructing the view, while reducing production costs through simplified manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
one-way valves that are mounted on the partition member and that allow the inhaled air to pass from the upper chamber to the lower chamber, but not in the opposite direction
Implementation Method 2
a purge valve to allow the water, in case it enters into the mask during its use, to evacuate outside
Implementation Method 3
a deflector body to direct exhaled air away from the user's ears and a shorter exhalation pathway
Data Source
AI summary
A diving mask having a rigid frame with a front perimeter edge and a rear perimeter edge. The frame provides an upper portion and a lower portion connected by first and second lateral portions. The mask also includes a visor of a transparent material and fixed to the frame, and an inhalation duct, or snorkel. Inside the frame a face member made of a soft and flexible material is arranged in contact with the user's face. A partition member divides the volume between the visor and the face member in an upper chamber pneumatically connected to the inhalation duct, or snorkel, through an opening, and in a lower chamber arranged to house the nose and the mouth of the user. A discharge duct pneumatically connects the lower chamber with an exit mouth.