Diving Mask Rigid Frame Internal Conduit Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diving masks used for snorkeling face issues such as unnatural breathing, inability to talk underwater, fogging of the visor, and discomfort due to the mouth snorkel design, and previous solutions like a mask allowing breathing through both nose and mouth still suffer from issues with air circulation and seal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A diving mask with a rigid frame that includes internal conduits for exhaled air and a flexible skirt with a sleeve to prevent crushing, along with a snorkel featuring a float that closes the inlet when submerged, ensuring a secure air circulation system and improved seal, allowing for comfortable and effective breathing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flexible hollow seal is tightened to improve the seal between mask and face, then the seal integrity is improved, but the air conduit becomes crushed and obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system is segmented into two independent pathways: a flexible hollow seal for sealing and a rigid internal conduit for air flow. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between seal integrity and air circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
A rigid internal conduit acts as an intermediary between the snorkel and the breathing chamber, protecting the air flow pathway from being crushed by the tightening of the flexible seal. The rigid conduit mediates between the conflicting requirements of tight sealing and unobstructed air flow.
2Ease of operation
If the flexible hollow seal is loosened to improve air circulation, then the air conduit remains unobstructed, but water penetrates into the chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the sealing function (flexible hollow seal) from the air circulation function (rigid internal conduit). This allows the flexible seal to be tightened for water protection while the rigid conduit ensures air circulation is not obstructed, resolving the contradiction between preventing water penetration and maintaining air flow.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible hollow seal is used to allow breathing through nose and mouth, then breathing comfort is improved, but the seal may be crushed causing air conduit obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The breathing system is divided into two independent components: a flexible hollow seal that contacts the face for sealing and comfort, and a rigid internal conduit that carries air flow. This segmentation allows the flexible seal to be tightened for comfort without risking obstruction of the air conduit, as the rigid conduit protects against crushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid internal conduit serves as a protective intermediary between the flexible seal and the air flow pathway. It mediates the conflict between the need for tight sealing (for comfort and water protection) and the need for unobstructed air flow, ensuring that tightening the flexible seal does not crush the air conduit.
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 solution enhances breathing comfort and visibility by preventing air conduit obstruction, maintaining a secure seal, and allowing for quick exhalation of stale air, even if one air circuit becomes blocked, while the snorkel's float mechanism prevents water ingestion.
Implementation Method 1
the snorkel's float mechanism prevents water ingestion
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a diving mask (10) comprising: a visor (18) attached to a frame (12); a flexible shell having a wall that defines a top vision chamber and a bottom chamber for breathing; and a snorkel (20) having an inhaled-air inlet channel and at least one exhaled-air outlet channel. Said snorkel extends away from the top portion of the frame. The inhaled-air inlet channel leads into the top chamber while the first exhaled-air outlet channel is in communication with the bottom chamber. According to the invention, the frame is rigid, and at least one first inner duct for the exhaled air is provided in the frame (12). Said first inner duct has a top end, leading into the exhaled-air outlet channel, and a bottom end that is in fluid communication with the bottom chamber.