Dry Suit Glove Ring Coupling for Easy Waterproof Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glove-to-drysuit connection systems in diving suits are difficult to operate due to the need for delicate manipulation, especially for divers wearing multiple gloves, and are cumbersome to disconnect.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a first and second ring with circumferential grooves and projections that allow for a form-fitting, watertight connection and easy disconnection without tools, using a sealing ring and projections/recesses for simple rotational manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coupling device is used to connect glove to drysuit cuff, then waterproof connection is achieved, but operation becomes difficult and cumbersome especially for divers wearing multiple gloves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof connectionVSAvoidoperation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is divided into two separate rings (first ring with external groove and second ring with internal groove) that can be independently manipulated. Each ring can be inserted into the other through the grooves, allowing the connection to be made by simply pushing the rings together rather than manipulating a complex single-piece coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first ring and second ring are designed to be nested within each other when connected. The first ring is inserted into the second ring through their respective grooves, creating a nested configuration that secures the waterproof connection while maintaining a compact structure that is easy to handle even with multiple gloves worn.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a coupling device is used to connect glove to drysuit cuff, then waterproof connection is achieved, but disconnection becomes relatively difficult and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof connectionVSAvoiddisconnection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is segmented into two separate rings that can be independently removed from each other. To disconnect, the user simply needs to pull the rings apart along their longitudinal axes, separating the first ring from the second ring. This segmented design eliminates the need to manipulate a complex single-piece coupling for disconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing a complex locking mechanism that requires deliberate unlocking actions, the invention uses a simple insertion-based connection where the rings are pushed together through their grooves. Disconnection is achieved by reversing the insertion action - simply pulling the rings apart along their longitudinal axes, making disconnection as easy as connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a coupling mechanism is used for glove connection, then waterproof seal is achieved, but delicate operation is required which is difficult for cold divers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof sealVSAvoiddelicate operation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is segmented into two simple rings with external and internal grooves respectively. This segmentation eliminates the need for delicate manipulation of a complex single-piece mechanism. The rings can be easily inserted into each other through their grooves using simple pushing motions that are easily performed even with limited dexterity from cold water exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The first ring with its external groove and the second ring with its internal groove automatically align when pushed together, and the sealing ring automatically seals the connection. No delicate manual manipulation or precise alignment efforts are required from the diver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4227203B1Device for the waterproof connection of a glove with a cuff of a dry suit
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 SPLASHLIGHT GMBH
  • EP4227203B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4227203B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4227203B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for the watertight connection of a glove (2) to a cuff (3) of a dry suit, a method for removing a first ring (4) from a second ring (5) of such a device (1), and a dry suit comprising a device (1) as described above. The device (1) for the watertight connection of a glove (2) to a cuff (3) of a dry suit comprises a first ring (4) that can be sealingly attached to a cuff (3) or to a glove (2), a second ring (5) that can be sealingly attached to the glove (2) or to the cuff (3), and a sealing ring (6). The first ring (4) has a first groove (7) extending around its outer circumference, and the second ring (5) has a second groove (8) extending around its inner circumference, and the first ring (4) and the second ring (5) can be inserted into one another in such a way thatthat the sealing ring (6) for sealing in connection with the first ring (4) and the second ring (5) is arranged so as to extend simultaneously in the first groove (7) and the second groove (8), characterized in that the first ring (4) and/or the second ring (5) comprises at least one projection (11) which is arranged on the outside of the first ring (4) and/or on the outside of the second ring (5), and that the first ring (4) and/or the second ring (5) has at least one recess (10) into which the projection (11) of a first ring (4) and/or the projection of a second ring (5) of a second, identical device can be inserted when the first ring (4) and the second ring (5) of the device (1) are inserted into one another.