Drysuit Inflation Valve Adapter for Internal Diver Hydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Divers face dehydration during dives, leading to potential Decompression Illness, as existing hydration solutions are external, limited in volume, and hinder mobility, with temperature fluctuations affecting fluid quality.
Innovation Solution
An internal hydration assembly for drysuits and semi-drysuits, comprising an adapter that mates with the inflation valve assembly, a fluid reservoir, and a flexible hose with a mouthpiece, allowing for internal fluid storage and controlled dispensing, maintaining temperature stability and unencumbered movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an external hydration bladder is used, then hydration is provided to the diver, but the bladder is in direct contact with body water causing temperature fluctuations and limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The hydration bladder is nested within the drysuit interior space, utilizing the existing suit volume rather than adding external bulk. The bladder is positioned in the lower torso area and surrounded by the suit's thermal insulation layer, which protects the water temperature while allowing the diver to move freely without external encumbrance.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydration system transitions from external attachment to internal integration, moving the bladder from the external environment into the internal suit space. This dimensional change allows the bladder to be surrounded by the suit's thermal barrier, moderating temperature while maintaining accessibility through an internal port system.
2Quantity of substance
If an external hydration bladder is used, then hydration is provided to the diver, but the bladder is cumbersomely arranged limiting liquid volume and mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The drysuit's existing structure serves multiple functions: it provides thermal protection, pressure regulation, and now also serves as the containment structure for the hydration bladder. The suit's interior volume becomes a multi-purpose space that accommodates both the diver's body and the hydration system, eliminating the need for separate external bladder mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydration system is merged with the drysuit structure by integrating the bladder within the suit interior and using the suit's existing ports and seals. The inflation valve assembly is adapted to also serve as the hydration access point, combining two functions into a single integrated system rather than separate external components.
3Ease of operation
If the inflation valve assembly is modified for internal hydration, then internal fluid storage is achieved, but the valve assembly structure must be adapted
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation valve assembly is designed to serve dual functions: gas inflation/deflation of the drysuit and access to the hydration bladder. The same port and valve mechanism that controls suit pressure also provides access to the internal water reservoir, eliminating the need for separate external hydration ports and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly's existing sealing and positioning mechanisms are utilized to also secure and seal the hydration bladder access point. The valve's natural positioning within the suit opening serves as the mounting location for the hydration port, using the existing structural features rather than requiring additional mounting hardware or complex integration structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a drysuit and/or semi-drysuit hydration assembly including an adapter configured to mate with an inflation valve assembly; a fluid reservoir adapted for positioning internally within a drysuit and/or semi-drysuit; a flexible hose fixedly attached to and passed through a wall of the adapter, the flexible hose having mouthpiece positioned on one end and an opposite end connected to an outlet of the fluid reservoir and being configured to pass fluid from the fluid reservoir to the mouthpiece. Further disclosed is a drysuit and/or semi-drysuit equipped with the hydration assembly.