Hands-Free Submersible Propulsion With Thigh-Calf Angle Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater propellers require manual control, limiting hand freedom and often conflict with other diving equipment, and lack advanced maneuvering capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A submersible propulsion device with angle sensors on the thigh and calf, controlled by a controller, allowing hands-free operation and advanced maneuvering through sensed angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control is used for underwater propellers, then basic propulsion function is achieved, but hand freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automatic electronic control system. Angle sensors detect thigh-calf angles and the controller automatically adjusts propeller speed and direction based on these signals, eliminating the need for manual hand control and freeing the diver's hands for other operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system becomes self-regulating by using the diver's own body movements (thigh-calf angle changes) as control inputs. The system automatically interprets these natural movements and adjusts propeller operation accordingly, making the device serve itself through the user's inherent motions without requiring additional control equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed backpack diving devices are used, then propulsion function is provided, but conflicts with other equipment such as air tanks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into separate modular components: angle sensors attached to the thigh and calf, a controller unit, and propeller assemblies. This segmentation allows flexible positioning of each component to avoid conflicts with air tanks and other diving equipment, while maintaining full propulsion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed rigid mounting to dynamic flexible positioning. The modular design enables adjustment of component positions and orientations to accommodate different diving equipment configurations and body positions, preventing spatial conflicts while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If basic propulsion functions are provided, then simple device structure is maintained, but advanced maneuvers such as reversing or turning cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller system is designed with multi-functionality to perform diverse maneuvers including forward propulsion, reversing, turning, and hovering. By controlling the speed and rotation direction of propellers positioned at different locations, the system achieves multiple functions without requiring separate specialized devices for each maneuver type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds control dimensions beyond simple forward-backward motion. By independently controlling multiple propellers in different spatial positions and orientations, the system achieves three-dimensional maneuvering capability including lateral movement, rotation, and attitude control, transforming basic linear propulsion into multi-axis movement control.
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 hands-free control and diverse underwater maneuvers, enhancing user convenience and equipment compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one angle sensor assembly comprising a first sensing unit to be disposed on a thigh and a second sensing unit to be disposed on a calf on the same side of the diver, and the at least one angle sensor assembly being configured to sense an angle between a thigh and a calf on a corresponding side of the diver based on a relative positional relationship between the respective first sensing unit and second sensing unit
Implementation Method 2
at least one propeller, comprising: a propeller body and at least one battery module
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present application provides a submersible propulsion device and a diving suit. The submersible propulsion device comprises: at least one angle sensor assembly, the at least one angle sensor assembly comprising a first sensing unit to be disposed on a thigh and a second sensing unit to be disposed on a calf on the same side of the diver, and the at least one angle sensor assembly being configured to sense an angle between a thigh and a calf on a corresponding side of the diver based on a relative positional relationship between the respective first sensing unit and second sensing unit; at least one propeller, comprising: a propeller body and at least one battery module; and a controller, wherein the controller is connected to the at least one angle sensor assembly and the at least one propeller respectively, so as to control the at least one propeller based on an angle signal sensed by the at least one angle sensor assembly. The submersible propulsion device according to the embodiments is flexible in configuration and convenient to control, and can free both hands.