Buoyancy Jacket Handpiece With Pneumatic Multi-Valve Deflation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrostatic balancing jackets for scuba diving face challenges with the positioning of a single discharge valve, requiring the diver to operate it with their head up and complex mechanical control mechanisms, which complicates the addition of multiple discharge valves and overall operation.

Innovation Solution

A command and control unit with coaxial pneumatic actuation conduits integrated within the primary supply conduit, featuring a compact design with elastic loading means for valve control, allowing for simultaneous control of inflation and deflation through a single handpiece with buttons for inflation and deflation, and a rocker lever for simplified operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single discharge valve is used near the upper region of the jacket, then the mechanical control mechanism is simpler, but the diver must operate it with head up position which limits operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical control mechanismVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical control of discharge valves with pneumatic control. Compressed air from the cylinder is directed through conduits to actuate discharge valves located at both upper and lower regions of the jacket, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and allowing operation in any body position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the discharge function into multiple segments by providing both upper and lower discharge valves on the jacket, each controlled independently through pneumatic means, allowing selective activation based on diver position and operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple discharge valves are added to improve operational flexibility, then the diver can operate in any position, but the mechanical control means become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pneumatic control system serves multiple functions: it controls both upper and lower discharge valves, can be activated by either the diver's breath or a separate control mechanism, and works regardless of diver position, providing universal operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If pneumatic actuation conduits are integrated within the primary supply conduit, then the device becomes more compact, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol unit sizeVSAvoidconduit integration precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements the pneumatic actuation conduits inside the existing primary supply conduit, creating a nested configuration. This utilizes the available internal space of the primary conduit, reducing overall device volume without requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 easy, one-handed operation of inflation and deflation with precise control, allowing deflation in any position and reducing mechanical complexity, while maintaining a compact and rational grouping of controls, enhancing user convenience and operational simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

a double walled conduit, of which the inner conduit is configured as a pneumatic actuation conduit for the discharge valves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatics:

Implementation Method 2

elastic loading means for valve control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3708478B1Command and control assembly for inflating and deflating a hydrostatic balancing jacket

Publication Date: 2023.01.04 MARES SPA

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AI summary

1. Command and control assembly for inflating and deflating a hydrostatic balancing jacket, comprising a primary supply duct (901; 902) connected to an end of the air chamber of the jacket and provided, at the opposite end with, a handpiece (1;2) provided with mouthpiece means (601, 611; 602, 612), a connection socket (201; 202) being provided on said handpiece for connecting to a secondary supply duct (211; 212) connected to a compressed air tank, and a pneumatic actuation duct (801; 802) to actuate the discharge valves of said jacket being provided, in fluidic communication with said secondary supply duct (211; 212), the control means (301, 311, 321, 331; 502, 512, 522, 532) of the delivery from said secondary duct, the control means (501, 511, 521, 531; 302, 312, 322, 332) of the delivery to said pneumatic actuation duct (801; 802), and the control means (701, 711, 721, 731; 702, 712, 722, 732) of the delivery from said mouthpiece means (601, 611; 602, 612) being arranged on said handpiece.