Launchable Flag Assembly for Diver Emergency Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional surface marker buoys for scuba divers are vulnerable to winds and waves, and do not effectively communicate the diver's position or signal for emergencies underwater.
Innovation Solution
A launchable communication device with a flag operating assembly that can be extended and collapsed, secured to a flotation device, and actuated to display a visible signal, allowing divers to communicate through a flag with a hoist, fly, and flag operating assembly, including a hollow vertically oriented bar and horizontal bar linkage, enabling opening and closing of the flag for visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional surface marker buoy with a permanently attached flag is used, then the diver's position can be identified on the surface, but the flag is vulnerable to winds and waves and cannot effectively signal underwater emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flag operating assembly movable rather than fixed. The flag can be deployed horizontally from a vertical position using a spring-loaded launcher mechanism, allowing it to extend away from the buoy body to avoid wave interference while maintaining visibility. The flag transitions between stored, deployed, and collapsed states dynamically responding to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flag system into separate functional components: the buoy body, the flag operating assembly with launcher, the flag itself, and the horizontal bar linkage. This segmentation allows the flag to be independently deployed and positioned optimally for visibility while the buoy remains stable, resolving the vulnerability to wind and waves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed location indicator is used, then the diver's position is marked, but it cannot communicate emergency signals or provide effective underwater communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the flag operating assembly to perform multiple functions: it can deploy the flag horizontally for emergency signaling, collapse it vertically for compact storage, and position it at various angles for different communication needs. The spring-loaded launcher and horizontal bar linkage enable the same mechanism to handle both normal operation and emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the flag in a vertical stored state within the buoy, ready for rapid deployment. The spring-loaded launcher is pre-charged with potential energy, enabling immediate flag deployment when needed without requiring additional power sources or complex activation mechanisms during emergencies.
3Illumination intensity
If the flag is permanently attached to the buoy, then it is always visible, but it cannot be collapsed or stored compactly when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using a spring-loaded launcher mechanism that automatically propels the flag into its deployed horizontal position without requiring manual intervention. The spring stores potential energy when the flag is collapsed and releases it to deploy the flag, making the system self-actuating and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a horizontal bar linkage as an intermediary mechanism between the flag and the buoy body. This linkage enables the flag to transition smoothly between vertical and horizontal positions while maintaining mechanical connection, solving the complexity of direct permanent attachment versus complete detachment.
4Area of stationary object
If the flag operating assembly is extended for visibility, then the flag can be seen clearly, but the device becomes more susceptible to environmental forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by designing the flag to be deployed only when needed for signaling or communication purposes. The spring-loaded mechanism allows rapid deployment when required and quick collapse back to the vertical stored position when not needed, reducing cumulative exposure to environmental forces while maintaining visibility when active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by collapsing the flag vertically against the buoy body when not in use, effectively nesting it within the buoy's profile. This minimizes the exposed surface area to wind and waves while maintaining the ability to deploy the full flag area when communication or emergency signaling is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A launchable communication device for divers includes a flag, a flag operating assembly, and a receptacle. The flag is coupled to the flag operating assembly and is positionable between an extended position and a collapsed position to facilitate an opening and closing of the flag in order to communicate with others in the vicinity.