Leg-Controlled Submersible Propeller for Hands-Free Diver Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater propellers require manual hand control, limiting divers' ability to operate other equipment and causing conflicts with gas cylinders, and lack advanced functions like retreating and spinning.
Innovation Solution
A submersible propeller system controlled by angle controllers on the legs, allowing modes like advancing, variable-speed advancing, retreating, turning, and in-situ spinning through adjustments of the thigh and calf angles, eliminating the need for manual hand control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-held or backpack type propellers are used, then the propeller can be portable and easy to use, but the diver cannot free up hands to operate other equipment and control is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller system uses the diver's own body movements (leg angles) to control the propulsion mode automatically. The angle controller detects the angle between thigh and calf, and the propeller executes the corresponding action (advancing, retreating, turning, spinning) without requiring manual hand control. This makes the system self-serving by utilizing the diver's natural movements for control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated angle detection and control system. The angle controller uses sensors to detect leg angles and automatically activates the appropriate propeller mode, substituting the need for manual hand operation with an automated mechanical-electrical system.
2Reliability
If fixed backpack type propeller is used, then the propeller is stable and powerful, but it causes conflicts with other equipment such as gas cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller system is segmented into separate functional modules: angle controllers attached to the legs, propellers attached to the thighs, and a waist-wearing power supply battery. This segmentation allows the propeller to be positioned on the thighs rather than fixed on the backpack, eliminating conflicts with gas cylinders while maintaining propulsion reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control and positioning system moves from a vertical backpack-mounted configuration to a horizontal thigh-mounted configuration. By changing the spatial dimension of attachment, the propeller avoids collision with gas cylinders while maintaining stable and reliable operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple propulsion function is provided, then the propeller is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot implement operations such as retreating and spinning
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller system transitions from a static simple propulsion design to a dynamic multi-mode system. The angle controller dynamically adjusts the propeller's operation based on detected leg angles, enabling multiple modes (advancing, retreating, turning, spinning) while keeping the physical propeller structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
A single propeller system achieves multiple functions through the angle controller's coordination. By detecting different leg angles, the system universally handles various operations (advancing, retreating, turning, spinning) without requiring multiple separate propeller mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving versatility.
4Extent of automation
If angle controllers on legs are used, then various modes can be implemented without hand control, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high automation by making the diver's own leg movements the control input. The angle controllers automatically detect the angles and trigger appropriate propeller modes without requiring external manual control, maximizing automation while using the diver's body as the control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses parameter changes in leg angles (thigh-calf angle) to control propeller operation. By detecting changes in these angular parameters, the system automatically transitions between different propulsion modes, achieving high automation through simple parameter-based control rather than complex control logic.
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 diverse underwater operations without hand control, ensuring hands-free operation and preventing conflicts with other equipment, while incorporating safety features like diving depth detection to avoid dangerous ascents.
Implementation Method 1
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Data Source
AI summary
A control method using angle controllers to sense an included angle between a diver's thigh and a calf and controlling a propellor state based on the included angles. The propellor states include a retreating state when both included angles are 90° or less, a static state when both included angles are 90° to 135°, a variable-speed advancing state when both included angles are greater than 135°, a turning-left state when the left included angle is 90° to 135° and the right included angle is greater than 135°, a turning-right state when the right included angle is 90° to 135° and the left included angle is greater than 135°, and an in-situ spinning state when one included angle is 90° or less and the other included angle is greater than 135°.