Modular Sinkable Buoy System with Separate Air Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water sports buoy systems face challenges such as durability issues, high maintenance costs, and safety hazards due to exposure to environmental factors and boating activities, with current sinkable buoy systems complicating repairs and maintenance by integrating weight and air components within a single submarine device.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with separate air bladder and weight components, interconnected via adjustable tethers and a distributed air supply network, allowing for controlled sinking and floating of buoys, with the weight component positioned at the lowest depth for easier maintenance and the air bladder at the surface, using corrosion-resistant hardware and a network of flexible tubing for air supply and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buoys remain floating on the surface in stationary courses, then they are easily accessible and visible, but they are exposed to damage from boats, swimmers, vandals, winter freezing and ultraviolet radiation that can cause the buoys to deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy system transitions from a static floating state to a dynamic system that can change its vertical position. The buoy is connected to a weight component via a tether and can be raised to the surface or lowered to the bottom using a winch mechanism, allowing the system to adapt its position based on operational needs versus protection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful exposure factor is extracted from the buoy by separating the buoy's operational function (being on surface) from its protective state (being at bottom). The buoy is taken out of continuous surface exposure and can be periodically submerged to protect it from environmental damage while maintaining accessibility when needed.
2Device complexity
If buoys are integrated within a single submarine device, then the system is more compact, but repairs and maintenance are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The submarine device is segmented into three main components: the buoy, the weight component, and the air bladder. These components are connected via tethers and can be independently accessed, repaired, or replaced. The air bladder can be inflated or deflated independently, and the weight component can be adjusted separately, simplifying maintenance while maintaining system integration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If buoys are removed after each use and allowed to sink, then safety hazards are reduced, but extra time is spent in setting-up and tearing down a course between uses
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between being on the surface during operational hours and submerged during non-operational hours. The winch mechanism allows for periodic raising and lowering of the buoy, creating a rhythm that aligns with course usage patterns while minimizing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoy system is pre-configured with the weight component and tether connections before use. The air bladder is pre-attached to the buoy, so that when operation is needed, the buoy can be quickly inflated and raised to the surface without requiring complete assembly. This preliminary preparation reduces setup and teardown time.
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
Facilitates efficient and tool-free adjustment of buoy positions, reduces maintenance complexity, and enhances durability by separating weight and air functions, while protecting buoys from environmental damage and ensuring safe waterway usage.
Implementation Method 1
Air is supplied to the air bladder using the air supply to fill the air bladder with an amount of air sufficient to overcome the downward pull of the weight component, thus allowing the buoy to rise to the surface of the water
Implementation Method 2
Air is removed from the air bladder using either the air supply or by releasing air through a valve, thus allowing air to escape from the air bladder and allowing the weight component to overcome the buoyancy of the air bladder and buoy, causing the buoy to sink below the surface of the water
Data Source
AI summary
A sinkable buoy system including a guide buoy, an inflatable air bladder, a weight component, an air supply line and an air supply, wherein the air bladder and the weight component are not housed within a common housing. A system for inflating and deflating an air bladder in order to float a buoy at the surface and sink a buoy below the surface as desired. A sinkable buoy system for use with a water sports course in order to float buoys of the course during course use and sink the buoys when the course is not in use.