Modular Swim Aid with Segmented Floats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current swimming aids restrict either upper or lower body movement and fail to provide effective buoyancy assistance for novice swimmers, often being bulky or unstable in water.
Innovation Solution
A swim aid device comprising a belt with securely coupled hollow floats that allow for free arm and leg movement, ensuring the user remains afloat at a desired angle without restricting movement, using clips and adjustable attachments for secure attachment during water activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional swimming aids (flutter boards, arm buoys, pool noodles) are used to provide buoyancy, then the swimmer remains afloat, but the device restricts arm or leg movement or lacks stability
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation device is divided into separate modular components: a waist belt and individual float elements that can be independently positioned on either side of the body. This segmentation allows the buoyancy force to be distributed and adjusted independently, providing stable flotation while preserving complete freedom of movement in arms and legs without the restrictive single-piece design of traditional aids.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from traditional single-dimensional flotation (one-piece boards or tubes) to a two-dimensional distributed configuration with floats positioned laterally on both sides of the body. This dimensional change creates a stable flotation platform that distributes buoyant force across multiple points, preventing rolling while allowing unrestricted movement in all directions.
2Reliability
If flotation devices are designed to be secure and stable in water, then they remain attached during use, but they become bulky or difficult to grasp
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a waist belt with attachment points and separate float elements with corresponding connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be compact and lightweight while maintaining secure attachment through distributed connection points, eliminating the need for a single large bulky structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies local quality by concentrating attachment security at specific localized points (waist belt connection points and float attachment mechanisms) rather than distributing bulk throughout the entire device. The floats are designed with specific local features for secure attachment while maintaining overall compactness, allowing strong attachment without increased overall device volume.
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 novice swimmers to practice swimming with unrestricted movements while maintaining buoyancy, preventing submersion and ensuring comfort and stability in the water.
Implementation Method 1
The floats are hollow for buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
A swim aid device comprising a belt having a hoop portion including a first tab and a second tab, a front end and a back end opposite said front end wherein the back end includes an opening and wherein the belt is biased in a first closed position and operatively openable to a second open position; and one or more buoyant elements couplable to said back end of the belt and securable in place with said tabs wherein a buoyancy of the one or more buoyant elements allows a user to remain afloat.