Monolithic Snorkel Tube with Composite Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snorkels face issues with radial collapse and bottlenecks due to curvature deformation, and their manufacturing processes are complex and costly, especially when using separate flexible and rigid tube parts made from materials like silicone that age quickly in marine environments.
Innovation Solution
A snorkel design where the flexible and rigid tube portions are made in one piece, with a framework of more rigid material combined with less rigid material to create a continuous elastic band, allowing for deformation and easier extraction from molds, while avoiding bottlenecks and reducing manufacturing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the flexible tube portion is made with a corrugated or bellows shape to prevent radial collapse, then the tube maintains structural integrity during curvature deformation, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costly requiring multiple parts and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a rigid framework material (first material) with a flexible material (second material) to create a unified tube structure. The rigid framework provides structural integrity and prevents radial collapse, while the flexible material allows curvature deformation. This composite approach eliminates the need for separate corrugated sections and assembly steps, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the flexible and rigid tube portions into a single monolithic structure made from two materials. The rigid framework and flexible material are combined during injection molding to form one integrated component, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing of corrugated sections and subsequent assembly operations. This merging resolves the manufacturing complexity issue while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If the flexible tube portion is made with a corrugated or bellows shape to prevent radial collapse, then the tube maintains structural integrity during curvature deformation, but the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material structure allows the tube to be manufactured in a single injection molding process, eliminating multiple manufacturing steps and assembly operations. The rigid framework and flexible material are molded together as one piece, significantly improving productivity while maintaining the structural integrity needed to prevent radial collapse during use.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the flexible and rigid tube portions into one monolithic structure manufactured through single-step injection molding, the patent eliminates multiple assembly operations. This merging of manufacturing processes directly improves productivity while the integrated structure maintains the necessary structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If silicone material is used for the flexible tube portion to provide flexibility, then the tube can deform during use, but the material exhibits important aging problems in the marine environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system where the rigid framework material provides durability and resistance to marine environment aging, while the flexible material provides the necessary adaptability and flexibility. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by assigning different functional requirements to different materials within the same structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials in different regions of the tube structure. The rigid framework material is used where structural strength and environmental resistance are needed, while the flexible material is used where adaptability and deformation capability are required. This localized material selection resolves the contradiction between flexibility and durability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the rigid tube portion is made completely rigid to maintain shape, then the tube structure is stable, but the extraction from injection mold becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material structure allows the rigid tube portion to have a rigid framework for shape stability while incorporating flexible material that enables deformation for easy mold extraction. The flexible material acts as a release mechanism during extraction, then the tube regains its rigid shape stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tube structure adaptable during different phases: the flexible material allows deformation during mold extraction, then the tube maintains its rigid shape during use. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between shape stability and ease of extraction.
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
This design enhances functionality, reduces assembly time, and allows for cheaper manufacturing using injection molding, providing a durable and flexible snorkel that prevents bottlenecks and can be made with more resistant materials, improving handling and ease of production.
Implementation Method 1
Providing a continuous elastic material band for a certain part of the overall length of the parts of flexible and rigid tube together and which extends at least for part of the length of the flexible tube portion and for at least part of the length of the rigid tube portion, allows also the part of rigid tube to be conferred with elasticity, both in longitudinal direction and in circumferential direction
Data Source
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AI summary
Snorkel for underwater activities or swimming, comprising a tube consisting of a flexible portion carrying, at one of the ends thereof, a mouthpiece communicating with said flexible portion, whereas the opposite end continues with a tube portion more rigid than the flexible portion. According to the invention at least the flexible portion is made in one piece with the more rigid portion, at least the flexible portion being made of two materials of which a first material is more rigid than the second material, said rigid material forming a framework extending between an outer envelope surface and an inner envelope surface, the envelope surfaces being inserted in one another and having substantially cylindrical shapes or shapes and coaxial to one another and the less rigid material forming a continuous elastic band extending for more 50% the total length of the flexible portion and more rigid portion of the tube together and, partially or completely, for the length of the flexible portion and partially or completely for the more rigid portion of the tube.