Rotatable Abdominal Strap Connection for Scuba BCD Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buoyancy control jackets for scuba diving face challenges in adaptability to different diver sizes and wearability due to non-rotatable and complex abdominal closing strap systems, which affect safety and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A buoyancy control jacket with a removable association device featuring orthogonal connection means and a rotatable mechanism between the abdominal strap and air chamber, allowing for quick coupling and decoupling, and an elastic zone for size adjustment, simplifying the construction and enhancing versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid or soft back supports with fixed coupling systems are used for abdominal closing straps, then the BCD maintains structural stability, but the adaptability to different diver builds is reduced and assembly/disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The abdominal closing strap is divided into two separate half-straps that can be independently attached and detached from the BCD. Each half-strap has its own connection means, allowing for easier replacement and adjustment without affecting the entire strap system. This segmentation enables faster assembly/disassembly while maintaining adaptability to different diver builds.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection means incorporate a rotatable mechanism that allows the half-straps to be dynamically adjusted to different orientations and positions. This rotational capability enables the strap system to adapt to various diver body shapes and sizes, improving versatility while keeping the coupling system simple through standardized connection interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If abdominal closing straps are frequently coupled and released for different dives and adjustments, then the BCD can be adapted to different divers, but the strap components experience increased wear and require replacement
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the abdominal closing strap into two separate half-straps with independent connection means, the wear and stress are distributed across multiple components rather than a single integrated strap. This allows individual half-straps to be replaced when worn, extending the overall system life while maintaining continuous adaptability for different divers.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables easy replacement of worn half-straps and connection means while retaining the main BCD structure and other functional components. This selective replacement approach allows the durable portions of the system to be recovered and reused, reducing overall waste and maintenance costs while preserving adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a harness with multiple interchangeable accessories and separate pneumatic bladder is used, then the jacket can be personalized for different divers, but the product complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means for the abdominal closing straps are directly integrated into the air chamber structure, eliminating the need for a separate harness system. This merging of functions allows the BCD to be personalized for different divers through strap replacement while maintaining a simplified overall product structure without redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The air chamber serves multiple functions: it provides buoyancy control and simultaneously acts as the structural support and mounting point for the abdominal closing straps. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate harness structures while maintaining the ability to personalize the BCD for different divers through strap interchangeability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The buoyancy control jacket (1) for scuba diving comprises at least one air chamber (2) with a variable volume delimited by an outer wall (2a) and an inner wall (2b), an abdominal closing strap, and a removable association device between the inner wall (2b) and the abdominal strap, the removable association device comprising first and second connection means respectively attached to the inner wall (2b) and to the strap, a retaining means for retaining the second connection means relative to the first connection means along an axis that is substantially orthogonal to the strap, and a means of rotation about said axis of the second connection means relative to the first connection means.