Second Stage Regulator Airflow Layout for Easier Diver Breathing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scuba diving second stage regulators face issues such as increased physical exertion during low air output, uncomfortable airflow, interference from water flow, and limited suitability for left-handed divers, leading to inconvenience and potential choking.
Innovation Solution
The second stage regulator redesigns the air hose, exhaust valve, and mouthpiece configuration to accommodate both right- and left-handed divers, incorporates an airflow adjustment mechanism, and optimizes exhaust hole placement to prevent interference and resonance, while allowing easy use by buddies regardless of position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the air-output volume is reduced to save gas, then gas consumption decreases, but the spring force resistance increases making inhalation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic airflow adjustment mechanism where the spring force and airflow characteristics change automatically based on the diver's inhalation demand. The adjustable spring mechanism allows the diver to optimize between gas savings and inhalation ease by selecting different spring pre-compression levels, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the spring mechanism (pre-compression force, spring constant) to achieve different airflow output levels. By adjusting these parameters, the system can reduce gas consumption while maintaining acceptable inhalation effort through optimized spring characteristics.
2Quantity of substance
If the air-output volume is increased, then air supply improves, but air flows directly into the mouth causing discomfort and potential choking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a directional control dimension to the airflow by positioning the exhaust holes and adjusting the airflow direction away from the diver's mouth. This spatial arrangement prevents direct airflow into the mouth while maintaining adequate air supply volume through optimized exhaust hole placement and orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different local qualities to different parts of the airflow system: the exhaust holes are positioned and oriented with specific directional characteristics, while the main air supply path maintains high volume. This localized optimization allows high airflow where needed while directing excess air away from the mouth through strategically positioned exhaust openings.
3Device complexity
If the exhaust holes are positioned in front of the second stage, then exhaust function is simple, but water flow pressure presses the purge button causing unexpected air-output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the exhaust holes, placing them at an angle rather than directly in front of the second stage. This asymmetric arrangement creates a geometry that is resistant to water flow pressure from typical swimming directions, preventing unwanted activation of the purge button while maintaining exhaust functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the exhaust hole orientation to preemptively counteract the effect of water flow pressure. By angling the exhaust holes away from the purge button, the system creates a geometric configuration that naturally resists water pressure-induced activation, preventing the harmful effect before it can occur.
4Ease of operation
If the second stage is configured for right-handed divers, then it works well for right-handed users, but left-handed divers experience obstruction and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal second stage design where the exhaust mechanism and air hose routing are positioned and oriented to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed divers. The angled exhaust hole configuration and strategically placed components ensure that neither hand position causes obstruction, making the device universally suitable for all divers regardless of handedness.
Data Source
AI summary
A second stage regulator suitable for both right-handed and left-handed divers includes a housing, a mouthpiece, a decompression mechanism, an exhaust mechanism and an airflow adjustment mechanism. The airflow adjustment mechanism can control the output air volume by adjusting the size of the vent. Even in the state of small air volume, the diver only needs to inhale a little to push the second stage output and inhale the air smoothly. The diver can control the direction of the airflow by operating the airflow adjustment mechanism to avoid being choked by the air when the air volume is large. The exhaust holes of the exhaust mechanism is arranged on the side and the exhaust mechanism is facing the left rear side of the housing, which can prevent the exhaust valve from being compressed due to the pressure of water flow when the diver is swimming.