Segmented Flotation Apparatus with Deformable Connector Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flotation devices, such as pool noodles, lack secure engagement mechanisms, making it difficult for users, especially children and individuals with disabilities, to remain attached, and are prone to disengagement and damage from use.

Innovation Solution

A flotation apparatus comprising elongate members connected by a housing that deforms into a curved shape, with gaps allowing relative movement, and a harness attachment for secure retention, along with optional reinforcing members and drainage features, to create a stable and durable floating device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pool noodles are used as flotation devices, then they provide buoyancy and are easy to manufacture, but they lack secure engagement mechanisms making it difficult for users to remain attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of constructionVSAvoidengagement security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flotation device is divided into multiple segments including a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a connector component. This segmentation allows each part to serve a specific function while maintaining ease of manufacture, and the connector provides the secure engagement mechanism that resolves the reliability issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second elongate members. This connector serves as the secure engagement mechanism that links the buoyant elements to the user, resolving the problem of insufficient engagement security while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pool noodles are made deformable for recreational use, then they are comfortable and adaptable, but they are easily damaged and degraded through regular use and extreme forces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedeformabilityVSAvoiddamage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the flotation device have different properties: the elongate members are made deformable for comfort and adaptability, while the connector is designed with higher strength to resist damage. This local differentiation allows the device to be both adaptable and durable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The flotation device uses composite construction combining deformable buoyant materials for the elongate members with stronger, more durable materials for the connector. This composite approach allows the device to exhibit both deformability for comfort and high strength for damage resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional ring-shaped flotation devices are used, then they provide enclosed structure for user retention, but child-aged users can become disengaged due to unpredictable motions and smaller size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenclosed structureVSAvoiduser retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to flex and adapt to the unpredictable motions of child-aged users. This dynamic design maintains the enclosed structure's stability while accommodating varying user movements and sizes, preventing disengagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Shape

If pool noodles are tied together to form an enclosed shape, then they mimic conventional flotation devices, but the foamed material is easily damaged by impacts, chewing, and extreme bending

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenclosed shapeVSAvoidmaterial durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into separate buoyant elements and a connector, allowing the connector to bear the mechanical stresses from impacts and bending while the buoyant elements maintain their enclosed shape. This segmentation protects the foamed material from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector serves as an intermediary that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses from impacts, chewing, and bending, protecting the foamed elongate members from direct damage while maintaining the enclosed shape necessary for user retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The apparatus securely retains users, preventing disengagement and reducing damage, while allowing for adjustable fit and enhanced user mobility during swimming and floating activities.

Implementation Method 1

any object having sufficient buoyancy to float in a body of water and to support at least a portion of the weight of a human body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS9352814B2Floatation apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 NEAL QUINTON

AI summary

A flotation apparatus having a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a connector, such as an exterior housing, engaging the first and second elongate members and deforming the first elongate member into a curved shape. Ends of the first elongate member are positioned proximate to ends of the second elongate member to define gaps therebetween that permit movement of one or both elongate members relative to the other.