Semi-sealed Closure Device for Deep-Sea Gas Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof portable objects, such as watches and altimeters, face challenges in allowing air flow while maintaining impermeability to liquids, especially at depths greater than 15 to 40 meters, where Gore-Tex type membranes fail due to water permeability under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A portable object with a semi-sealed closure device using a semi-permeable material or membrane that allows gas passage while preventing liquid ingress, featuring a polymer film or membrane supported by a porous structure, and a permeable module that adjusts its position based on environmental conditions to ensure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a near-perfect seal is used to ensure watertightness in portable devices, then the device can withstand diving conditions, but gases like helium can pass through the seal and cause over-compression during ascent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a membrane with controlled porosity that allows small gas molecules like helium to pass through while maintaining liquid tightness. The porous structure enables selective permeability where the pore size and distribution are designed to permit gas diffusion but prevent liquid penetration, even under pressure.
2Reliability
If a movable permeable module is used to allow gas infiltration in gaseous environment, then the device can maintain air flow, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device incorporates a movable permeable module that can dynamically adjust its position and sealing contact based on environmental conditions. The resilient member allows the module to move and adapt to pressure changes, automatically maintaining the appropriate balance between gas permeability and liquid tightness without requiring external control mechanisms.
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 the portable object to maintain air flow and operational integrity at depths greater than 100 meters, ensuring the device remains sealed and functional by allowing gases to pass while blocking liquids, even under high pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a closure device comprising a seal made of a semi-permeable material... allowing gases to pass through but not liquids
Implementation Method 2
a semi-permeable membrane having a porous support on which a film permeable to gases and impermeable to liquids is fixed
Implementation Method 3
the thickness of said film allowing modification of the time constant for the equilibrium of gases between the inside and outside of the portable object
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 3b~3c
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable object including a casing (2) forming a chamber wherein a device (69) requiring air for the operation thereof is provided. Said portable object is characterized in that it also includes a closing device (12) including at least one pervious element.