Semi-sealed Closure Device for Submerged Air Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof portable objects face challenges in allowing air to pass while maintaining gas-tightness and preventing liquid ingress, particularly at depths beyond the limitations of Gore-Tex membranes, and in applications requiring controlled air flow like zinc-air batteries and altimeters.
Innovation Solution
A portable object with a semi-sealed design featuring a valve system that allows controlled air flow while maintaining liquid-tightness, utilizing a valve system with an actuator and a semi-permeable membrane that adjusts gas balance, and optionally incorporating a high-density membrane for enhanced air flow control and flood protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a Gore-Tex membrane is used to allow gas passage while blocking liquids, then gas permeability is improved, but waterproof depth is limited to 15-40m
Solution Approach 1:
A valve system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the internal cavity and external environment, controlling air intake while preventing water ingress. The valve opens to allow gas exchange for the zinc-air battery and altimeter, then closes to maintain waterproof integrity at depths exceeding 40m, where the Gore-Tex membrane would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device transitions from a static sealing approach to a dynamic system with a movable valve that can open and close based on operational needs. The valve is actuated by an actuator mechanism that responds to pressure changes or electronic signals, enabling the device to adapt between gas-permeable and waterproof states.
2Quantity of substance
If a valve system is added to control air flow, then air intake is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system incorporates a pressure-responsive mechanism that automatically opens when internal pressure drops (indicating need for air) and closes when external water pressure exceeds a threshold. This self-regulating behavior reduces the need for complex electronic controls while ensuring proper air intake timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The air intake function is extracted as a separate, controllable valve mechanism distinct from the main waterproof sealing system. This modular approach allows the valve to be optimized for air flow control while the Gore-Tex membrane and closure device maintain their waterproof function, reducing overall system complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If the valve remains open for air flow, then gas exchange is improved, but liquid ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system incorporates pressure sensing feedback that continuously monitors the pressure differential between internal and external environments. When external water pressure exceeds internal pressure by a threshold amount, the feedback mechanism triggers valve closure, preventing water ingress while maintaining air exchange during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed with a bias toward the closed position, requiring a specific triggering mechanism to open. This preliminary anti-action ensures the valve remains closed by default to prevent water ingress, and only opens when air exchange is genuinely needed, as detected by pressure changes or electronic control signals.
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 operate submerged at depths greater than 100 meters, ensuring gas-tightness and preventing liquid ingress while allowing controlled air flow for devices like zinc-air batteries and altimeters, with the option of a high-density membrane for additional air flow management and flood protection.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-permeable membrane comprising a porous support on which a film permeable to gases and impermeable to liquids is fixed
Implementation Method 2
a semi-permeable membrane comprising a porous support on which a film permeable to gases and impermeable to liquids is fixed
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2~4
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable object comprising a casing (2) forming a chamber containing a device (6) that requires air for operation, characterised in that the casing comprises at least a first opening (102, 202, 302, 402), said portable object also comprising a closure device (12).