Snorkel Tube With External Float Shutter for Easy Breathing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snorkels suffer from bulkiness, heterogeneity of components, high cost, unreliable operation, and increased breathing effort due to reduced cross-sectional area, especially when not in a vertical orientation.
Innovation Solution
A breathing device with a single tubular piece having constant cross-sectional area and external articulation means, featuring a float-operated shutter and counterweight to ensure reliable closure and reduced bulk, with parallel hinge axes and a cap to minimize water entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the float and shutter are directly articulated on the opening of the breathing tube to reduce bulk, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to precarious articulation means
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: the float (8) and the shutter (7) are distinct elements that can be independently positioned and adjusted. The articulation means are separated into first articulation means (9) for the shutter and second articulation means (10) for the float, allowing independent optimization of each component's reliability without compromising overall device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the shutter and float form a single piece to reduce bulk, then the device complexity is reduced, but the functionality deteriorates causing unwanted water splashes
Solution Approach 1:
The float (8) and shutter (7) are separate components rather than a single piece, allowing independent movement and function. This segmentation enables the shutter to remain stationary when needed while the float moves independently to actuate the shutter only under appropriate conditions, preventing unwanted water splashes while maintaining simple device architecture.
3Device complexity
If a second tube is added internally at the end of the main tube to reduce bulk, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased breathing effort
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the cross-sectional area of the breathing tube by adding internal structures, the invention positions the articulation means (9, 10) externally on the terminal portion of the tube. This external positioning maintains the full internal cross-sectional area for breathing while achieving bulk reduction through optimized external component placement, thus preserving ease of operation.
4Reliability
If conventional float-shutter systems are used, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases causing excessive bulkiness and heterogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The float (8) and shutter (7) are combined into a coordinated system where the float actuates the shutter through the articulation means, creating a unified automatic closure mechanism. This merging maintains high reliability through proven float-shutter technology while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating redundant components and achieving homogeneous material construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal portion of the breathing tube is designed with a constant cross-sectional area that serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, accommodates the externally positioned articulation means (9, 10), and maintains optimal breathing characteristics. This universal design approach reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate structural reinforcements while preserving reliability.
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 device provides reliable operation, reduced bulk, and effortless breathing by maintaining a constant cross-sectional area, preventing water ingress and minimizing effort, regardless of orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a float (8) for actuating the shutter (7)
Implementation Method 2
only hydrostatic pressure keeps the shutter in the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
The breathing device (1) for divers comprises a mouthpiece (2) and a rigid breathing tube (3) with a first end (4) featuring an inclined opening (5), and a second end connected to a joint (6) of the mouthpiece (2), a movable shutter (7) that can move between an open and a closed position of the opening (5) of the first end (4), a float (8) for actuating the shutter (7), first articulation means (9) for connecting the shutter (7) to the tube (3), and second articulation means (10) for connecting the float (8) to the tube (3) wherein the breathing tube (3) is formed from a single tubular piece, externally to which the first and second articulation means (9, 10) are positioned.