Dry Snorkel Float Valve Buoyancy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dry snorkels face issues with water intrusion during rough seas or deep dives, leading to choking hazards due to complex and inefficient upper water-discharging structures, which complicate manufacturing and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A dry snorkel design featuring a float valve pivotally connected to the lower portion of a curved part at the top end, allowing it to close and open the air inlet based on water depth, using buoyancy underwater and gravity above water, with a simple and easy-to-assemble structure that includes a soft plastic waterproof ring and a dry-type top discharge head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex upper water-discharging structure is used, then water discharge capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the traditional complex upper water-discharging structure. By using a simple float valve mechanism that opens under buoyancy force, the design removes redundant parts while maintaining effective water discharge capability through the curved tube geometry and single float valve arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve automatically opens and closes based on water level and buoyancy forces without requiring external control mechanisms. The curved tube structure itself facilitates water discharge through its geometry, eliminating the need for additional active components or complex control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are arranged in different places, then functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a unified structure. The curved tube integrates both the air passage and water discharge pathway, while the float valve combines sealing and discharge control functions. This consolidation maintains breath-changing and anti-choking capabilities while dramatically simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the air inlet when submerged, opens for water discharge when needed, and controls breath changes. The curved tube structure provides both structural support and water discharge functionality, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
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
This design effectively prevents water intrusion, reduces choking occurrences, allows for comfortable breathing, and prolongs diving time by ensuring easy and efficient operation with fewer components and a simplified manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
the float valve is turned up to close the air inlet by the buoyancy of water when a snorkel is under water
Implementation Method 2
the float valve is turned down to open the air inlet when a top of the snorkel is above water
Data Source
AI summary
A dry snorkel for diving comprises a snorkel tube, a float valve and a dry-type top discharge head. A soft plastic waterproof ring is mounted on a top end of the snorkel tube. The soft plastic waterproof ring has an air inlet communicating with the snorkel tube. A curved part is formed on the top end of the snorkel tube. The float valve is pivotally connected to a lower portion of the curved part. When a snorkel is under water, the float valve is turned up by the buoyancy of water to close the air inlet. When the top of the snorkel is above water, the float valve is turned down to open the air inlet. This design is simple and easy to assemble. It has few components and decreases the occurrence of choking on water efficiently whereby the diver breathes easily and comfortably and prolongs the diving time.