Underwater Pressure Reducing Second Stage with Vertical Inlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure reducing second stages for underwater use are uncomfortable and inefficient, particularly when the gas tank is not worn on the back, leading to twisting effects and increased drag, and are not optimized for use as a secondary gas source, complicating ergonomics and safety.
Innovation Solution
A pressure reducing second stage design with a breathing gas inlet positioned at the lower portion of the case, featuring a hollow cylindrical element connected vertically, a bypass tube directly supplying gas to the inhalation/exhalation mouthpiece tube, and a baffle tongue to improve gas flow and comfort, allowing for straight hose connections and reduced effort during inhalation and exhalation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gas inlet is positioned on the side of the case (right or left of the inhalation/exhalation port), then the second stage can be connected to a pressure reducing first stage through a gas supply conduit, but this configuration causes twisting effects and discomfort when the gas tank is placed at the side of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the gas inlet at the lower portion of the case rather than on the side, creating an asymmetric configuration that allows the hose to connect directly from below without twisting. This asymmetric placement eliminates the need for complex hose routing while improving comfort when the tank is positioned at the user's side.
2Ease of operation
If a very long hose is used to connect the first stage to the second stage when the tank is at the user's side, then the hose can reach the mouthpiece, but this increases drag and adversely affects ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the connection by positioning the gas inlet at the lower portion of the case, allowing the hose to connect vertically from below rather than horizontally from the side. This dimensional change enables a more direct, shorter hose path that reduces drag while maintaining reachability.
3Ease of operation
If a L-shaped joint is placed between the side inlet and the supply conduit to eliminate twisting effects, then the second stage can be kept in the proper position, but this introduces a potential point of failure and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the L-shaped joint from the system by repositioning the gas inlet at the lower portion of the case. This extraction of the intermediate joint eliminates the additional connection point that could fail or leak, while the lower inlet position naturally provides the proper positioning stability without requiring the joint.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the gas inlet is positioned on the side of the case, then the second stage can be connected to the first stage, but this configuration complicates the use as a secondary gas source for a second scuba diver
Solution Approach 1:
The lower portion gas inlet configuration creates a universal connection point that simplifies the hose path whether the second stage is used by the primary diver or transferred to a second diver. This single optimized position serves multiple functions and user scenarios without requiring different configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
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AI summary
Pressure reducing second stage (1) for underwater use comprising: - a case (106) provided with a breathing gas inlet, with an inhalation/exhalation port and with an exhaled gas exhaust outlet with a non-return valve, - the gas inhalation/exhalation port being connected to a mouthpiece tube (102), - the breathing gas inlet in the case (106) being connected to a breathing gas pressure reducing device provided with a hollow cylindrical element or pipe (107), which has a breathing gas inlet port (117) communicating with a gas supply conduit (103) through a valve which is interposed between said supply conduit (103) and said mouthpiece tube (102), - said case (106) being provided with pressure sensitive means for controlling the opening/closure of said valve. The breathing gas inlet in the case (106) is provided in its lower portion (106) and said hollow cylindrical element (107) being connected to said inlet on the case (106) such that its axis is substantially vertical, when used in the upright position.