Underwater Signal Transmission via Floating Wireless Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sports cameras used underwater face challenges in real-time image transmission due to limited storage capacity and ambient constraints, requiring an improved method for instant data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A compact, durable, and easy-to-assemble underwater signal transmission system that receives images from an underwater source and transmits them to above-water devices via a floating system with a processor, memory, monitoring components, and communication modules, utilizing a waterproof housing and antenna for efficient data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If underwater images are stored in the camera first and then transmitted after moving out of water, then data loss is prevented, but transmission time is delayed and storage space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless transmission system consisting of a waterproof housing containing a camera, wireless transmitter, and floating housing with wireless receiver. This intermediary system enables real-time wireless transmission of images from underwater to above-water devices, eliminating the delay of post-dive transmission while preventing data loss through continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical storage-and-retrieve system with a wireless electromagnetic transmission system. The camera captures images and transmits them wirelessly through water-resistant housing to a floating receiver, substituting physical storage media with electromagnetic signal transmission for real-time data transfer.
2Loss of time
If real-time transmission is implemented, then transmission time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission system into separate functional modules: a waterproof housing containing the camera and transmitter, a floating housing containing the receiver, and wireless communication links between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling real-time transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating housing serves multiple functions: it receives wireless signals from underwater, provides buoyancy to keep the receiver above water, and acts as a platform for the receiving device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining real-time transmission capability.
3Reliability
If waterproof housing is used for underwater transmission, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested housing structure where the camera and transmitter are housed within a waterproof inner housing, which is then placed inside an outer floating housing. This nested arrangement provides multiple layers of protection against water ingress while maintaining a manageable manufacturing process through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes waterproof membranes and seals to create water-resistant barriers in the housing structure. These flexible sealing elements provide reliable waterproof protection while allowing for easier manufacturing and assembly compared to rigid sealed structures, maintaining both reliability and manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology is directed to a floating system capable of facilitating transmitting underwater signals (e.g., images captured underwater) to an abovewater device. The system includes a first housing, a second housing, an antenna, a signal emitter, a signal converter, and a signal interface. The first and second housings collectively form an enclosed space. The antenna is vertically positioned on the top surface of the first main body. The signal emitter and the signal converter are positioned in the enclosed space and coupled to the antenna. The signal interface is positioned on the bottom surface of the second housing and coupled to the converter. A user can connect an underwater camera to the signal interface and transmit images captured underwater to another abovewater device through the floating system.