Underwater Touchscreen Interface with Pressure Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for underwater communication, such as hand signals, underwater writing boards, and specialized acoustic systems, are inadequate for enabling effective bidirectional communication using touchscreen devices due to water pressure issues and limited data transmission ranges.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-balanced enclosure system for touchscreen devices that includes a non-rigid transparent membrane and a control module with a wireless communication interface, allowing users to interact with the touchscreen and transmit data wirelessly while maintaining internal pressure equivalent to or slightly higher than ambient water pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid waterproof enclosure is used to protect the touchscreen from water pressure, then the touchscreen is protected from breaking, but the touchscreen cannot be accessed by the user's fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible transparent membrane instead of a rigid enclosure to protect the touchscreen. This membrane is infused with a pressure-equalization channel that allows water pressure to be transmitted uniformly across the membrane, preventing the touchscreen from breaking while still allowing finger access through the flexible material.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-equalization channel acts as an intermediary mechanism between the water environment and the touchscreen. It mediates the water pressure forces, distributing them uniformly across the flexible membrane to prevent localized stress concentration that would cause the touchscreen to break, while maintaining accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If a thin waterproof membrane is used to allow touchscreen access, then the touchscreen remains accessible, but the membrane is pushed against the touchscreen by water pressure rendering it inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-equalization channel provides a feedback mechanism that continuously balances the water pressure acting on the flexible membrane with the internal pressure within the enclosure. This pressure balancing feedback loop ensures that the membrane remains in a stable position relative to the touchscreen, maintaining operability despite varying water depths and pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter distribution by introducing a pressure-equalization channel that allows internal and external pressures to balance. This parameter change transforms the net force acting on the membrane from a crushing force to a balanced state, enabling the touchscreen to remain operational at various depths.
3Reliability
If the device is enclosed in a rigid enclosure to prevent touchscreen breakage, then the touchscreen is protected, but wireless data transmission between devices becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rigid mechanical enclosure with a flexible membrane system that incorporates acoustic transmission capabilities. This substitution allows acoustic signals to pass through the flexible membrane, enabling wireless communication between underwater devices without requiring a rigid enclosure that would block such 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 users to interact with touchscreen devices and send/receive communications at any depth without risking device damage, overcoming water pressure limitations and enhancing data transmission capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure balancing module coupled to the first waterproof enclosure. The pressure balancing module is configured to balance pressure within the first waterproof enclosure relative to external ambient conditions
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater communication interface apparatus includes a first waterproof enclosure having an interior configured to house an electronic device with a touchscreen in such a way that the touchscreen of the electronic device is adjacent to a first side of the first waterproof enclosure. The first side of the first waterproof enclosure has a non-rigid transparent membrane and the non-rigid transparent membrane is configured to allow a user to interact with the touchscreen of the electronic device. The apparatus also includes a second waterproof enclosure that houses a control module. The control module is configured to be operatively coupled to the electronic device and an external auxiliary device. The apparatus further includes a pressure balancing module coupled to the first waterproof enclosure. The pressure balancing module is configured to balance pressure within the first waterproof enclosure relative to external ambient conditions. The first and second waterproof enclosures are physically coupled together. An internal pressure of the first waterproof enclosure enables the non-rigid transparent membrane of the first waterproof enclosure to remain within a predetermined distance to the touchscreen of the electronic device. The predetermined distance is one that allows the touchscreen of the electronic device to receive inputs from the user via the non-rigid transparent membrane.