Self-Priming Underwater Vortex Ring Generator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underwater devices for generating vortex rings are not self-contained, manually powered, or designed for repeated use without reloading, limiting their functionality and usability in aquatic environments.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained, manually powered underwater device that generates vortex rings using a combination of a liquid chamber and an air chamber separated by a partition wall, allowing for multiple consecutive shots without reloading, with features such as a piston assembly and fluid supply system for efficient air entrainment and vortex ring formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing underwater devices are used to generate vortex rings, then vortex ring generation is possible, but the devices require reloading and cannot be used repeatedly without removal from water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of consecutive vortex rings producedVSAvoiddevice structure for self-containment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional chambers: a liquid chamber for storing water and an air chamber for storing compressed air, separated by a partition wall. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized independently and enables the device to function as a self-contained system that can produce multiple vortex rings without reloading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Compressed air is pre-stored in the air chamber before the device is activated. This preliminary storage of energy allows the device to generate multiple vortex rings in succession without requiring external power sources or reloading, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If a self-contained device with multiple chambers is used, then repeated use without reloading is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation time without reloadingVSAvoidchamber and partition structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid chamber and air chamber are merged into a single integrated housing structure with a partition wall separating them. This combining approach allows the device to achieve extended continuous operation capability while avoiding the complexity of completely separate systems, as the chambers share common structural support and sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall serving to separate the liquid and air chambers also functions as a structural support element and pressure containment boundary. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby extending the duration of continuous operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If air is stored in a separate chamber, then multiple consecutive shots are possible, but the device requires more space and larger volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of vortex rings per chargeVSAvoiddevice volume for air storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The air chamber is nested within the overall device housing in a compact configuration, with the partition wall integrating into the existing structural framework. This nesting approach allows sufficient air storage capacity for multiple consecutive shots while minimizing the overall device volume and avoiding excessive space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 the generation of multiple vortex rings at varying distances, enhancing underwater entertainment and recreational activities while being durable and easy to use, with the ability to shoot rings up to 40 feet without needing to be reloaded or removed from the water.

Implementation Method 1

a piston assembly and a splitter for diverting one portion of the fluid to the piston assembly to thereby move the piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the device generates a vortex ring that is entrained with air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir entrainment: Air Entrainment

Data Source

PatentUS8556674B2Self-priming underwater device for generating or shooting a vortex ring

Publication Date: 2013.10.15 TECMAP

AI summary

A self-priming underwater device for generating a vortex ring entrained with a fluid, includes a handle, a housing including front and rear sections, a trigger for supplying a fluid to the housing, a piston assembly in the rear section of the housing and including a yoke, a piston movable in the yoke, and a plate for displacing a liquid, and a splitter for diverting one portion of the fluid to the piston assembly to thereby move the piston. The front section of the housing includes an opening for discharging a vortex ring therefrom, and a fluid supply member is positioned adjacent the opening for supplying another portion of the fluid to be entrained in the vortex ring.