Variable Geometry Water Vehicle for Diving Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater vehicles are designed for specific depths and require complex, costly infrastructure for air supply and sealing, limiting ease of use and stability for divers.
Innovation Solution
A nautical vehicle with variable geometry and integrated breathing and propulsion systems, allowing users to transition between submerged and surfaced positions with adjustable flotation and control mechanisms, including a snorkel system for breathing and pedal-propelled propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed receptacle is used for underwater movement, then passengers can be protected from water, but the device becomes complex and costly with watertight walls and air supply infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional parts: an emerged support structure and a submerged platform. The support remains above water and does not require watertight sealing, while only the platform needs to be water-resistant for passenger protection. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex watertight walls and air supply infrastructure throughout the entire vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The air supply infrastructure is extracted from the submerged portion and relocated to the emerged support structure. Breathing air is supplied through flexible hoses connected to the support that remains above water, eliminating the need for complex underwater air supply systems and watertight sealing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a closed hull is submerged for underwater experience, then passengers can dive, but the device requires complex infrastructure for air supply and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the emerged support from the submerged platform, allowing the platform to be simple and water-resistant rather than fully watertight. The support structure handles all complex infrastructure requirements while remaining above water.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible hoses act as intermediaries to supply breathing air from the emerged support to the submerged platform. This eliminates the need for complex underwater air supply infrastructure while maintaining the ability to provide underwater experience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support is fully submerged, then passengers can be underwater, but breathing becomes difficult without complex air supply systems
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible hoses serve as intermediaries to deliver breathing air from the emerged support to the submerged platform. This simple intermediary system makes breathing easy while submerged without requiring complex air supply infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathing air supply is extracted from the submerged environment and relocated to the emerged support structure, simplifying the breathing system while maintaining submerged capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed for specific diving depths, then underwater exploration is enabled, but transportation to sites and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the transport function (emerged support) from the exploration function (submerged platform). The support can be transported by conventional means and does not require specialized underwater infrastructure, while the platform provides the diving capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The emerged support serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the propulsion system, supplies breathing air, and remains above water during transportation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized infrastructure and transportation costs.
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 practical and stable use in various positions, facilitating easy access to diving sites while reducing user effort and infrastructure costs, with improved stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
flotation means (1, 2) which can be constituted by two substantially parallel floats (1), longitudinally oriented
Implementation Method 2
pedal assemblies (9), arranged so as to allow users to pedal
Implementation Method 3
breathing means which may comprise at least one regulator or snorkel mouthpiece with or without a valve, connected by at least one flexible hose to at least one orifice provided in the part of the structure of said nautical craft which remains on the surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a water vehicle moving on or in a liquid and including a flotation means (1) that is connected by a connection means (6) to a carrier (3), said water vehicle being characterized in that said connection means (6) is shaped so as to enable said carrier (3) to assume at least two positions, namely: - a raised position where the longitudinal axis of said carrier (3) and those of the flotation means (1) substantially extend into the same horizontal plane, the carrier (3) then being on the surface and capable of making up a central shell; and - a lowered position where said carrier (3) extends under the plane comprising the longitudinal axis of each of the flotation means (1), the carrier (3) then being submerged.