Water-Activated Flotation Recovery Device for Submerged Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices struggle to recover articles inadvertently submerged in water, especially those that are too large or heavy for flotation devices, and often interfere with the article's normal use or pose safety risks during retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A recovery device with a housing and buoyant flotation element, activated by water, which allows the flotation element to float to the surface, enabling easy location and retrieval of submerged articles without interfering with their normal use, using a base member for attachment to various items like shotgun magazines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flotation device is attached to prevent an article from sinking, then the article can be recovered easily, but the device interferes with the article's normal use or is not suitable for large/heavy articles
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the flotation function from the article itself by using a detachable housing with a water-activated release mechanism. The flotation element is contained within a separate housing that can be attached to or removed from the article, allowing the article to function normally when the device is not attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-assembled with the flotation element secured inside the housing before attachment to the article. The water-activated release mechanism is pre-configured to automatically deploy the flotation element upon submersion, eliminating the need for manual activation during recovery operations.
2Reliability
If a protective casing is used to enable article use near water, then the article can float, but the article cannot be used while stored in the case
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a separate attachable unit with an opening that allows the article to be inserted and removed easily. The flotation element is contained within the housing, separating the floating function from the article storage function, enabling both protective casing and article accessibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the depth and opacity of water make locating submerged articles difficult, then manual searching becomes dangerous or impossible, but automated retrieval systems add complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation element is designed to be highly visible when deployed, creating a strong visual contrast against the water surface. This allows easy location of the submerged article from the surface without requiring divers or complex search equipment, solving the safety issue while maintaining simple device design.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If currents move the article from its initial submersion location, then the article becomes harder to locate, but adding tracking devices increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation element provides a persistent visual marker that remains on the water surface even as currents move the submerged article. The high-visibility flotation element allows continuous tracking of the article's location without requiring active tracking devices, maintaining simplicity while solving the locatability problem.
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 safe and efficient recovery of submerged articles without compromising their functionality, allowing for the use of a single recovery device with multiple shotgun manufacturers and other accessories, and adaptable for various sizes and types of articles.
Implementation Method 1
The storage chamber contains a flotation element that is buoyant in water. When the device is not submerged in water, the flotation element is prevented from moving toward the opening in the storage chamber by a release mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for recovering articles inadvertently submerged in a body of water are disclosed. The device comprises a housing attachable to the article, the housing defining a storage chamber with a storage chamber opening at one end. The storage chamber contains a buoyant flotation element held in the storage chamber by a water-activated release mechanism that permits the flotation element to move toward and through the storage chamber opening when the device is submerged in water. The flotation element remains connected to the housing by a connection mechanism. The device housing also may include a biasing mechanism configured to bias the flotation element toward the storage chamber opening. The method includes attaching the housing to the article to be retrieved, having the flotation element release from the housing and float to the surface of the water and following the connection mechanism from the flotation element to the housing.