Wetsuit Relief Outlet Using Foldable Elastic Funnel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wetsuits face challenges in providing a durable, comfortable, and easily accessible relief opening that maintains a watertight seal during marine sports, making it difficult to urinate while maintaining thermal insulation and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A foldable, elastic funnel made from watertight material is integrated into the wetsuit, secured by a covering flap, allowing for easy access and closure to prevent water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a relief opening is provided on the crotch area of a wetsuit, then ease of operation for urination is improved, but watertightness and thermal insulation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The relief opening uses a dynamic flap mechanism that can transition between closed (watertight) and open (accessible) states. The flap is secured to the wetsuit interior and can be manually opened during urination, then closed to restore the watertight seal. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt between two functional states, resolving the contradiction between needing access for urination and maintaining thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief opening incorporates a flexible flap made of elastic material that conforms to the wetsuit interior. This thin film structure provides a watertight barrier when closed while remaining flexible enough to allow easy opening and closing. The elastic properties enable the flap to return to its closed position after being opened, automatically restoring the thermal insulation without requiring complex mechanical components.
2Ease of operation
If a relief opening is provided on the crotch area of a wetsuit, then ease of operation for urination is improved, but structural durability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The relief opening employs a dynamic flap mechanism rather than a permanent fixed opening. The flap can be opened only when needed and closed afterward, minimizing the time the structural integrity is compromised. This temporary, controlled access approach maintains overall structural durability while providing necessary functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap is constructed from elastic material that integrates with the wetsuit fabric, distributing stress across a larger area rather than creating a weak point. The flexible nature of the material allows it to stretch and flex with the wetsuit during movement, preventing tearing or detachment that would occur with rigid components in this high-stress area.
3Reliability
If the wetsuit is made substantially watertight, then thermal insulation is improved, but ease of operation for relief is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flap mechanism provides a simple dynamic interface that requires minimal effort to operate. The elastic material and securement design allow the flap to be opened with one hand during sporting activities, maintaining ease of operation despite the overall watertight construction. The simplicity of the mechanism ensures it can be operated quickly without compromising the watertight seal when closed.
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
The solution provides a durable, comfortable, and easily accessible relief outlet that maintains a watertight seal, ensuring user convenience and thermal insulation during marine sports.
Implementation Method 1
Said funnel is folded at least 1 time to close the opening when not in use
Data Source
AI summary
A relief outlet in a wetsuit that is optionally substantially watertight consisting of a foldable funnel made of an elastic and optionally watertight material. Whereby said funnel is open at one and folded at least 1 time to close the opening when not in use.