Zippered Compression Flaps for Dry Suit Bulk Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dry diving suits and kayaking suits are bulky due to excess material, causing buoyancy control issues for divers and fitting problems for kayakers, as the excess fabric traps air and creates bulk, making it difficult to seal properly.

Innovation Solution

The integration of zippered compression flaps that gather and manage excess dry suit material and zipper ends, providing a controlled fit, abrasion protection, and a waterproof barrier for additional accessories, while allowing for easier donning and doffing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dry diving suit is designed with sufficient excess material to allow easy donning and doffing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the suit becomes bulky and creates buoyancy control issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of donning and doffingVSAvoidbulk of excess material

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the excess material and zipper ends from the main body of the dry suit by incorporating them into separate compression flaps. These flaps can be detached or adjusted independently, allowing the excess material to be removed from the diver's profile while maintaining the functionality needed for donning and doffing the suit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The compression flaps are designed to nest within the dry suit structure when not in use. The flaps can be positioned inside the suit body or along the zipper line, consolidating the excess material into a compact form that does not create external bulk or buoyancy issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If a dry diving suit includes sufficient excess material and zipper ends for easy donning and doffing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the suit creates awkward bulges and pillows that affect fit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of donning and doffingVSAvoidfit and contour of the suit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The compression flaps are designed with localized compression features that can be adjusted independently at different locations on the suit. This allows the diver to eliminate bulges and pillows in specific areas while maintaining the necessary material for easy donning and doffing in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a dry diving suit has excess material to accommodate movement and comfort, then the comfort is improved, but the suit creates air traps that compromise buoyancy control

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidbuoyancy control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The compression flaps incorporate adjustable compression mechanisms that allow the diver to change the volume and pressure of material in specific areas. By adjusting the compression level, the diver can eliminate air traps and maintain neutral buoyancy while retaining the comfort and mobility provided by the excess material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If a dry diving suit is designed with excess material for proper fit and movement, then the adaptability is improved, but the suit creates bulk that impedes kayak skirt sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit and movement capabilityVSAvoidbulk at the waist area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10093401B2Diving dry suit having zippered front compression flaps

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 AQUALUNG CORP

AI summary

A dry suit having detachable or permanent zippered compression flaps. The compression flaps can be disposed over the front or the back of a dry suit. The compression flaps are used to gather and hide excess dry suit materials and dry zipper ends under the compression flaps. The compression flaps form a tunnel around the wearer under which a kayak spray skirt or a kite boarding/surfboarding harness can be worn.