Patent Application
20250171123
The present invention relates to the field of scuba diving. It finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of diver stabilisation.
Before the invention of stabilisation vests, the diver has been obliged to adjust his/her buoyancy and therefore his/her depth by breathing in or breathing out while keeping air permanently in his/her lungs more or less inflated.
With the arrival of the first stabilisation vests commonly so-called stab in French and in English: BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), the diving experience has changed radically.
This stabilisation vest has a dual function. On the one hand, it allows adjusting the buoyancy of the diver during diving according to the depth and allows in particular controlling his/her ascent towards the surface. On the other hand, this vest allows supporting the scuba tank(s) fastened at the back of the diver.
It should be noted that, over time, various other functions have been assigned to this vest like supporting numerous accessories.
It is interesting to note that the adjustment of the air in this vest is generally regulated by means of the pressure regulator.
Most current pressure regulators are two-stage pressure regulators. This means that the 200 bar air of the tank, so-called High-Pressure (HP) tank, is at first depressurised at Medium Pressure (MP), i.e. about 10 to 12 bars above ambient pressure by the first stage, located directly on the tap of the tank. Several Medium Pressure (MP) pipes run from this pressure regulator: one for the vest and one or two for the second ambient-pressure expansion stage(s), so-called low-pressure (BP) expansion stage(s), enabling the diver to breathe. In the case where there are two second stages, one, the main stage, is used by the diver and the other, so-called the backup stage, is used in case of failure of the main pressure regulator of this diver or of another diver. The pressure regulators of the second stage deliver air at a pressure that can be breathed by the diver according to ambient pressure, the ambient pressure being the pressure of the water at the depth at which the diver is located. This pressure delivered by the second stage is identical to ambient pressure or very close to ambient pressure.
In the prior art, inflation of the vest is done using a pipe directly connected to the first stage of the pressure regulator. The inflation is then actuated by an inflation button located on a manual inflator which is a device including a mouthpiece to enable the diver to inflate his/her stab by blowing into this mouthpiece. In addition, this manual inflator also includes another button allowing venting the vest so as to discharge the air contained therein.
With this type of system of the prior art, the adjustment of the stabilisation is difficult for the diver because, unlike a rigid ballast, the inflatable vest system with flexible air pockets is fundamentally unstable.
With the systems of the prior art, if the diver is stabilised at a given depth and a slight imbalance causes him/her to ascend slightly, then the ambient pressure decreases, the volume of the vest then increases and the Archimedes force causes the diver to ascend even more quickly.
This is very problematic in particular in a phase of ascent of the diver towards the surface where, in order to be able to ascend at a low and regulated speed, so as to avoid decompression accidents, the diver should permanently empty, in a controlled manner, the air contained in the vest. A reciprocal problem arises when descending.
Thus, the known systems are at the origin of numerous diving accidents each year. This problem is even more prevalent at low depth since the gradient of the pressure as a function of the depth varies considerably. Because of this risk of accident, except for first-times which are performed in very shallow waters, scuba diving remains accessible only to relatively experienced divers. Hence, an object of the present invention is to provide a solution at least to some of these problems.
The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon examining the following description and the appended drawings. It should be understood that other advantages may be incorporated.
To achieve this objective, according to a first embodiment, a portable stabilisation system is provided capable of adjusting the depth position of at least one diver in an underwater environment with respect to the surface of the water, the system comprising at least one pressurised gas supply source, at least one respiratory gas supply source, at least one inflatable device, and at least one respiratory device configured to enable the diver to breathe respiratory gas from the respiratory gas supply source and preferably to enable the diver to manually trigger filling of the inflatable device with gas.
The system being configured so as to be able to alternate between:
The stabilisation system comprises an automatic controller configured to automatically switch the configuration of the system between any one of the ascent, stop and descent configurations. The automatic control device comprises an electronic module configured to assess the depth position of the diver and a control module configured to receive at least one depth data from the electronic module and to determine a control command at least from said depth data.
The stabilisation system also comprises a switch device configured to cooperate with the automatic control device so as to switch the configuration of the system according to at least said control command. The switch device comprises at least:
This enables the diver to easily control his/her depth and to stabilise himself/herself at the desired depth.
Thus, the invention allows considerably reducing the risks of uncontrolled ascent which might cause serious decompression accidents. Thus, it solves the problem of significantly improving the safety of underwater diving systems. Thus, the invention enables inexperienced divers to access the pleasure of diving. Furthermore, the invention provides significantly improved comfort, since it enables the diver to facilitate stabilisation thereof at a desired depth.
In particular, this allows discharging respiratory gas from the inflatable device in a simple, reliable, rapid and easy manner.
Without the present invention, the diver might be forced to take on a complex, unpleasant or troublesome posture to cause a pressure differential between the pressure of the air contained in the inflatable device and the ambient pressure at an outlet of the air contained in the inflatable device, in order to discharge part of the gas present in the inflatable device.
Advantageously, this technical solution allows controlling the depth of the diver manually or automatically.
Another aspect relates to a method for stabilising the depth position of at least one diver in an underwater environment with respect to the surface of the water, said diver comprising at least one system according to the invention, a pressurised gas supply source, at least one inflatable device, the method comprising at least the following steps implemented by the automatic control device:
This allows compensating for depth variations related to variations in the volume of respiratory gas present in the lungs of the diver when he/she breathes.
Another aspect relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when they are performed by at least one processor, executes at least the steps of the method.
The aims, objects, as well as the features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment of the latter which is illustrated by the following appended drawings, wherein:
The drawings are given as examples and do not limit the invention. They consist of schematic principle illustrations intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily plotted to the scale of practical applications. In particular, the dimensions do not represent reality.
Before starting a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that could optionally be used in combination or alternatively are set out hereinafter:
According to one example, the pressurised gas supply source and the respiratory gas supply source form one single pressurised respiratory gas supply source.
According to one example, the discharge module is configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to reduce the amount of gas contained in the inflatable device when the system is in the deflation configuration by creation of a pressure differential.
According to one example, the pressure differential is generated automatically and/or manually. This may consist of a pressure differential between the pressure of the air contained in the inflatable device and the ambient pressure at an outlet of the air contained in the inflatable device. According to one example, the discharge module comprises a discharge gas outlet intended to be arranged at a lower depth than the depth of the inflatable device, in particular when the diver is in the horizontal swimming or ascent position. The pressure differential is generated by positioning the control device at a depth lower than the depth of the inflatable device.
According to one example, the discharge module comprises a suction module configured to cooperate with the pressurised gas supply source and with the inflatable device so as to reduce the amount of gas contained in the device when the system is in the deflation configuration. The pressure differential is generated by the suction module.
According to one example, this pressure differential corresponds to suction of part of the gas contained in the inflatable device.
According to one example, the suction module comprises:
The suction module is configured so that, when the system is in the deflation configuration, the suction module is supplied with pressurised gas by the supply source through its pressurised gas secondary inlet. The suction module is configured so that this pressurised gas supply causes, by Venturi effect, a suction of the air contained in the inflatable device. This air is sucked into the suction module throughout the suction gas primary inlet of the suction module.
The suction gas is then discharged through the suction gas primary outlet. According to one example, the primary outlet is fluidly connected to the surrounding environment. In this case, the air extracted from the inflatable device is then released. The pressurised gas originating from the supply source through the secondary inlet of the suction module is also discharged through the suction gas primary outlet.
In practice, a very small amount of air originating from the supply source is enough to create this suction by Venturi effect. It is then possible to deflate the vest in a perfectly easy manner for the diver without having to create a pressure differential by placing the mouthpiece of the inflator at a depth lower than that of the inflatable device, typically his/her stabilisation vest.
According to one example, the switch device comprises a pressurised gas secondary outlet configured to cooperate with the suction module and to form a deflation circuit with the pressurised gas primary inlet.
This allows using the pressurised gas of the supply source to generate the Venturi effect. Preferably, this allows producing energy to actuate a suction device.
According to one example, the suction module comprises:
This allows sucking in at least part of the respiratory gas from the inflatable device without the diver having to physically create by himself/herself a pressure differential between the pressure of the air contained in the inflatable device and the ambient pressure at an outlet of the air contained in the inflatable device.
For example, during the descent, the diver should not hold the pipe over his/her head so as to create a pressure difference between the air contained in the vest and the air outlet, which, hitherto, has put the diver in positions that are not very comfortable.
Indeed, this allows emptying the air contained in the inflatable device in a simple, reliable and barely restrictive, and even non restrictive at all, manner.
According to one example, the pressurised gas secondary inlet comprises a diameter larger than the suction gas primary inlet.
According to one example, the pressurised gas secondary inlet is aligned with the suction gas primary outlet so as to define a flow path of the pressurised gas, and wherein the suction gas primary inlet is arranged orthogonally to said flow path of the pressurised gas.
According to one example, the pressurised gas secondary inlet is aligned with the pressurised gas primary outlet so as to define a pressurised gas flow path having a diameter, this diameter having a constriction at the suction gas primary inlet according to the direction of circulation of the pressurised gas along the respiratory gas flow path.
According to one example, the system is further configured to have a regulation configuration configured to stabilise the depth position of said diver by regulating, preferably automatically, the amount of gas present in the inflatable device.
According to one example, the electronic module comprises at least one depth sensor configured to assess the depth at which the diver is located.
According to one example, the electronic module is immersed, preferably entirely, in a sealed material, preferably in resin.
According to one example, the control module is immersed, preferably entirely, in a sealed material, preferably in resin.
According to one example, the system comprises at least one safety valve configured to alternately enable and interrupt the supply of system with pressurised gas.
According to one example, the system comprises a manual control device configured to manually switch the configuration of the system between any one of the ascent, stop and descent configurations.
According to one example, the automatic control device and the manual control device are physically secured to one another.
According to one example, the switch device comprises at least one multi-valve comprising at least one actuator able to move a movable element between at least a first position, a second position and a third position, the first position being configured to switch the system at least in part into the stop configuration, the second position being configured to switch the system into the deflation configuration, the third position being configured to switch the system into the inflation configuration.
This allows controlling the configuration of the stabilisation system simply by translation of the movable element of the multi-valve.
According to one example, the multi-valve comprises at least one body in which the movable element moves via the actuator, this body comprising the pressurised gas primary inlet, the pressurised gas primary outlet, a pressurised gas secondary outlet and a suction gas secondary outlet, the pressurised gas secondary outlet being fluidly connected to the suction module, and the suction gas secondary outlet being fluidly connected to the suction module.
According to one example, the movable element is at least partially movable in rotation about an axis of rotation.
According to one example, the movable element is at least partially movable in translation according to an axis of translation.
According to one example, the pressurised gas secondary outlet being connected to the pressurised gas secondary inlet of the suction module and the discharge gas secondary outlet being connected to the suction gas primary inlet of the suction module.
According to one example, the movable element is shaped so as to cooperate with the body of the multi-valve in order to form pressurised gas circulation circuits according to the configuration of the system, these paths comprising at least:
An inflation circuit formed at least in part between the pressurised gas primary inlet and the pressurised gas primary outlet when the system is in the inflation configuration;
A supply circuit of the suction module formed at least in part between the pressurised gas primary inlet and the pressurised gas secondary outlet when the system is in the deflation configuration;
A deflation circuit formed at least in part between the suction gas secondary inlet and the suction gas secondary outlet when the system is in the deflation configuration.
According to one example, the movable element comprises at least one reflective element able to reflect at least one light ray.
This allows having a sensor enabling the control device to know in real-time the configuration of the stabilisation system.
This also allows having a sensor that is barely sensitive, and even not sensitive at all, to the marine and underwater environment.
According to one example, the switch device comprises at least one set of valves comprising at least an inflation valve, a deflation valve and a supply valve of the suction module, and wherein the inflation valve is configured to fluidly connect the pressurised gas supply source to the inflatable device, and wherein the deflation valve is configured to fluidly connect the inflatable device to the suction module so that at least part of the gas contained in the inflatable device is sucked in by a Venturi effect or by another suction device, the supply valve of the suction module being configured to fluidly connect the pressurised gas supply source to the suction module so as to generate said Venturi effect enabling suction of at least part of the gas present in the inflatable device.
According to one example, the automatic control device cooperates at least with:
The control module of the switch device configured to modify the configuration of the system;
An optical emitter and an optical receiver configured to enable monitoring of the configuration of the system;
The electronic module comprising at least:
A respiratory sensor configured to enable assessment of the respiratory rate of the diver;
A depth sensor configured to enable assessment of the depth of the diver;
A plurality of actuators configured to enable control of the automatic control device by a diver. Preferably, the actuators are configured to be actuated by a diver in order to enable control of the automatic control device by a diver, so that said control instruction depends on the actuation by the diver of the plurality of actuators.
A microprocessor configured to execute a series of control instructions of the system.
This enables the diver to control the stabilisation system and obtain diving information.
According to one example, the reflective element is configured to cooperate with the optical emitter and with the optical receiver so as to establish at least one optical path between the optical emitter and the optical receiver according to the configuration of the system.
According to one example, the respiratory sensor is configured to cooperate with the automatic control device and with the depth sensor so that the automatic control device controls the switch device so as to switch the configuration of the system according to the adjustment of the amount of gas required in the inflatable device to counterbalance the respiratory gas present in the lungs of the diver and the depth variations of the diver generated by breathing thereof.
This allows compensating for the depth variations related to the variations in the volume of respiratory gas present in the lungs of the diver during breathing thereof.
According to one example, the system comprises at least a first actuator and a second actuator among the plurality of actuators, the first actuator comprising a first optical emitter and a first optical receiver, the second actuator comprising a second optical emitter and a second optical receiver, the first optical emitter being configured to emit a first series of pulses in the direction of the first optical receiver, and the second optical emitter being configured to emit a second series of pulses in the direction of the second optical receiver, the emission of the second series of pulses being offset over time by a predetermined time period with respect to the emission of the first series of pulses, so that, when the pulses of the first series of pulses are emitted, no pulse of the second series of pulses is emitted, and so that, when the pulses of the second series of pulses are emitted, no pulse of the first series of pulses is emitted.
Alternatively, the system comprises a particular capture device configured to enable exchange of codes corresponding to an ascent order or to a descent order. According to another particular example, the system comprises another alternative solution, an optical member configured so as to concentrate the emission light so that it cannot illuminate one single target cell while avoiding the others. Thus, it illuminates one single target cell.
According to one example, the system comprises at least one discharge circuit comprising a plurality of turns arranged between a discharge gas inlet and a discharge gas outlet.
This allows delaying any infiltration of water into the discharge circuit.
According to one example, the discharge gas outlet is fluidly connected to a check-valve comprising a gas discharge and being configured to avoid water infiltrating the discharge circuit via the discharge gas outlet.
According to one example, the automatic control device comprises at least one hygrometric sensor arranged at least in part in the discharge circuit and being configured to enable detection of the presence of water in the discharge circuit.
According to one example, the automatic control device is immersed, preferably entirely, in a sealed material, preferably in resin.
This allows protecting any electronic element of the control device from sea effects.
This allows sealing the control device which comprises optical actuators.
In one example, the system comprises an assembly which comprises a turbine and an alternator, the energy system being fluidly connected to the pressurised gas supply source and configured so as to transform the pressurised gas into electrical energy.
According to one example, the system comprises at least two assemblies configured to be mounted in series or in parallel.
According to one example, the system comprises a storage device able to supply electrical energy to the system so as to enable proper operation thereof and to store the electrical energy output by the energy system.
The present invention relates to a depth stabilisation system for a diver. This system is designed so as to enable the diver to manually or automatically control, via a control device, his/her ascent, his/her descent and his/her stabilisation during scuba diving.
As described later on, this system has been ingeniously designed so as to ensure safety, reliability and comfort to the diver.
According to a preferred embodiment, the stabilisation system is portable so as to be carried by the diver.
According to another embodiment, at least one portion of the system may be remote at surface or not so as not to be integrally carried by the diver.
According to one embodiment, a portion of the stabilisation system is comprised by a marine vehicle, preferably an underwater marine vehicle.
According to one example, the switch device is carried by a first diver and so that the automatic control device is configured to be carried at least partially by a second diver, so that the second diver controls the switch device of the first diver.
According to one example, the system comprises an energy system comprising an assembly which comprises at least one turbine and at least one alternator, the energy system being positioned so as to be in contact with a flow of the gas derived from the pressurised gas supply source and configured so as to transform part of the energy of this flow into electrical energy. According to one example, the system comprises at least two assemblies configured to be mounted in series or in parallel.
According to one example, the system comprises an electrical energy storage device able to supply electrical energy to the system and to store the electrical energy output by the energy system.
According to one example, the system also comprises a respiratory sensor configured to enable assessment of the respiratory rate of the diver, the control module being configured to determine the control instruction also according to the assessment of the respiratory rate of the diver.
According to another embodiment, a portion of the stabilisation system may be carried by a first user and another portion by a second user. For example, the first user may be a diving professor and the second user may be a student learning to dive for example. According to this embodiment, the first user may have a remote control device enabling control of the amount of gas present in the inflatable device carried by the second user.
This particularly advantageous embodiment allows avoiding decompression accidents when an inexperienced diver rises too quickly to the surface. Similarly, this avoids an unexperienced diver escaping the attention of his/her instructor and descending too deep.
In the case of group diving, this embodiment enables the dive leader to position all divers at the depth that he/she wishes. This depth control may be adjusted individually for each diver. On the contrary, this control may be unique for all of the divers of the group dive. This enables the instructor to manage the stages performed by the divers in full safety.
According to one example, the invention relates to a method for stabilising the depth position of at least one first diver in an underwater environment with respect to the surface of the water, using at least one system wherein the switch device is carried by a first diver and the automatic control device is carried at least in part by a second diver, the method comprising the following steps:
Thus, the invention enables untrained divers to perform sorties at depths usually reserved for the more experimented divers without any risk of decompression induced by excessively rapid ascents.
For this purpose, it is possible to provide for the switch device carried by a first diver receiving a control or switch instruction from a second diver (the instructor or dive leader). Thus, remotely, the control device of the second diver transmits switch instructions to the first diver.
Advantageously, the stabilisation system allows adjusting the depth position of a diver in an underwater environment with respect to the surface of the water. In an ingenious manner, the stabilisation system is configured to cooperate with the common devices and apparatuses of a diver. Thus, the stabilisation system is configured to cooperate with at least one pressurised gas supply source, like for example one or more scuba tank(s), and with at least one inflatable device, like for example a stabilisation vest, commonly called stab, or with a ballast or a buoy for example. Preferably, the stabilisation system may be configured to cooperate with at least one respiratory device. This respiratory device is configured to enable the diver to breathe respiratory gas from a pressurised gas supply source. Advantageously, the pressurised gas supply source and the respiratory gas supply source form one single pressurised respiratory gas supply source. As described later on, this respiratory device may also be configured to enable the diver to manually trigger filling of the inflatable device with gas and/or venting thereof via a manual vent circuit. According to one embodiment, the stabilisation system is configured to alternately have several configurations.
For example, the stabilisation system is configured to have an inflation configuration. This inflation configuration is configured to reduce the depth position of the diver by inflating the device inflatable at least in part, and possibly subsequently deflating when the pressure exerted on the inflatable device decreases during the ascent of the user towards the surface. Hence, reducing the depth position means rising in the direction of the surface of the water.
For example, the stabilisation system is configured to have a deflation configuration. This deflation configuration is configured to increase the depth position of the diver by deflating the inflatable device at least in part. Hence, increasing the depth position means descending in the direction of the seabed and away from the surface of the water.
For example, the stabilisation system is configured to have a stop configuration. This stop configuration is configured to stabilise the depth position of said diver by enabling ejection of the gas in the device so as to hold the depth position of the diver. In the stop configuration, the system is configured to inject gas into the inflatable device or extract gas out of the inflatable device. By holding of the position of the diver, it should be understood the fact that the depth at which the diver is located does not vary by more than 1 m.
Advantageously, and according to one embodiment, the stabilisation system is configured to have a regulation configuration. This regulation configuration is configured to regulate the amount of gas present in the inflatable device. Thus, in the regulation configuration, the amount of gas present in the inflatable device is adjusted; this adjustment, preferably automatic, allows adding and/or extracting and/or preserving a predetermined amount of gas of the inflatable device so as to compensate for the depth variations generated by breathing of the diver.
Thus, advantageously, the stabilisation system is configured to switch from one configuration to another automatically and/or manually.
By inflation configuration, it should be understood an inflation configuration of the stabilisation system leading to an ascent of the diver. Similarly, by deflation configuration, it should be understood a configuration for deflating the stabilisation system leading to a descent of the diver. By lower depth, it should be understood a position of the immersed system closer to the surface of the water. In other words, by greater or more significant depth, it should be understood a position of the immersed system farther from the surface of the water, and therefore located vertically under the lower depth.
According to a preferred embodiment, the stabilisation system comprises at least:
As described later on, the automatic control device comprises at least:
As described in the figures hereinafter, the switch device comprises at least:
According to one embodiment, the discharge module comprises a gas outlet. This gas outlet is intended to be arranged at a lower depth than the depth of the inflatable device. Thus, this allows creating the pressure differential. Thus, this pressure differential may be created manually, for example. Thus, the pressure differential is generated by positioning the automatic control device at a depth lower than the depth of the inflatable device, preferably by the user himself/herself. According to one embodiment, the discharge module comprises a suction module configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to reduce the amount of gas contained in the inflatable device. Preferably, this suction is generated by Venturi effect. In a known manner, a nozzle of the suction system allows generating a pressure differential by Venturi effect. In a known manner, the nozzle has a passage section constriction. This thus allows automatically generating the pressure differential and thus avoids the user having to manually create the pressure differential between the ambient pressure at the depth of the inflatable device and the pressure of the air at an outlet of the inflatable device by positioning the outlet of the inflator over his/her head, for example. It should be noted that the suction module may also have another configuration, without implementing the Venturi effect.
Advantageously, the suction module comprises at least:
It should be noted that the gas present in the inflatable device may comprise respiratory gas and/or a gas not to be breathed in but originating, for example, from outbreathing of the diver, this might be the case when the diver inflates the inflatable device by himself/herself.
Preferably, the suction module is configured so that, when the system is in the deflation and/or regulation configuration, the pressurised gas secondary inlet is fluidly connected to the pressurised gas primary inlet and the suction gas primary inlet is configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to deflate the inflatable device by suction. According to a non-limiting embodiment, this suction is ingeniously made possible throughout a Venturi effect. Advantageously, this Venturi effect is generated by the pressurised gas entering through the pressurised gas secondary inlet. Thus, the gas sucked in through the suction gas primary inlet and at least part of the pressurised gas are then discharged through the suction gas primary outlet of the suction module.
According to a particular embodiment, the system 100 comprises a Venturi or Venturi device configured so as to suck in the gas present in the inflatable device 300 in order to avoid the diver having to hold the system 100 over his/her head during the ascent phase. The Venturi behaves like an aspirator. The Venturi allows deflating the inflatable device 300 without having to create a pressure difference between the pressure level present in the inflatable device 300 and the pressure level at the respiratory gas discharge 660. Advantageously, the Venturi is arranged in a reversed manner.
It should be noted that, according to a preferred embodiment, the system may comprise a pressure drop device allowing isolating the manual vent circuit from the deflation circuit at least partially.
Thus, this stabilisation system enables a manual or automatic piloting of the amount of gas present in the inflatable device and therefore enables adjustment of the depth of the diver.
In addition, as described later on, in an ingenious manner, the respiratory rate of the diver may be considered to counterbalance its effect on the stabilisation of the diver in depth. Indeed, at each inbreathing and at each outbreathing, the diver oscillates in depth because of the volume of respiratory gas fluctuating in his/her lungs. Advantageously, the present system also enables measurement and/or forecast and/or prediction of the respiratory rate of the diver so as to compensate for these fluctuations by adjusting in real-time the amount of gas present in the inflatable device.
The present invention will now be described throughout
In these two figures, the system 100 is in the stop configuration, i.e. the amount of respiratory gas present in the inflatable device 300 is left unchanged.
In particular, it should be noted that neither the inflation circuit 611 nor the deflation circuit 621 are open.
In
In
According to one embodiment, when the system is in the regulation configuration, it alternates between an inflation, deflation, ans even stop configuration. Indeed, in the regulation configuration, the amount of gas present in the inflatable device 300 is either adjusted continuously and in real-time, or adjusted according to the needs of the user.
Indeed, according to one embodiment and as a non-limiting example, the stabilisation system 100 may be configured so as to limit the ascent speed of the user. In particular, depth stages may be configured in the stabilisation system 100 so that, when the user wishes to rise to the surface, the system automatically controls the buoyancy of the diver so as to comply with these predetermined stages. Also, when the diver is in a stage, the system can automatically block the ascent for a predetermined time period. Nonetheless, and for safety, an emergency ascent function may be provided for allowing bypassing the automatic system.
In
Advantageously, the pressurised gas supply source 200 is thus a pressurised respiratory gas supply source.
In these figures, the pressurised gas supply source 200 is also fluidly connected to the switch device 600 so as to supply it with pressurised gas where necessary, preferably when the diver and/or the automatic control device 500 automatically considers it necessary to inflate the inflatable device 300 or to deflate the inflatable device 300. It should be noted that the pressurised gas supply source 200 is fluidly connected to the switch device 600 through the previously-described pressurised gas primary inlet 610.
Finally, the pressurised gas supply source 200 is fluidly connected to the respiratory device 400, for example so as to be able to manually supply the inflatable device 300 with pressurised gas throughout a manual inflation actuator 410.
In these figures, the inflatable device 300 preferably, yet without limitation, comprises a stabilisation vest worn by the diver and which is fluidly connected to the switch device 600, preferably via the pressurised gas primary outlet 620 of the switch device. According to one embodiment, the inflatable device 300 is a stabilisation vest worn by the diver.
According to one embodiment, the inflatable device may be filled with gas directly by the user by blowing in via a pipe, like, for example, via the respiratory mouthpiece 430.
In these figures, the inflatable device 300 is fluidly connected to the respiratory device 400, preferably via an inflation outlet 310. In these figures, It should be noted that the inflation inlet 411 is fluidly connected to the pressurised gas supply source 200 and that via the manual inflation actuator 410, the diver can make the pressurised gas circulate from the supply source 200 towards the inflatable device 300, preferably in at least part of the respiratory device 400, and advantageously via a manual inflation valve 412.
One could notice in these figures that the respiratory device 400 may also comprise a manual vent actuator 420 of the inflatable device 300. This actuator 420 drives a vent valve 421 configured to open a circuit for discharging the gas contained in the inflatable device 300 manually. This discharge then takes place preferably via the respiratory gas outlet 422. The manual vent actuator 420 and the vent valve 421 are part of the manual vent circuit. Preferably, this manual functionality, common in the prior art, is just a manual solution in the event of a dysfunction of the automatic control device for example, yet it obliges the diver to take uncomfortable positions well-known to divers.
According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises at least one pressure drop device configured to isolate the manual vent circuit at least partially from the deflation circuit described later on. In particular, this device may be made by a ball, knife-gate or membrane type valve.
According to a preferred embodiment, the stabilisation system 100 comprises at least one safety valve 604. This safety valve 604 is configured to alternately enable and prevent the supply of the system 100 with pressurised gas.
According to one embodiment, this safety valve 604 enables operation only in the manual mode or in the automatic mode. This prevents the system from operating simultaneously according to the manual and automatic modes. According to this embodiment, this safety valve 604 directs the supply of pressurised gas either towards the manual control device or towards the automatic control device.
According to another embodiment, the safety valve 604 enables continuous operation of the manual mode and of the automatic mode. Nonetheless, and preferably, switching into the manual position allows isolating the supply of the automatic control device with pressurised gas. This allows avoiding losing breathable air in the event where the electronics and/or the mechanics on the automatic side would be defective and the pressurised gas supply source is a pressurised respiratory gas supply source. Thus, this safety valve allows, according to one positioning, isolating the automatic mode from the manual mode and thus preserving safety of the user in the event of an electronic and/or mechanical problem.
Advantageously, this safety valve 604 is a ball valve.
In
The switch device 600 also comprises the suction gas secondary inlet 622 intended to form the deflation circuit 621 with the suction gas secondary outlet 623. It should be noted that, in a combined or alternative manner, this secondary outlet 622 may also be ensured by the pressurised gas primary outlet 620, as illustrated in
This suction gas secondary outlet 623 is configured to be fluidly connected to the suction gas primary inlet 632 of the suction module 630 when the system 100 is in the deflation and/or regulation configuration.
In these figures, and according to a preferred embodiment, It should be noted that the switch device 600 comprises a multi-valve.
Preferably, this multi-valve comprises at least one movable element and an actuator 521. According to one embodiment, this actuator may comprise an electric motor and/or a pneumatic device, like a cylinder for example. Preferably, this actuator 521 is able to move the movable element between at least a first position, a second position and a third position.
Advantageously, the first position is configured to switch the system 100 into the stop configuration, the second position is configured to switch the system 100 into the deflation configuration, the third position is configured to switch the system 100 into the inflation configuration.
Advantageously, the first position, i.e. that one corresponding to the stop configuration, is kinematically located between the second position, i.e. that one corresponding to the deflation configuration, and the third position, i.e. that one corresponding to the inflation configuration. Preferably, the multi-valve thus comprises a body in which the movable element moves via the actuator 521.
According to one embodiment, this body comprises the pressurised gas primary inlet 610, the pressurised gas primary outlet 620, a pressurised gas secondary outlet 613, a suction gas secondary inlet 622, a suction gas secondary outlet 623. It should be noted that, when the system 100 is in the deflation and/or stop configuration, the pressurised gas secondary outlet 613 is fluidly connected to the pressurised gas secondary inlet 631 of the suction module 630 and the suction gas secondary outlet 623 is fluidly connected to the suction gas primary inlet 632.
Thus, and in an ingenious manner, the movable element is configured to cooperate with the body of the multi-valve in order to alternately form respiratory gas circulation pathways.
In the inflation configuration, for example, the pressurised gas primary inlet 610 forms, with the pressurised gas primary outlet 620, the inflation circuit 611 enabling circulation of a portion of pressurised gas from the supply source 200 towards the inflatable device 300.
In the deflation configuration, for example, the pressurised gas primary inlet 610 forms, with the pressurised gas secondary outlet 613 and with the secondary inlet 631 of the suction module 630, the pressurised gas supply circuit 612 of the suction module 630, and the suction gas secondary inlet 622 forms, with the suction gas secondary outlet 623 and with the suction gas primary inlet 632 of the suction module 630, the deflation circuit 621 enabling suction of part of the respiratory gas from the inflatable device 300 towards the suction gas primary outlet 633 of the suction module 630.
In the stop configuration, for example, the system 100 can switch, preferably automatically, between the deflation configuration and the inflation configuration so as to adjust the amount of respiratory gas present in the inflatable device 300 or can then simply close the previous circuits 611, 612 and 621 so as to keep the amount of respiratory gas present in the inflatable device 300 constant.
According to one embodiment, and as shown more specifically in
According to another embodiment, and as shown more specifically in
In an ingenious manner, this or these optical emitters-receivers are mounted in the automatic control device 500. Preferably, this or these optical emitters-receivers are optically connected to the switch device 600 via one or more optical fibre(s) and/or waveguide(s).
Thus, when the movable element is at a given position, i.e. when the system 100 is at a given configuration, a given optical path 532 may be established, or not, and thus be detected, or not, by the automatic control device 500, this enabling the automatic control device 500 and its embedded electronics to determine the configuration of the system 100 for example.
As will be described more specifically hereinafter, the automatic control device 500 is embedded entirely into a resin so as to protect all electronic elements from the marine and preferably underwater environment. Thus, the present system 100 uses, in a very ingenious manner, an optical control and transmission technology based, at least in part, on optical fibre technologies.
This pressure differential enables adjustment of the amount of gas present in the inflatable device 300. Nonetheless, even though the generation of this pressure differential is manual, the system 100 could nonetheless enable, or not, the discharge of the gas, for example in order to comply with depth stages.
According to another embodiment, the pressure differential is generated automatically, thereby relieving the user from having to do it by himself/herself.
According to this embodiment, the multi-valve may be replaced and/or completed by a plurality of controlled valves 601, 602, 603 enabling, or not, the establishment of the inflation 611, deflation 621 and supply 612 circuits of the suction module 630. Preferably yet not exclusively, this plurality of controlled valves 601, 602, 603 are distinct from one another.
Thus, for example, the inflation valve 601 is activated when the system is in the inflation and/or stop configuration so as to establish the inflation circuit 611.
For example, the deflation valve 602 is activated when the system is in the deflation and/or stop configuration so as to establish the deflation circuit 621.
For example, the supply valve 603 of the suction module 630 is activated when the system is in the deflation and/or stop configuration so as to establish the circuit 612 for supplying the suction module 630 with pressurised gas.
Finally, one could notice in
According to a preferred embodiment, and as schematically illustrated in
In an ingenious manner, the discharge gas inlet 641 is fluidly connected to the suction gas primary outlet 633 of the suction module 630 so as to enable discharge of part of the gas contained in the inflatable device 300.
Preferably, the discharge gas outlet 642 is fluidly connected to a check-valve 650 itself fluidly connected to a gas discharge 660. This check valve is configured to enable discharge of the gas from the suction module 630 towards the outlet 660 and to limit, preferably prevent, water from entering the suction module 630 and preferably into the discharge circuit 640.
It should be noted that the discharge circuit 640 advantageously comprises a plurality of turns so as to slow down water in the event of a failure of the check-valve 650 or a leakage of the discharge circuit 640.
Advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises a hygrometric sensor 540, preferably based on an optical technology, or on an electronic technology for detecting an electric current between two electrodes, as a non-limiting example. This hygrometric sensor 540 is configured to enable detection of a water infiltration in the discharge circuit 640. This then allows alerting the diver 700 who could, for example, inject pressurised gas from the supply source 200 into the discharge circuit 640 so as to expel water present therein. This pressurised gas injection may also be triggered automatically by the automatic control device 500.
Advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises and/or cooperates at least with:
It should be noted that, according to one embodiment, the manual inflation 410 and manual vent 420 actuators may also be mounted in the automatic control device 500. This enables the user to have all controls on the same device. It should be noted that, in a safe manner, the manual inflation 410 and manual vent 420 actuators may be mechanical actuators as provided for a respiratory device 400, for example.
Advantageously, the respiratory sensor 510 is configured to cooperate with the automatic control device 500 and with the depth sensor so that the automatic control device 500 could determine the depth variations of the diver according to his/her breathing. Thus, the automatic control device 500 can control the switch device 600, and preferably the actuator 521 and/or the controlled valves 601, 602 and 603, so as to switch the configuration of the system 100 according to the adjustment of the amount of gas required in the inflatable device 300 to counterbalance the amount of respiratory gas present in the lungs of the diver and the relating depth variations of the diver.
Advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises a hygrometric sensor 540 arranged in the discharge circuit 640 so as to detect the presence of water in the discharge circuit 640 as described before.
One could notice in
In
In
Thus, the automatic control device 500 is ingeniously designed to enable the diver to manage all of the functionalities of the system 100 and facilitate diving thereof while ensuring his/her safety. It should be noted that, advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises an electric battery configured to be recharged preferably by induction.
To protect the electronics of the automatic control device 500, the latter is embedded, preferably entirely, in resin, such that all electronic components are protected from sea aggressions. In addition, at least part of the actuators are optical actuators designed according to the principle of interruption or non-interruption of a light ray between an optical emitter and an optical receiver. This optical technology not being affected, or very little, by the marine and underwater conditions, this guarantees significant reliability and longevity to the automatic control device 500.
The present invention also relates to a method for stabilising, preferably dynamically, the depth position of a diver equipped with the present invention. This method comprises at least the following steps implemented by the control device:
In an ingenious manner, the depth of the diver is no longer affected, or very little, by his/her breathing. This is very advantageous for example when the diver wishes to be accurately stabilised in depth, for example, to make an underwater video. This is also advantageous when an unexperienced diver should be automatically assisted to be stabilised in depth, for example in order to avoid decompression accidents.
According to one embodiment, the automatic control device 500 also comprises a memory module, preferably non-transitory, allowing storing a plurality of data and also control instructions of the switch device 600, according to commands transmitted by the actuators, and also according to parameters measured by various sensors. Thus, the present invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when they are performed by the microprocessor of the automatic control device 500, executes at least the steps of the previously-described stabilisation method. It should be noted that, advantageously, and for continuous improvement and/or legal evidence in the event of a lawsuit reasons, at least part of the latest information and of the latest actions are recorded on a non-transitory memory, preferably until saturation of said memory, which could amounts to several tens dives, or several hundred, for example.
According to one embodiment, the automatic control device 500 comprises a plurality of electronic elements, preferably entirely, immersed in a sealed material, like resin, for example.
According to one embodiment, at least part, and preferably all, of the actuators of the automatic control device 500 are optical actuators, i.e. they operate according to the principle of interruption or non-interruption of one or more light rays, preferably these light rays are infrared rays, advantageously these light rays may be lasers. Thus, for example, to actuate the ascent actuator, the diver just has to place his/her finger at the location corresponding to the actuator, this then causes interruption of one of several light rays and then notifies the automatic control device 500 of the action performed by the user.
This optical technology and this electronics immersed in a sealed material enable the automatic control device 500 to be protected from aggressions by the marine and underwater environment and confers increased safety on the embedded electronics. Seawater contains many particles which has the effect of diffracting the light rays and the emission of the “assent” button can perfectly find a way to arrive at the receiver of the “descent” button. To counter this parasitic phenomenon, several techniques have been developed during the development of the present invention. For example, and according to one embodiment, the optical messages transmitted by each emitter are encoded so as to be interpreted only by the appropriate receiver to which they are intended. Encoding the optical signal(s) enables individualisation of said optical signals. According to another preferred embodiment, each signal comprises a series of pulses and the sending of each signal is offset in time between each source so that one single pulse is emitted at a given time point. Thus, a first emitter transmits a first series of pulses, and a second emitter transmits a second series of pulses, the emission of the second series of pulses then being offset by a predetermined time period with respect to the emission of the first series of pulses. For example, this predetermined time is equal to one hundredth of one second. No pulse of the first series of pulses is emitted at the same time as a pulse of the second series of pulses and vice versa. This alternation of pulses, in other words this transmission frequency, enables the receivers to identify the transmitter of the received signal. Advantageously, several, for example three, interruptions in sequence are required to validate the presence of the finger of the diver, i.e. to validate an action.
As illustrated in
According to one embodiment, the pressurised gas contained in the source 200 enables the diver 700, to transform, via the energy generator 800, a pneumatic energy into an electrical energy necessary for the proper operation of the system 100.
The energy generator 800 comprises a storage device 820 configured so as to be alternately recharged and discharged.
Advantageously, the energy generator 800 comprises a turbine device 811 and an alternator 812 configured so as to be electrically connected to one another so as to transform the energy of the gas flow derived from the pressurised gas supply source 200 into electrical energy, in other words so as to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. The turbine may comprise blades or vanes.
Furthermore, the system 100 is advantageously configured to operate in an energy-standalone manner, i.e. using only a pneumatic general power supply, preferably from the air contained under high pressure in the tank.
According to a particular embodiment, the control device 500 may be configured to enable the actuation of a pressurised air intake in the energy generator 800.
Alternatively, the system is configured to enable passage of a pressurised gas from the pressurised gas supply source 200 to the energy generator 800, preferably without interfering with the inflation or deflation of the inflatable device 300.
Advantageously, the energy generator 800 comprises an electrical system 810. The system 810 comprises a turbine 811 extending according to a drive axis X8. The turbine 811 being configured so as to be driven in rotation according to the drive axis X8 by the gas derived from the pressurised gas supply source 200. Preferably, the pressurised gas 200 being expanded at an average pressure throughout a pipe 814 or a guide nozzle. At least one portion of the turbine 811 being inside the pipe 814 in an operating configuration.
The turbine 811 and the alternator 812 being further configured so as to supply power to the storage device 820. For example, the storage device 820 may consist of a rechargeable battery or a capacitor. Recharging and/or discharge of the storage device 820 being configured to be performed directly or via an electronic regulation device.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Advantageously, the first axis X8 and the second axis X8′ being collinear and non-coincident. The energy generator 800 being configured so that the first assembly and the second assembly form a parallel mounting. Thus, this embodiment allows for a much greater power generation.
In this embodiment, the energy system 800 comprises a pipe with two separate hermetic portions. As illustrated in
Preferably, the energy generator 800 comprising at least one alternator and one turbine. The energy generator 800 being configured so as to be able to electrically power directly via an electronic board, the control device 500 and/or enable recharging of a storage system 820 which could, for example, consist of a battery and/or a capacitor.
The present invention allows access to diving to beginner divers by facilitating numerous procedures while guaranteeing safety of the users.
Advantageously, the system comprises batteries which could be recharged by induction in the case where the turbine does not supply enough energy or for example if a lamp is added to the system.
The invention is not limited to the previously-described embodiments and covers all of the embodiments covered by the claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2202039 | Mar 2022 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2023/056054 | 3/9/2023 | WO |
