Patent Publication Number: US-2023159143-A1

Title: Underwater booster

Description:
REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present disclosure claims all benefits of the Chinese patent application No. 201810644317.7 entitled “Underwater Booster” and the Chinese utility model application No. 201820960893.8 entitled “Underwater Booster”, filed on Jun. 21, 2018 before the National Intellectual Property Administration of the People&#39;s Republic of China. The contents of the applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to the field of underwater equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an underwater booster. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In related technologies, an underwater booster is a tool that provides underwater workers with auxiliary propulsion power to increase their moving speed and work efficiency underwater. 
     At present, there are relatively few types of related products all over the world. Among the existing products, a single thruster design is predominant. A single thruster design usually has a relatively large cabin for storing power source, control circuit, motor, etc. Two handles are disposed in the front of the upper side of the cabin, while propellers and domes are disposed in the rear of the upper side of the cabin. 
     During the implementation of the present disclosure, the inventors discovered when a product with this type of design is used, the thruster is located below the diver. Therefore, the diver needs to press the handles with the force of their arms all the time to prevent the human body from the water flow generated by the thruster in order to maximize the efficiency of the thruster. At the same time, continuous arm strength is required to offset the torque generated due to misalignment between the thrust line of the booster and the line of human body, which causes a poor user experience. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an underwater booster comprising: a cabin body; a first mounting structure of thruster and a second mounting structure of thruster symmetrically disposed on two sides of the cabin body; a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure symmetrically disponsed on two sides of the cabin body, wherein the first mounting structure of thruster is connected with the cabin body via the first connecting structure, the second mounting structure of thruster is connected with the cabin body via the second connecting structure, and a handle is disposed on the first connecting structure and/or the second connecting structure for gripping, wherein the axis of the first mounting structure of thruster is not paralled to the axis of the second mounting structure of thruster. 
     Therefore, an underwater booster with two thrusters is provided in the present disclosure. Since axes of two mounting structures of thruster are not parallel, the direction of a resultant thrust force generated by the two thrusters can be substantially aligned with the line of human body. As a result, no arm strength is required to offset any torque generated due to misalignment between the thrust line and the line of human body. A user can control the booster to run in a designated direction by gripping the connecting structures, which improves the user experience. 
     In some embodiments, the axis of the first mounting structure of thruster is intersected with the axis of the second mounting structure of thruster in forward direction of the booster, and a range of angles formed by intersection comprises (0, 60]. 
     Therefore, by setting the axes of the mounting structures of thruster intersected in the forward direction, after thrusters are installed, water flows generated by the thrusters during operation eject to two sides of the human body, so that the water flows cannot impact the human body easily. Such layout can prevent the human body from hindering the water flows generated by the thrusters during operation and therefore maximize the efficiency of the thrusters. 
     In some embodiments, the human body, arms, and the thrust line can be rendered substantially on the same plane, which improves the user experience. 
     In some embodiments, the human body will not hinder water flows generated by thrusters during operation by controlling the range of angle, while the finally formed thrust directly in rear direction is not affected too much. 
     In some embodiments, the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure comprises a single rod or multiple rods. 
     Therefore, when a single rod is provided and a handle is disposed on the single rod for gripping, the overall structure is simple and light, which provides improved user experience. When multiple rods are provided, the connecting structures are relatively more stable and less easily to be damaged, which provides a longer service life. 
     In some embodiments, the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure comprise a structure in “I” shape. 
     Therefore, while the connecting structures are relatively more stable, the handle can be disposed on the vertical part of the “I” shape, which can be gripped more naturally during usage and further improves the user experience. 
     In some embodiments, the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure comprise a structure in “T” shape and a structure in inverted “T” shape. 
     Therefore, while the connecting structure is relatively simpler and lighter, a handle can be disposed on the vertical part of “T” shape, which can be gripped more naturally and provides an improved user experience. 
     In some embodiments, the first mounting structure of thruster, the first connecting structure, the cabin body, the second connecting structure and the second mounting structure of thruster are an integral structure. Furthermore, the first mounting structure of thruster, the first connecting structure, the cabin body, the second connecting structure and the second mounting structure of thruster form a specific angle within 
     Therefore, integral forming is convenient for manufacturing. The entire structure looks better when the parts are formed at a specific angle, and the overall required accommodation length is reduced. 
     In some embodiments, the connecting relationship between the first connecting structure or the second connecting structure and the cabin body is set to be able to rotate around the central axis of the cabin body and be able to achieve self-locking on at least one preset position. 
     Therefore, the connecting structure can be adjusted and self-locked at a preset position, so that the user can adjust the connecting structure to an appropriate position during usage in accordance with its desire. 
     In some embodiments, when any one of the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure is rotated, the other connecting structure of the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure can be simultaneously rotated to maintain that the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are always symmetrically disposed on two sides of the cabin body. 
     Therefore, only one of the two connecting structures needs to be adjusted to realize the linkage of the two connecting structures. It is simple to use and can always guarantee the connecting structures to be symmetrical about the cabin body all the time, which maintains good user experience in water. 
     In some embodiments, both a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure have a retractable sleeve so that the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure can be stretched and restored. 
     Therefore, the connecting structure is configured to to be stretchable and restorable so that customization can be achieved by different users according to their needs. 
     In some embodiments, an underwater booster further comprises: a first thruster disposed in the first mounting structure of thruster and a second thruster disposed in the second mounting structure of thruster; and a power source and a control circuit fixed in the cabin body, wherein an input end of the control circuit is connected with the power source, and two output ends of the control circuit are connected with the first thruster and the second thruster through the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure by cables, respectively. 
     Therefore, the thrusters can be driven by thrust force generated by the power source and the control circuit. Accordingly, the booster can be controlled to move forward. 
     In some embodiments, an underwater booster of the present disclosure further comprises: a control switch for controlling on/off of a control circuit, wherein an installation chamber for the control switch is disposed on the first connecting structure and/or the second connecting structure, and a sealing element is provided at the installation chamber to prevent water. 
     Therefore, a user can control the on/off of the control circuit by pressing the control switch on the connecting structure, and control the booster to move or stop. 
     In some embodiments, an underwater booster of the present disclosure further comprises: an electronic displaying device, disposed on the cabin body and connected with the control circuit, for displaying the parameter information of the power source, the first thruster and/or the second thruster. 
     Therefore, by displaying the parameter information of various devices to a user, the user can be informed of the state of the booster in time. 
     In some embodiments, an underwater booster of the present disclosure further comprises: a peripheral mounting frame on the cabin body, and a mounting member provided on the peripheral mounting frame to fix a peripheral equipment to the cabin body. 
     Therefore, a peripheral equipment can also be mounted on the booster to improve user experience. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to explain the technical solutions of the examples in the present disclosure more clearly, the drawings used in the description of the examples are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some examples of the present disclosure. For one skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without involving inventive work. 
         FIG.  1    shows a top view of an underwater booster in one example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    shows a perspective view of an underwater booster in one example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    shows a front view of an underwater booster in one example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    shows a bottom view of an underwater booster in one example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    shows an A-A cross-sectional view of an underwater booster in one example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    shows a schematic exploded view of a structure of an underwater booster in one example of the present disclosure; 
     
    
    
     wherein,  1 —first mounting structure of thruster,  2 —first connecting structure,  3 —first control switch,  4 —electronic displaying device,  5 —cabin body,  6 —second control switch,  7 —second connecting structure,  8 —second mounting structure of thruster,  9 —peripheral mounting frame,  10 —first thruster,  11 —second thruster,  21 —connecting structure cavity,  51 —sealed cavity,  81 —cylinder,  82 —multiple support plates, and  83 —mounting base. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of examples of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the present disclosure are described below clearly and completely with reference to the drawings. Obviously, the described examples are only part of examples of the present disclosure, rather than all the examples. Based on the examples in the present disclosure, all other examples obtained by one skilled in the art without involving inventive work fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. 
       FIG.  1    shows a top view of an underwater booster disclosed in one example of the present disclosure.  FIG.  2    shows a perspective view of an underwater booster disclosed in one example of the present disclosure.  FIG.  3    shows a front view of an underwater booster in one example of the present disclosure.  FIG.  4    shows a bottom view of  FIG.  2   .  FIG.  5    shows a A-A cross-sectional view of  FIG.  2   .  FIG.  6    is a schematic exploded view of  FIG.  2   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a top view of an underwater booster of one example of the present disclosure is shown. The underwater booster comprises: a cabin body  5 ; a first mounting structure of thruster  1  and a second mounting structure of thruster  8  symmetrically disposed on two sides of the cabin body; a first connecting structure  2  and a second connecting structure  7  for holding symmetrically disposed on two sides of the cabin body; wherein the first mounting structure of thruster  1  is connected with the cabin body  5  via the first connecting structure  2 , and the second mounting structure of thruster  8  is connected with the cabin body  5  via the second connecting structure  7 ; wherein the axis of the first mounting structure of thruster  1  is not parallel to the axis of the second mounting structure of thruster  8 . 
     In the present example, the first connecting structure  2  and the second connecting structure  7  can be used as fixing members to fix the first mounting structure of thruster  1  and the second mounting structure of thruster  8  on the cabin body  5 , respectively. Meanwhile, the first connecting structure  2  and the second connecting structure  7  are also the connecting structures for divers to hold when using the underwater booster. Moreover, the two connecting structures are more convenient for divers to hold by both hands. 
     In some embodiments, a booster with mounting structures of thruster facing outward at the tail can be selected by overweight users. Therefore, after the booster starts to run, water flows can be ejected toward two sides of the human body to improve the user experience. 
     In some embodiments, a booster with mounting structures of thruster facing slightly inward at the tail can be selected by thinner or smaller users. Therefore, a stronger thrust force can be provided. 
     In some embodiments, shapes of a connecting structure comprise, but are not limited to, a single rod/multiple-rod shape, a flat/curved surface shape, and the like. The connecting structure has a handle for human hands to hold and an operation position. 
     In some embodiments, the shape of a connection structure can be in the shape of “I”, “T”, or inverted “T” as well. 
     The examples of the present disclosure provide a underwater booster with a two-thruster structure. By holding the connecting structures, a user can move freely underwater with the booster, which improves the user experience. 
     In some embodiments, special modified two-thruster structure design and layout are employed, which make an underwater booster smaller in size, lighter in weight and more flexible in operation and improves the user experience. 
     In some embodiments, an axis of a first mounting structure of thruster is intersected with an axis of a second mounting structure of thruster in forward direction of the booster, i.e., axes are intersected at one side of the head of the booster, and the range of angles formed by intersection comprises (0, 60]. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG.  1   , the bottom of the figure is the forward direction of the booster. “a” is the angle formed by intersection. The angle range of “a” comprises (0, 60]. The axes of the mounting structures of thruster are arranged to intersect in forward direction. After the thrusters are installed, water flows generated by the thrusters during operation eject to two sides of the human body, so that the water flows cannot impact the human body easily. This layout can prevent the human body from hindering the water flow generated by the thruster during operation and therefore maximize the efficiency of the thruster. 
     In some embodiments, such layout ensures that the human body, arms, and the thrust force line are substantially on the same plane, which improves the user experience. 
     In some embodiments, the first connecting structure and/or the second connecting structure comprise single rod shape, multiple-rod shape, “I” shape, “T” shape and inverted “T” shape. The surface of the single rod/multiple rods can be flat or curved, and the rod itself can be linear or curved. A handle can be one rod of the single rod or multiple rods, or a handle can be on one rod of the single rod or multiple rods. The handle can be disposed on the vertical portion of the “I” shape, “T” shape or the inverted “T” shape, or on the horizontal portion thereof. There is no limitation on the position of the handle in the present disclosure. Therefore, there are various shapes of the connecting structures, so that the position of the handles can be chosen more flexibly and various different combinations can be used. In some embodiments, when a handle is disposed on the vertical portion, it is more convenient for human hands to hold. 
     In some embodiments, the first mounting structure of thruster, the first connecting structure, the cabin body, the second connection structure and the second mounting structure of thruster are integral structure. In some embodiments, the integral structure can be a hollow integral structure. Other areas except for those areas used for the installation of necessary components (such as cables, power sources, control circuits, etc.) in the cavity can be filled with a material having a density lower than water, so that buoyancy can be produced to offset some or all of the gravity. The connecting structure can also be solid with holes for the cable to pass through. There is no limitation on this aspect in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the integral structure is solid and is made of a material having a density lower than water. Therefore, there remains space for other components to install inside. There is no limitation on this aspect in the present disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the connection relationship between two connecting structures and the cabin body is arranged to be able to rotate around the central axis of the cabin body and to achieve self-locking on at least one preset position. For example, the connecting structures and the cabin body are connected by hinges or gears and a locking point is arranged so that the connecting structures can be locked on at least one preset position after rotation. Therefore, a user can adjust the position of the connecting structures autonomously. In some embodiments, when any one of the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure is rotated, the other connecting structure of the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure can be simultaneously rotated to maintain that the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are always symmetrically disposed on both sides of the cabin body, thereby ensuring that the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure can be synchronized at any time. 
     In some embodiments, each of the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure has a retractable sleeve so that the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure can be stretched and restored. The telescopic sleeve can be a retractable pole structure of a folding umbrella, which can be locked after retraction. Therefore, a user can adjust the length of the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure. 
     In some embodiments, an angle formed by intersection of the axis of the first connecting structure and the axis of the second connecting structure comprises (0, 180]. Therefore, when it is 180 degrees, it is better guaranteed that the direction of total force of thrust force and the geometrics of the human body are on the same straight line. Where a certain angle is formed, it is guaranteed that the direction of the total force of thrust force and the geometrics of the human body are substantially on the same straight line, which can reduce the overall length of the booster to a certain extent and make the booster more beautiful and easy to carry. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 ,  3  and  4   , a perspective view, a front view and a bottom view of an underwater booster according to one example of the present disclosure are shown. 
     In the present example, an underwater booster of the present disclosure further comprises: a first thruster  10  disposed in a first mounting structure of thruster  1  and a second thruster  11  disposed in a second mounting structure of thruster  8 , and a power source and a control circuit (not shown in the figure) in a cabin body, wherein an input end of the control circuit is connected with the power source, and two output ends of the control circuit are connected with the first thruster  10  and the second thruster  11  through the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure by cables, respectively. 
     In some embodiments, an underwater booster of the present disclosure further comprises a control switch for controlling on/off of the control circuit. The control switch can be arranged to be able to be controlled manually or remotely with a remote control device. For example, in some scenarios, where the booster is not intended to be controlled by a diver, but is intended to be controlled remotely, the signal receiver with infrared Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is arranged in the cabin body to realize remote control. There is no limitation on this aspect in the present disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the booster can comprise a first control switch  3  and/or a second control switch  6  shown in the figure. An installation chamber for a control switch is disposed on the first connecting structure  2  and/or the second connecting structure  7 . A sealing element is provided at the installation chamber to prevent water. Therefore, a user can control thrusters by pressing the control switch in order to control the booster to move forward. The positions of the installation chambers and the control switches are handles. The first control switch  3  and/or the second control switch  6  can be disposed on the outward side of the connecting structure (side of the forward direction), or on the inward side of the connecting structure (opposite side of the forward direction), or on upper or lower side of the connecting structures, or close to the cabin body, or away from the cabin body. Control switches can arranged on both connecting structures, or on only one connecting structure. Where two control switches are arranged, the control switches can be arranged in parallel or in series. There is no limitation on this aspect in the present disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the control manner for a control switch comprises, but is not limited to, pressing. 
     In some embodiments, cables can be passed through a handle or through other connecting structures other than the handle. There is no limitation on this aspect in the present disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, an underwater booster of the present disclosure further comprises: an electronic displaying device  4 , disposed on the cabin body  5  and connected with the control circuit, for displaying a parameter information of the power source, the first thruster  10  and/or the second thruster  11 . The parameter information can be, for example, remaining power, speed, operable time, elapsed time, and the like. The electronic displaying device can be selected from the group consisting of an electronic displaying screen, an indicator, an indicating lamp and a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, an electronic displaying device can be installed on the top of the cabin body to facilitate a user to observe the electronic displaying device. 
     In some embodiments, an electronic displaying device can also be installed on the side of the cabin body close to a user (opposite to the forward direction), so that the user can view parameter information, such as the remaining power, at any time. 
     In some embodiments, a protective window can be installed outside the electronic displaying device, so that a user can view parameters at any time through the protective window, and at the same time the electronic displaying device is protected to a certain extent, which prevents the electronic displaying device from damages caused by the long-time impact of water flow and lengthens the life span 
     In some embodiments, an underwater booster further comprises a peripheral mounting frame  9  on the cabin body  5 , and a mounting member provided on the peripheral mounting frame to fix a peripheral equipment to the cabin body. The peripheral mounting frame  9  is disposed on the outer wall of the cabin body  5 . The mounting member is provided on the peripheral mounting frame to fix the peripheral equipment to the cabin body. The peripheral mounting frame  9  can be selected from the group consisting of mounting hole, fixing bolt, hook, fixing buckle, mounting slot, card slot and a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, with the peripheral mounting frame  9 , an underwater booster can carry other equipment, such as a photographic equipment, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral mounting frame  9  can be arranged at the bottom of the cabin body, so as to facilitate installation, removal and carrying of a peripheral equipment during operation. 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral mounting frame  9  can be disposed on a geometric center of the bottom of the cabin body, so as not to affect the balance of the entire booster. 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral mounting frame  9  can be disposed on the connecting structure. There is no limitation on this aspect in the present disclosure. 
     The appearance of the cabin body and the connecting structure of the present disclosure can be streamlined in order to reduce resistance and improve endurance. 
     Referring  FIGS.  5  and  6   ,  FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  6    is a schematic exploded view of  FIG.  2   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , a sealing cavity  51  is arranged in the cabin body  5 , and a connecting structure cavity  21  is also arranged in the first connecting structure  2  and the second connecting structure  7 . The sealing cavity  51  is used to receive a power source and a control circuit, and the connecting structure cavity  21  allows a cable connecting the control circuit and thrusters to pass through. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the second mounting structure of thruster  8  can comprise the following structures: a cylindrical body  81 , a mounting base  83  and a plurality of support plates  82 . 
     The cylindrical body  81  is a cylindrical structure with both opening ends, of which the cross-section is annular. The mounting base  83  is an annular structure. The mounting base is suspended inside the cylindrical body  81 . A space is provided between the mounting base  83  and the inner wall of the cylindrical body  81 . The interval space forms a water flow channel during operation of the second thruster. The axis of the annular structure of the mounting base  83  is parallel to the axis of the cylindrical body  81 . 
     One end of the support plate  82  is fixed to the inner wall of the cylindrical body  81  and the other end is fixed to the outer surface of the annular structure of the mounting base  83 . The plurality of support plates  82  are evenly distributed on the outer surface of the annular structure of the mounting base  83 . 
     In some embodiments, the cylindrical body  81 , the mounting base  83 , and the support plate  82  can be assembled. Optionally, the cylindrical body  81 , the mounting base  83 , and the support plate  82  can be integrally injection-molded, which provides higher structural strength. 
     In some specific application scenarios, when an underwater booster of the present disclosure works, two hands are required to hold the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure, respectively, and the machine is started when both control switches are pressed. 
     An underwater booster provided in the present disclosure can reduce the overall size to ¼ of the main products on the market and the weight to 35% of the main products on the market due to the two-thruster design. The underwater booster is small in overall size and light in weight, has an aesthetic design, and is easy to transport and carry. The underwater booster adopts an arrangement of one thruster on each of the connecting structure of both sides. It has a compact design, comfortable grip, flexible operation and an overall improved user experience. 
     It should be noted that in the present disclosure, relational terms such as “first” and “second” are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply that there is any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms “including”, “comprising”, or any other variation thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or device not only includes a series of those elements but also includes those that are not explicitly listed or other elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or device. Without more limitations, the elements defined by the sentence “comprising a . . . ” do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or equipment that includes the elements. 
     It should be noted that the above examples are only used to explain the technical solution of the present disclosure, but not limited thereto. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing examples, one skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the foregoing examples can still be modified, and some equivalent replacements of some of the technical features can be made. These modifications or replacements do not depart the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the examples in the present disclosure.