FR3133366A1 - Diver stabilization system - Google Patents

Abstract

Stabilization system for a diver The invention relates to a portable stabilization system (100) capable of adjusting the depth position of a diver in an underwater environment relative to the water surface, the system (100) comprising a pressurized gas supply source (200), a breathing gas supply source, an inflatable device (300), a breathing device (400) configured to allow the diver to breathe breathing gas from the pressurized gas supply source breathing gas and to allow the diver to manually trigger gas filling of the inflatable device (300). Figure for abstract: Fig.1

Description

Diver stabilization system

The present invention relates to the field of scuba diving. Its application is particularly advantageous in the field of stabilizing a diver while diving.

STATE OF THE ART

Before the invention of stabilizing vests, the diver was obliged to adjust his buoyancy and therefore his depth by inhaling or exhaling while constantly keeping air in his more or less inflated lungs.

With the arrival of the first stabilization vests commonly called stab in French and in English: BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), the diving experience has radically changed.

This stabilizing vest has a dual function. On the one hand, it allows the diver's buoyancy to be adjusted during the dive depending on the depth and in particular allows him to control his ascent towards the surface. Furthermore, this vest allows you to support the diving tank(s) attached to the diver's back.

It should be noted that over time, this vest has been able to fulfill various other functions such as supporting numerous accessories.

It is interesting to note that it is through the regulator that the adjustment of the air in this vest is generally regulated.

Most current regulators are two-stage regulators. That is to say that the air at 200 bars in the bottle, called High Pressure (HP), is initially expanded to Medium Pressure (MP), i.e. approximately 10/12 bar above the ambient pressure through the first stage, located directly on the cylinder valve. Several Medium Pressure (MP) pipes depart from this regulator: one for the vest and two for the second stages of relaxation at ambient pressure known as Low Pressure (LP) allowing the diver to breathe.

In the prior art, the vest is inflated using a pipe directly connected to the first stage of the regulator. Inflation is then activated by an inflation button located on a manual inflator which is a device comprising a mouthpiece to allow the diver to inflate his stab by blowing into this mouthpiece. In addition, this manual inflator also has another button allowing you to purge the vest so as to evacuate the air it contains.

With this type of prior art system, adjusting the stabilization 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 stabilized at a certain depth and a slight imbalance causes him to rise a little then the ambient pressure decreases, the volume of the vest then increases and the Archimedes force raises the diver even faster.

This is particularly problematic in a phase of ascent towards the surface of the diver where, to be able to ascend at a low and regulated speed, so as to avoid decompression accidents, the diver must constantly empty, in a controlled manner, the air contained in the vest. This problem has its reciprocal downhill.

Known systems are thus the source of numerous diving accidents each year. This problem is even more serious at shallow depths since the pressure gradient as a function of depth varies greatly. Due to this risk of accident, scuba diving, apart from baptisms which take place in very shallow waters, remains accessible only to relatively experienced divers.

An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution to at least some of these problems.

The other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that other benefits may be incorporated.

SUMMARY

To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a portable stabilization system is provided capable of adjusting the depth position of at least one diver in an underwater environment relative to the water surface, the system comprising at least a pressurized gas supply source, at least one breathing gas supply source, at least one inflatable device, and at least one breathing device configured to allow the diver to breathe breathing gas from the gas supply source respiratory and preferably to allow the diver to manually trigger gas filling of the inflatable device.

• une configuration de gonflage dans laquelle, le dispositif gonflable est configuré pour être gonflé, en partie au moins et de préférence automatiquement, de sorte à réduire la position en profondeur du plongeur,
• une configuration d’arrêt dans laquelle, le dispositif gonflable est configuré pour injecter ou extraire du gaz de sorte à maintenir la position en profondeur du plongeur,
• une configuration de dégonflage dans laquelle, le dispositif gonflable est configuré pour être dégonflé, en partie au moins et de préférence automatiquement, de sorte à augmenter la position en profondeur du plongeur.

The system being configured so as to be able to alternate between:

• an inflation configuration in which the inflatable device is configured to be inflated, at least partially and preferably automatically, so as to reduce the depth position of the diver,
• a stopping configuration in which the inflatable device is configured to inject or extract gas so as to maintain the depth position of the diver,
• a deflation configuration in which the inflatable device is configured to be deflated, at least partially and preferably automatically, so as to increase the depth position of the diver.

The stabilization system includes an automatic controller configured to automatically switch the system configuration between any of up, down, and down configurations. The automatic control device comprises an electronic module configured to evaluate 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 instruction at least from said data depth.

• une entrée primaire de gaz pressurisé configurée pour coopérer avec la source d’alimentation en gaz pressurisé,
• une sortie primaire de gaz pressurisé configurée pour coopérer avec le dispositif gonflable de sorte à gonfler le dispositif gonflable lorsque le système est dans la configuration de gonflage,
• un module d’évacuation configuré pour coopérer avec le dispositif gonflable de sorte à réduire la quantité de gaz contenue dans le dispositif gonflable lorsque le système est dans la configuration de dégonflage au moyen de la création d’un différentiel de pression.

The stabilization system also includes a switching device configured to cooperate with the automatic control device so as to switch the configuration of the system based at least on said control instruction. The permutation device comprises at least:

• a primary pressurized gas inlet configured to cooperate with the pressurized gas supply source,
• a primary pressurized gas outlet configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to inflate the inflatable device when the system is in the inflation configuration,
• an evacuation module configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to reduce the quantity of gas contained in the inflatable device when the system is in the deflation configuration by means of creating a pressure differential.

This allows the diver to easily control their depth and stabilize at the desired depth.

The invention thus makes it possible to considerably reduce the risks of uncontrolled ascent which can cause serious decompression accidents. It thus resolves the problem of significantly improving the safety of scuba diving systems. The invention thus allows less experienced divers to access the pleasure of diving. In addition, the invention provides greatly improved comfort, since it allows the diver to facilitate stabilization at a desired depth.

This makes it possible in particular to evacuate respiratory gas from the inflatable device in a simple, reliable, quick and easy manner.

Without the present invention, the diver may be forced to assume a complex, unpleasant or embarrassing posture to cause a pressure differential to evacuate part of the gas present in the inflatable device.

Advantageously, this technical solution makes it possible to manually or automatically control the depth of the diver.

• Détermination du rythme respiratoire du plongeur à partir du capteur respiratoire,
• Détermination des variations de profondeur du plongeur en fonction de son rythme respiratoire déterminé à partir du capteur de profondeur,
• Pilotage automatique du dispositif de permutation (600) par le dispositif de commande automatique (500) de manière à ajuster la quantité de gaz présent dans le dispositif gonflable (300) de manière à compenser les variations de profondeur déterminées.

Another aspect concerns a method of stabilizing the position at depth of at least one diver in an underwater environment relative to the water surface, said diver comprising at least one system according to the invention, a pressurized gas supply source , at least one inflatable device, the method comprising at least the following steps implemented by the automatic control device:

• Determination of the diver's breathing rate from the respiratory sensor,
• Determination of the diver's depth variations based on his breathing rate determined from the depth sensor,
• Automatic control of the permutation device (600) by the automatic control device (500) so as to adjust the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device (300) so as to compensate for the determined depth variations.

This makes it possible to compensate for variations in depth linked to variations in the volume of respiratory gas present in the diver's lungs when breathing.

Another aspect relates to a computer program product comprising instructions, which when carried out by at least one processor, executes at least the steps of the method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge better from the detailed description of an embodiment of the latter which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

There represents a schematic representation of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a shutdown configuration.

There represents a schematic representation of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention in an inflation configuration.

There represents a schematic representation of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a deflation configuration.

There schematically represents a diver equipped with the present invention according to a first embodiment.

There shows a schematic representation of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention in a shutdown configuration.

There represents a schematic representation of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention in an inflation configuration.

There represents a schematic representation of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention in a deflation configuration.

There represents a schematic representation of a system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

There represents a schematic enlargement of a portion of a carriage according to one embodiment of the present invention.

There represents a control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 11 and 12 represent a control device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 13A to 14B represent an energy system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

There represents a diagram of a portion of the system in which an energy system according to an embodiment of the present invention is located.

The drawings are given as examples and are not limiting to the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications. In particular, the dimensions are not representative of reality.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, the following are set out as optional characteristics which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively:

According to one example, the pressurized gas supply source and the respiratory gas supply source form a single pressurized respiratory gas supply source.

According to one example, the pressure differential is generated automatically and/or manually.

According to one example, the evacuation module comprises a gas outlet to be evacuated intended to be arranged at a depth shallower than the depth of the inflatable device, in particular when the diver is in the horizontal swimming or ascent position and wherein the pressure differential is generated by positioning the control device at a depth less than the depth of the inflatable device.

According to one example, the evacuation module comprises a suction module configured to cooperate with the pressurized gas supply source and with the inflatable device so as to reduce the quantity of gas contained in the inflatable device when the system is in the deflation configuration, and in which the pressure differential is generated by the suction module.

According to one example, the permutation device comprises a secondary pressurized gas outlet configured to cooperate with the suction module and to form a deflation circuit with the primary pressurized gas inlet.

This allows pressurized gas from the power source to be used to generate the venturi effect. Preferably, this makes it possible to produce energy to operate a suction device.

• une entrée secondaire de gaz pressurisé,
• une entrée primaire de gaz aspiré et
• une sortie primaire de gaz aspiré,

de sorte que, lorsque le système est dans la configuration de dégonflage, l’entrée secondaire de gaz pressurisé soit connecté fluidiquement à la sortie secondaire de gaz pressurisé et que l’entrée primaire de gaz aspiré soit connecté fluidiquement avec le dispositif gonflable de sorte à dégonfler le dispositif gonflable par aspiration via l’effet venturi généré par le gaz pressurisé entrant par l’entrée secondaire de gaz pressurisé, le gaz aspiré par l’entrée primaire de gaz aspiré et une partie au moins du gaz pressurisé étant alors évacués par la sortie primaire de gaz aspiré.According to one example, the suction module comprises:

• a secondary pressurized gas inlet,
• a primary inlet of suction gas and
• a primary outlet of aspirated gas,

such that, when the system is in the deflation configuration, the secondary pressurized gas inlet is fluidly connected to the secondary pressurized gas outlet and the primary suction gas inlet is fluidly connected with the inflatable device so as to deflate the inflatable device by suction via the venturi effect generated by the pressurized gas entering through the secondary pressurized gas inlet, the gas sucked in through the primary aspirated gas inlet and at least part of the pressurized gas then being evacuated through the primary outlet of suction gas.

This makes it possible to suck at least part of the breathing gas from the inflatable device without the diver himself having to physically create a pressure differential.

For example, during descent, the diver must not hold the hose above his head in such a way as to create a pressure difference between the air contained in the vest and the air outlet, which would take up to then the diver in uncomfortable positions.

In fact, this makes it possible to empty the air contained in the inflatable device in a simple, reliable and minimally, or even non-restrictive, manner.

According to one example, the secondary pressurized gas inlet comprises a diameter greater than the primary aspirated gas inlet.

According to one example, the secondary pressurized gas inlet is aligned with the primary aspirated gas outlet so as to define a pressurized gas circulation path, and in which the primary aspirated gas inlet is arranged orthogonally to said circulation path of the pressurized gas. pressurized gas.

According to one example, the secondary pressurized gas inlet is aligned with the primary pressurized gas outlet so as to define a pressurized gas circulation path having a diameter, this diameter having a narrowing at the level of the primary aspirated gas inlet according to the direction of circulation of the pressurized gas along the respiratory gas circulation path.

According to one example, the system is further configured to present a regulation configuration configured to stabilize the depth position of said diver by regulating, preferably automatically, the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device.

According to one example, the electronic module comprises at least one depth sensor configured to evaluate the depth at which the diver is located.

According to one example, the electronic module is preferably entirely immersed in a waterproof material, preferably in resin.

According to one example, the control module is preferably entirely immersed in a waterproof material, preferably in resin.

According to one example, the system comprises at least one safety valve configured to alternately allow and interrupt the supply of pressurized gas to the system.

In one example, the system includes a manual controller configured to manually switch the system configuration between any of up, down, and down configurations.

According to one example, the automatic control device and the manual control device are physically integral with each other.

According to one example, the permutation device comprises at least one multi-valve comprising at least one actuator capable of moving a movable element between at least a first position, a second position and a third position, the first position being configured to permute the system at least partly in a stop configuration, the second position being configured to switch the system into a deflation configuration, the third position being configured to switch the system into an inflation configuration.

This makes it possible to control the configuration of the stabilization system simply by translation of the mobile 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 primary inlet of pressurized gas, the primary outlet of pressurized gas, a secondary outlet of pressurized gas and a secondary suction gas outlet, the secondary pressurized gas outlet being fluidly connected to the suction module, and the secondary suction gas outlet being fluidly connected to the suction module.

According to one example, the mobile element is at least partly mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation.

According to one example, the movable element is at least partly movable in translation along a translation axis.

According to one example, the secondary pressurized gas outlet being connected to the secondary pressurized gas inlet of the suction module and the secondary suction gas outlet being connected to the primary suction gas inlet of the suction module.

According to one example, the mobile element is shaped so as to cooperate with the body of the multi-valve in order to form pressurized gas circulation circuits depending on the configuration of the system, these paths comprising at least:

An inflation circuit formed at least in part between the primary pressurized gas inlet and the primary pressurized gas outlet when the system is in inflation configuration;

A supply circuit for the suction module formed at least in part between the primary pressurized gas inlet and the secondary pressurized gas outlet when the system is in deflation configuration;

A deflation circuit formed in part at least the secondary inlet of suction gas and the secondary outlet of suction gas when the system is in deflation configuration.

According to one example, the mobile element comprises at least one reflective element capable of reflecting at least one light ray.

This provides a sensor allowing the control device to know the configuration of the stabilization system in real time.

This also makes it possible to have a sensor that is very insensitive, or even insensitive, to the marine and underwater environment.

According to one example, the permutation device comprises at least one set of valves comprising at least one inflation valve, a deflation valve and a supply valve of the suction module, and in which the inflation valve is configured to connect fluidly the pressurized gas supply source to the inflatable device, and wherein the deflation valve is configured to fluidly connect the inflatable device to the suction module such that at least a portion of the gas contained in the inflatable device either sucked by a venturi effect or by another suction device, the supply valve of the suction module being configured to fluidly connect the pressurized gas supply source to the suction module so as to generate said venturi effect allowing the suction of at least part of the gas present in the inflatable device.

According to one example, the automatic control device cooperates with at least:

The switching device control module configured to modify the system configuration;

An optical transmitter and an optical receiver configured to enable tracking of the system configuration;

The electronic module comprising at least:

A respiratory sensor configured to allow the assessment of the diver's breathing rate;

A depth sensor configured to allow the assessment of the diver's depth;

A plurality of actuators configured to allow the automatic control device to be controlled by a diver. Preferably the actuators are configured to be actuated by a diver in order to allow the automatic control device to be controlled by a diver, so that said control instruction is a function of the actuation by the diver of the plurality of actuators. actuators.

A microprocessor configured to execute a series of system control instructions.

This allows the diver to control the stabilization system and obtain dive information.

According to one example, the reflective element is configured to cooperate with the optical transmitter and with the optical receiver so as to establish at least one optical path between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver depending on 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 permutation device so as to permute the configuration of the system according to the adjustment of the quantity of gas necessary in the inflatable device to counterbalance the respiratory gas present in the diver's lungs and the variations in depth of the diver caused by his breathing.

This makes it possible to compensate for depth variations linked to variations in the volume of respiratory gas present in the diver's lungs during breathing.

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 transmitter and a first optical receiver, the second actuator comprising a second optical transmitter and a second optical receiver , the first optical transmitter being configured to emit a first series of pulses towards the first optical receiver, and the second optical transmitter being configured to emit a second series of pulses towards the second optical receiver, the emission of the second pulse series being offset in time by a predetermined time relative to the emission of the first series of pulses, so that when the pulses of the first series of pulses are transmitted, no pulse of the second series 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 includes a particular capture device configured to allow the exchange of codes corresponding to an up order or a down 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 a single target cell while avoiding the others. Thus, it illuminates a single target cell.

According to one example, the system comprises at least one evacuation circuit comprising a plurality of turns arranged between a gas inlet to be evacuated and a gas outlet to be evacuated.

This helps to delay any penetration of water into the evacuation circuit.

According to one example, the gas outlet to be evacuated is fluidly connected to a non-return valve comprising a gas evacuation and being configured to prevent water from entering the evacuation circuit via the gas outlet to be evacuated.

According to one example, the automatic control device comprises at least one hygrometric sensor disposed at least partially in the evacuation circuit and being configured to allow detection of the presence of water in the evacuation circuit.

According to one example, the automatic control device is preferably entirely immersed in a waterproof material, preferably in resin.

This helps protect any electronic element of the control device from the effects of the sea.

This makes it possible to waterproof the control device which includes optical actuators.

According to one example, the system includes an assembly that includes a turbine and an alternator, the energy system being fluidly connected to the pressurized gas power source and configured to transform the pressurized gas into electrical energy.

According to one example, the system comprises at least two assemblies configured to be connected in series or in parallel.

According to one example, the system comprises a storage device capable of supplying electrical energy to the system so as to enable its proper functioning and to store the electrical energy delivered at the output of the energy system.

The present invention relates to a depth stabilization system for a diver. This system is designed to allow the diver to manually or automatically control, via a control device, its ascent, descent and stabilization during a scuba dive.

As described below, this system has been cleverly designed to ensure safety, reliability and comfort for the diver.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stabilization system is portable so as to be carried by the diver.

According to another embodiment, at least part of the system can be offset on the surface or not so as not to be entirely carried by the diver.

According to one embodiment, part of the stabilization system is comprised by a marine vehicle, preferably underwater.

According to one example, the permutation device is carried by a first diver and so that the automatic control device is configured to be carried in part at least by a second diver, so that the second diver controls the permutation 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 gas coming from the gas supply source pressurized 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 connected in series or in parallel.

According to one example, the system comprises an electrical energy storage device capable of supplying electrical energy to the system and of storing the electrical energy delivered at the output of the energy system.

According to one example, the system also includes a respiratory sensor configured to allow the assessment of the breathing rate of the diver, the control module being configured to determine the control instruction also based on the assessment of the breathing rate of the diver.

According to another embodiment, part of the stabilization system can be worn by a first user and another part by a second user. For example, the first user may be a diving instructor and the second user may be a student learning to dive for example. According to this embodiment, the first user can have a remote control device allowing control of the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device worn by the second user.

This particularly advantageous embodiment makes it possible to avoid decompression accidents when an inexperienced diver rises to the surface too quickly. Likewise, this prevents an inexperienced diver from escaping the attention of his instructor and going too deep.

In the case of a group, this embodiment allows the group leader to position all the divers at the depth he wishes. This depth control can be adjusted individually for each diver. On the contrary, this command can be unique for all the divers in the group. This allows the instructor to manage the stops made by the divers in perfect safety.

1. sélection par le deuxième plongeur d’une instruction de permutation depuis le dispositif de commande automatique,
2. transmission de l’instruction de permutation depuis le dispositif de commande automatique jusqu’au dispositif de permutation porté par un premier plongeur,
3. permutation de la configuration du système en fonction au moins de ladite instruction de permutation.

According to one example, the invention relates to a method for stabilizing the position at depth of at least one first diver in an underwater environment relative to the water surface, using at least one system in in which the permutation device is carried by a first diver and the automatic control device is carried in part at least by a second diver, the method comprising the following steps:

1. selection by the second diver of a permutation instruction from the automatic control device,
2. transmission of the permutation instruction from the automatic control device to the permutation device carried by a first diver,
3. permutation of the system configuration according to at least said permutation instruction.

The invention thus allows unqualified divers to carry out outings at depths usually reserved for more experienced divers without the risk of decompression induced by too rapid ascents.

For this, we can provide for the changeover device carried by a first diver to receive a control or changeover instruction from a second diver (the monitor or team leader). Thus, remotely, the control device of the second diver transmits permutation instructions to the first diver.

Advantageously, the stabilization system makes it possible to adjust the depth position of a diver in an underwater environment in relation to the water surface. Cleverly, the stabilization system is configured to cooperate with a diver's common devices and equipment. Thus, the stabilization system is configured to cooperate with at least one pressurized gas supply source, such as for example one or more diving cylinders, and with at least one inflatable device, such as for example a stabilization vest, commonly called stab, or even with a ballast or a buoy for example. Preferably, the stabilization system can be configured to cooperate with at least one respiratory device. This breathing device is configured to allow the diver to breathe breathing gas from a pressurized gas supply source. Advantageously, the pressurized gas supply source and the respiratory gas supply source form a single pressurized respiratory gas supply source. As described below, this breathing device can also be configured to allow the diver to manually trigger the filling of the inflatable device with gas and/or its purge via a manual purge circuit.

According to one embodiment, the stabilization system is configured to alternately present several configurations.

For example, the stabilization system is configured to exhibit an inflation configuration. This inflation configuration is configured to reduce the depth position of the diver by at least partially inflating the inflatable device, or then by deflating it when the pressure exerted on the inflatable device decreases during the user's ascent towards the surface.

For example, the stabilization system is configured to exhibit a deflation configuration. This deflation configuration is configured to increase the depth position of the diver by at least partially deflating the inflatable device.

For example, the stabilization system is configured to exhibit a shutdown configuration. This stopping configuration is configured to stabilize the depth position of said diver by allowing ejection of gas into the inflatable device so as to maintain the depth position of the diver.

By maintaining the diver's position in position, we mean that the depth at which the diver is located does not vary by more than 1 m.

Advantageously, and according to one embodiment, the stabilization system is configured to present a regulation configuration. This control configuration is configured to regulate the amount of gas present in the inflatable device. Thus, in the regulation configuration, the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device is adjusted; this adjustment, preferably automatic, makes it possible to add and/or extract and/or retain a predetermined quantity of gas from the inflatable device so as to compensate for variations in depth generated by the diver's breathing.

Thus, advantageously, the stabilization system is configured to switch from one configuration to another automatically and/or manually.

By inflation configuration we mean an inflation configuration of the stabilization system leading to a rise of the diver. In the same way, by deflation configuration we mean a deflation configuration of the stabilization system leading to a descent of the diver.

By lower depth we mean a position of the submerged system closer to the water surface. In other words, by greater or greater depth we mean a position of the submerged system further from the water surface, and therefore located vertically below the shallower depth.

• un dispositif de commande automatique configuré pour permuter automatiquement la configuration du système entre l’une quelconque des configurations de montée, d’arrêt, de descente et de régulation ;
• un dispositif de permutation configuré pour coopérer avec le dispositif de commande automatique de sorte à permuter la configuration du système en fonction au moins de ladite instruction de commande.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stabilization system comprises at least:

• an automatic controller configured to automatically switch the system configuration between any of up, down, down and throttle configurations;
• a permutation device configured to cooperate with the automatic control device so as to permute the configuration of the system based at least on said control instruction.

• un module électronique configuré pour évaluer la profondeur du plongeur ; Ce module électronique peut comprendre en outre un capteur de profondeur par exemple, destiné à mesurer au moins un paramètre physique et/ou chimique et/ou biologique permettant l’évaluation de la profondeur du plongeur,
• un module de pilotage configuré pour recevoir au moins une donnée de profondeur depuis le module électronique et pour déterminer au moins une instruction de commande à partir de ladite donnée de profondeur. ;

As described below, the automatic control device comprises at least:

• an electronic module configured to evaluate the depth of the diver; This electronic module may further comprise a depth sensor for example, intended to measure at least one physical and/or chemical and/or biological parameter allowing the evaluation of the depth of the diver,
• a control module configured to receive at least one depth data from the electronic module and to determine at least one control instruction from said depth data. ;

• une entrée primaire de gaz pressurisé configurée pour coopérer avec la source de gaz pressurisé ;
• une sortie primaire de gaz pressurisé configurée pour coopérer avec le dispositif gonflable de sorte à gonfler le dispositif gonflable lorsque le système est dans la configuration de gonflage et/ou de préférence de stabilisation,
• un module d’évacuation configuré pour coopérer avec le dispositif gonflable de sorte à réduire la quantité de gaz contenue dans le dispositif gonflable lorsque le système est dans la configuration de dégonflage au moyen de la création d’un différentiel de pression.

As described in the figures below, the permutation device comprises at least:

• a primary pressurized gas inlet configured to cooperate with the pressurized gas source;
• a primary pressurized gas outlet configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to inflate the inflatable device when the system is in the inflation and/or preferably stabilization configuration,
• an evacuation module configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to reduce the quantity of gas contained in the inflatable device when the system is in the deflation configuration by means of creating a pressure differential.

According to one embodiment, the evacuation module comprises a gas outlet. This gas outlet is intended to be arranged at a depth shallower than the depth of the inflatable device. This creates the pressure differential. This pressure differential can thus 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.

According to one embodiment, the evacuation module comprises a suction module configured to cooperate with the inflatable device so as to reduce the quantity of gas contained in the inflatable device. Preferably, this suction is generated by venturi effect. In known manner, a nozzle of the suction system makes it possible to generate a pressure differential by a venturi effect. In known manner, the nozzle has a narrowing of passage section. This makes it possible to automatically generate the pressure differential and thus avoids the user having to manually create the pressure differential by positioning the outlet of the inflator above their head for example. Note that the suction module can also have another configuration, without implementing the venturi effect.

• une entrée secondaire de gaz pressurisé,
• une entrée primaire de gaz aspiré,
• une sortie primaire de gaz aspiré.

Advantageously, the suction module comprises at least:

• a secondary pressurized gas inlet,
• a primary inlet of suction gas,
• a primary outlet of suction gas.

It will be noted that the gas present in the inflatable device may include respiratory gas and/or a gas not suitable for inhalation but coming for example from the exhalation of the diver; this may be the case when the diver inflates himself. even the inflatable device.

Preferably, the suction module is configured so that when the system is in the deflation and/or regulation configuration, the secondary pressurized gas inlet is fluidly connected to the primary pressurized gas inlet and the primary inlet of suctioned gas 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 cleverly made possible through a venturi effect. This venturi effect is advantageously generated by the pressurized gas entering through the secondary pressurized gas inlet. Thus, the gas sucked in by the primary suction gas inlet and at least part of the pressurized gas are then evacuated through the primary suction gas outlet of the suction module.

According to a particular embodiment, the system 100 comprises a Venturi or Venturi device configured so as to suck the gas present in the inflatable device 300 in order to prevent the diver from having to hold the system 100 above his head during the ascent phase. The Venturi behaves like a vacuum cleaner. The Venturi makes it possible to deflate 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 level of the respiratory gas evacuation 660. Advantageously the Venturi is arranged reversed manner.

It will be noted that according to a preferred embodiment, the system may include a pressure loss device making it possible to at least partially isolate the manual purge circuit from the deflation circuit.

This stabilization system thus allows manual or automatic control of the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device and therefore allows the adjustment of the depth of the diver.

Additionally, as cleverly described below, the diver's breathing rate can be taken into consideration to counterbalance its effect on stabilizing the diver at depth. Indeed, with each inhalation and each exhalation, the diver oscillates in depth because of the volume of respiratory gas fluctuating in his lungs. Advantageously, the present system also allows measurement and/or forecasting and/or prediction of the breathing rate of the diver so as to compensate for these fluctuations by adjusting in real time the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device.

We will now describe the present invention through Figures 1 to 12.

Figures 1 and 5 represent, according to one embodiment, the stabilization system 100 according to the present invention.

In these two figures, the system 100 is in shutdown configuration, that is to say that the quantity of respiratory gas present in the inflatable device 300 is left as it is.

In particular, it will be noted that neither the inflation circuit 611 nor the deflation circuit 621 are open.

In Figures 2 and 6, the system 100 is in inflation configuration. Indeed, in these two figures, the permutation device 600 is configured to allow pressurized gas to circulate from the pressurized gas supply source 200 to the inflatable device 300, preferably via the inflation circuit 611.

In Figures 3 and 7, the system 100 is in deflation configuration. Indeed, in these figures, the permutation device 600 is configured to allow pressurized gas to circulate from the pressurized gas supply source 200 to the suction module 630, preferably via the circuit 612 for supplying the suction module, and the permutation device 600 is configured to let gas be sucked in by the suction module 630 from the inflatable device 300, preferably via the deflation circuit 621 and advantageously via the generation of a venturi effect by the suction module 630.

According to one embodiment, when the system is in the regulation configuration, it alternates between an inflation, deflation, or even shutdown configuration. Indeed, in the regulation configuration, the quantity 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 by way of non-limiting example, the stabilization system 100 can be configured so as to limit the user's ascent speed. In particular, depth levels can be configured in the stabilization system 100 so that when the user wishes to return to the surface, the system automatically controls the buoyancy of the diver so as to respect these predetermined levels. Also, when the diver is in a landing, the system can automatically block the ascent for a predetermined time. However, and in a safe manner, an emergency lift function can be provided to bypass the automatic system.

In Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, we find a supply source 200 of pressurized gas, such as for example a bottle of pressurized air, fluidly connected to a regulator 210, itself fluidly connected to the breathing device 400 equipped with a breathing mouthpiece 430 allowing the diver to breathe and/or manually inflate the inflatable device 300.

Advantageously, the pressurized gas supply source 200 is thus a pressurized respiratory gas supply source.

In these figures, the pressurized gas supply source 200 is also fluidly connected to the permutation device 600 so as to supply it with pressurized gas when necessary, preferably when the plunger 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 will be noted that the pressurized gas supply source 200 is fluidly connected to the permutation device 600 by the primary inlet 610 of previously pressurized gas presented.

Finally, the pressurized gas supply source 200 is fluidly connected to the respiratory device 400 for example so as to be able to manually supply pressurized gas to the inflatable device 300 through a manual inflation actuator 410.

In these figures, the inflatable device 300 preferably, but not limited to, comprises a stabilization vest worn by the diver and which is fluidly connected to the permutation device 600, preferably via the primary outlet 620 of pressurized gas of the permutation device.

According to one embodiment, the inflatable device can be filled with gas directly by the user by blowing via a conduit, such as for example via the respiratory nozzle 430.

In these figures, the inflatable device 300 is fluidly connected to the breathing device 400, preferably via an inflation outlet 310. In these figures, it will be noted that the inflation inlet 411 is fluidly connected to the gas supply source 200 pressurized and that via the manual inflation actuator 410, the diver can circulate, preferably in at least part of the breathing device 400, and advantageously via a manual inflation valve 412, the pressurized gas from the power source 200 towards the inflatable device 300.

It will be noted in these figures that the respiratory device 400 can also include a manual purge actuator 420 of the inflatable device 300. This actuator 420 controls a purge valve 421 configured to open a circuit for evacuating the gas contained in the inflatable device 300 of manual way. This evacuation then preferably takes place via the respiratory gas outlet 422. The manual purge actuator 420 and the purge valve 421 form part of the manual purge circuit. This manual functionality common in the prior art preferably represents only a manual solution in the event of a malfunction of the automatic control device for example, and however forces the diver to take uncomfortable positions well known to divers.

According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises at least one pressure loss device configured to at least partially isolate the manual purge circuit from the deflation circuit described subsequently. This device can in particular be produced by a plug, guillotine or membrane type valve.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stabilization system 100 comprises at least one safety valve 604. This safety valve 604 is configured to alternately authorize and prohibit the supply of the system 100 with pressurized gas.

According to one embodiment, this safety valve 604 allows operation only in manual mode or in automatic mode. This prohibits the system from operating simultaneously in manual and automatic modes. According to this embodiment, this safety valve 604 directs the supply of pressurized gas either towards the manual control device or towards the automatic control device.

According to another embodiment, the safety valve 604 allows permanent operation of manual mode and automatic mode. However, and preferably, switching to the manual position makes it possible to isolate the pressurized gas supply to the automatic control device. This ensures that no breathing air is lost in the event that the electronics and/or mechanics of the automatic side are defective and the pressurized gas supply source is a pressurized breathing gas supply source. This safety valve thus makes it possible, depending on its positioning, to isolate automatic mode from manual mode and thus preserve the safety of the user in the event of an electronic and/or mechanical problem.

Advantageously, this safety valve 604 is a plug valve.

In Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, the permutation device 600 is shown. This thus includes the primary inlet 610 of pressurized gas intended to form the inflation circuit 611 with the primary outlet 620 of pressurized gas. This primary inlet 610 of pressurized gas is also intended to form the supply circuit 612 of the suction module 630 with the secondary inlet 631 of pressurized gas preferably carried by the suction module 630 and via the secondary outlet 613 of pressurized gas preferably carried by the permutation device 600.

The permutation device 600 also includes the secondary inlet 622 of aspirated gas intended to form the deflation circuit 621 with the secondary outlet 623 of aspirated gas. This secondary suction gas outlet 623 is configured to be fluidly connected with the primary suction gas inlet 632 of the suction module 630 when the system 100 is in deflation and/or regulation configuration.

In these figures, and according to a preferred embodiment, it will be noted that the permutation device 600 comprises a multi-valve.

This multi-valve preferably 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, such as a cylinder for example. This actuator 521 is preferably capable of moving 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 to a stop configuration, the second position is configured to switch the system 100 to a deflation configuration, the third position is configured to switch the system 100 to an inflation configuration.

Advantageously, the first position, that is to say that corresponding to the stopping configuration, is kinematically located between the second position, that is to say that corresponding to the deflation configuration, and the third position, that is to say that corresponding to the inflation configuration.

Preferably, the multi-valve thus comprises a body in which the mobile element moves via the actuator 521.

According to one embodiment, this body comprises the primary inlet 610 of pressurized gas, the primary outlet 620 of pressurized gas, a secondary outlet 613 of pressurized gas, a secondary inlet 622 of aspirated gas, a secondary outlet 623 of aspirated gas. It will be noted that, when the system 100 is in deflation and/or shutdown configuration, the secondary outlet 613 of pressurized gas is fluidly connected to the secondary inlet 631 of pressurized gas of the suction module 630 and that the secondary outlet 623 of suction gas is fluidly connected to the primary inlet 632 of suction gas.

Thus, and in a clever manner, the mobile element is configured to cooperate with the body of the multi-valve in order to alternately form respiratory gas circulation paths.

In inflation configuration, for example, the primary pressurized gas inlet 610 forms, with the primary pressurized gas outlet 620, the inflation circuit 611 allowing the circulation of a portion of pressurized gas from the power source 200 to the inflatable device 300.

In deflation configuration, for example, the primary inlet 610 of pressurized gas forms, with the secondary outlet 613 of pressurized gas and with the secondary inlet 631 of pressurized gas of the suction module 630, the supply circuit 612 of pressurized gas of the suction module 630, and the secondary inlet 622 of suction gas forms, with the secondary outlet 623 of suction gas and with the primary inlet 632 of suction gas of the suction module 630, the deflation circuit 621 allowing the suction of a portion of respiratory gas from the inflatable device 300 towards the primary outlet 633 of aspirated gas from the suction module 630.

In the off configuration, for example, the system 100 can switch, preferably automatically, between the deflation configuration and the inflation configuration so as to adjust the quantity of breathing gas present in the inflatable device 300 or can then simply close the previous circuits 611, 612 and 621 so as to keep the quantity of respiratory gas present in the inflatable device 300 constant.

According to one embodiment, and as represented more precisely in Figures 1 to 3, the movable element comprises a mechanical part movable in rotation around an axis of rotation. It is through a rotation around this axis that the different gas circulation circuits are formed.

According to another embodiment, and as shown more precisely in Figures 5 to 7, the movable element comprises a carriage 670 movable in translation along a translation axis.

According to one embodiment, such as that illustrated in for example, the movable element, for example the carriage 670 or the rotating movable part, may comprise one or more positioning elements. These positioning elements are configured to make it possible to determine the position of the mobile element. According to one embodiment, these positioning elements may include reflective elements 671 and/or waveguides and/or a type of inductive and/or resistive proximity detector such as servomotors for example, or even simple contacts, or even finally be based on optical and/or capacitive and/or resistive technology. According to one embodiment, these positioning elements comprise reflective elements 671. These reflective elements 671 are configured to cooperate with at least one optical transmitter 531 and an optical receiver 533 so as to allow the transmission or not of a light flux from the optical transmitter 531 towards the optical receiver 533 as a function of the position of the mobile element, and therefore as a function of the configuration of the system 100.

Cleverly, this or these optical transceivers are mounted in the automatic control device 500. Preferably, this or these optical transceivers are optically connected to the permutation device 600 via one or more optical fibers and/or optical guides. waves.

Thus, when the movable element is in a certain position, that is to say when the system 100 is in a certain configuration, a certain optical path 532 may or may not be established and thus be detected or not by the detection device. automatic control 500, this allowing the automatic control device 500 and its on-board electronics to determine the configuration of the system 100 for example.

As will be described more precisely later, the automatic control device 500 is entirely cast in a resin so as to protect any electronic element from the marine and preferably underwater environment. Also, the present system 100 very cleverly uses optical control and transmission technology based at least in part on optical fiber technologies.

There illustrates a diver 700 using the present invention according to an embodiment in which the pressure differential is generated manually by the user 700. This pressure differential allows adjustment of the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device 300. However, Even if the generation of this pressure differential is manual, the system 100 can nevertheless authorize or not the evacuation of the gas, for example in order to respect depth levels.

According to another embodiment, the pressure differential is generated automatically, avoiding the user having to do it themselves.

There illustrates another embodiment of the present invention according to which the permutation device 600 comprises a plurality of valves controlled by the control device, preferably solenoid valves.

According to this embodiment, the multi-valve can be replaced and/or supplemented by a plurality of controlled valves 601, 602, 603 allowing the establishment or not of the inflation 611, deflation 621 and power supply 612 circuits of the module suction 630. Preferably but not limited to, this plurality of controlled valves 601, 602, 603 are distinct from each other,

For example, the inflation valve 601 is activated when the system is in inflation and/or shutdown configuration so as to establish the inflation circuit 611.

For example, the deflation valve 602 is activated when the system is in deflation and/or shutdown 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 deflation and/or shutdown configuration so as to establish the supply circuit 612 of the suction module 630 with pressurized gas .

Finally, we will note on the , but which can also be present according to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, the presence of a safety valve 604 configured to stop the supply of pressurized gas from the supply source 200 to the permutation device 600.

According to a preferred embodiment, and as illustrated schematically through Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, the system 100 may comprise an evacuation circuit 640 comprising an inlet 641 of gas to be evacuated and an outlet 642 of gas to evacuate.

Cleverly, the gas inlet 641 to be evacuated is fluidly connected to the primary gas outlet 633 sucked in from the suction module 630 so as to allow the evacuation of a portion of the gas contained in the inflatable device 300.

Preferably, the gas outlet 642 to be evacuated is fluidly connected to a non-return valve 650 itself fluidly connected to a gas evacuation 660. This non-return valve is configured to allow the evacuation of gas from the module d suction 630 towards the evacuation 660 and to limit, preferably, prevent water from entering the suction module 630 and preferably into the evacuation circuit 640.

It will be noted that the evacuation circuit 640 advantageously comprises a plurality of turns so as to slow down the water in the event of a failure of the non-return valve 650 or a leak from the evacuation circuit 640.

Advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises a hygrometric sensor 540, preferably based on optical technology, or even on electronic technology for detecting electric current between two electrodes, for example non-limiting. This hygrometric sensor 540 is configured to allow the detection of a leak in the evacuation circuit 640. This then makes it possible to warn the diver 700 who can, for example, inject pressurized gas from the power source 200 into the evacuation circuit 640 so as to expel the water present. This injection of pressurized gas can also be triggered automatically by the automatic control device 500.

Figures 10 to 12 illustrate different embodiments of the automatic control device 500.

1. Un module de pilotage 520 du dispositif de permutation 600 de sorte à modifier la configuration du système 100. Ce module de pilotage 520 peut par exemple piloter l’actionneur 521 selon le mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 3 et 5 à 7 et/ou les vannes pilotées 601, 602 et 603 selon le mode de réalisation de la ;
2. Un capteur optique 530 ; Le capteur optique 530 comprenant par exemple un émetteur optique 531 et un récepteur optique 533 configurés pour permettre un suivi de la configuration du système 100 tel que précédemment décrit ;
3. De préférence, un capteur respiratoire 510 configuré pour permettre l’évaluation le rythme respiratoire du plongeur ; De manière avantageuse, ce capteur respiratoire 510 peut être en partie au moins disposé au niveau du dispositif respiratoire 400 ; De manière avantageuse, le capteur respiratoire 510 peut être à base d’une technologie optique ; Selon un mode de réalisation, le dispositif de permutation peut être séparé du dispositif respiratoire ; selon ce mode de réalisation, et à titre d’exemple non limitatif, le système de stabilisation utilise des données de pression ambiante et/ou de profondeur pour générer une courbe de profondeur lorsqu’un capteur respiratoire n’est pas utilisable ou présent. Cette courbe de profondeur permet de déduire le volume d’air inspiré / expiré par l’utilisateur et ainsi de compenser ce volume d’air.
4. Un capteur de profondeur configuré pour permettre l’évaluation de la profondeur du plongeur ; Ce capteur de profondeur, ici encore, peut-être à base d’une technologie optique ou encore mécanique, comme par exemple un capteur de pression, par exemple un capteur de pression ambiante de l’eau environnant le plongeur.
5. Une pluralité d’actuateurs 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 570, 580, 590, 410, 420 configurés pour permettre le pilotage du dispositif de commande automatique 500 par un plongeur ; chacun de ces actuateurs peut également être qualifié d’élément d’interface utilisateur ou de bouton.
6. Un microprocesseur configuré pour exécuter une série d’instructions de pilotage du système 100. De manière avantageuse, la présente invention tire parti d’au moins deux microprocesseurs configurés pour se surveiller l’un l’autre de manière à garantir la sécurité et la fiabilité de la présente invention. De la sorte, si l’un des deux microprocesseurs présente un dysfonctionnement, le second prend le relais. Ce choix technologique est un gage de fiabilité et de sécurité pour le plongeur.
7. Une source de courant électrique ;
8. Une source de flux lumineux.

Advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises and/or cooperates with at least:

1. A control module 520 of the permutation device 600 so as to modify the configuration of the system 100. This control module 520 can for example control the actuator 521 according to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 and/or the piloted valves 601, 602 and 603 according to the embodiment of the ;
2. An optical sensor 530; The optical sensor 530 comprising for example an optical transmitter 531 and an optical receiver 533 configured to allow monitoring of the configuration of the system 100 as previously described;
3. Preferably, a respiratory sensor 510 configured to allow the assessment of the breathing rate of the diver; Advantageously, this respiratory sensor 510 can be at least partly arranged at the level of the respiratory device 400; Advantageously, the respiratory sensor 510 can be based on optical technology; According to one embodiment, the permutation device can be separated from the respiratory device; according to this embodiment, and by way of non-limiting example, the stabilization system uses ambient pressure and/or depth data to generate a depth curve when a respiratory sensor is not usable or present. This depth curve makes it possible to deduce the volume of air inspired/exhaled by the user and thus to compensate for this volume of air.
4. A depth sensor configured to allow assessment of the diver's depth; This depth sensor, here again, may be based on optical or even mechanical technology, such as for example a pressure sensor, for example an ambient pressure sensor of the water surrounding the diver.
5. A plurality of actuators 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 570, 580, 590, 410, 420 configured to allow the control of the automatic control device 500 by a diver; each of these actuators can also be referred to as a user interface element or button.
6. A microprocessor configured to execute a series of instructions for controlling the system 100. Advantageously, the present invention takes advantage of at least two microprocessors configured to monitor each other so as to guarantee security and reliability of the present invention. In this way, if one of the two microprocessors presents a malfunction, the second takes over. This technological choice is a guarantee of reliability and safety for the diver.
7. A source of electric current;
8. A source of luminous flux.

Note that according to one embodiment, the manual inflation actuators 410 and manual purge 420 can also be mounted in the automatic control device 500. This allows the user to have all the controls on a single and same device. Note that in a safe manner, the manual inflation actuators 410 and manual purge 420 can be mechanical actuators such as those 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 can determine the variations in depth of the diver as a function of his breathing. Thus the automatic control device 500 can control the permutation device 600, and preferably the actuator 521 and/or the controlled valves 601, 602 and 603, so as to permute the configuration of the system 100 depending on the adjustment of the quantity of gas necessary in the inflatable device 300 to counterbalance the quantity of respiratory gas present in the diver's lungs and the related variations in depth of the diver.

Advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises a hygrometric sensor 540 arranged in the evacuation circuit 640 so as to detect the presence of water in the evacuation circuit 640 as previously described.

We will note in Figures 6 to 8 several developments of the automatic control device 500.

1. Les actuateurs, de préférence mécaniques, de gonflage manuel 410 et de purge manuelle 420 ;
2. Un actuateur 570 pour activer une lampe torche et contrôler sa puissance lumineuse ; Cette puissance étant affichée par un indicateur 571 de niveau de puissance lumineuse de la lampe torche ;
3. Un indicateur 501 de la quantité d’énergie électrique restante ;
4. Un actuateur 551 pour permuter le système 100 en configuration de gonflage. De préférence, en surface, cet actionneur 551 est configuré pour permettre le gonflage du dispositif gonflable 300, autrement dit de la stab. Et, de préférence, en plongée, cet actionneur 551 est configuré pour permettre la remontée du plongeur 700 ;
5. Un actuateur 552 pour permuter le système 100 en configuration de dégonflage. De préférence, en surface, cet actionneur 552 est configuré pour dégonfler le dispositif gonflable 300, autrement dit la stab. Et, de préférence, en plongée, cet actionneur 552 est configuré pour permettre la descente du plongeur 700 ;
6. Un actuateur 553 pour permuter le système 100 en configuration d’arrêt statique, il s’agit ici de conserver constante une quantité de gaz respiratoire dans le dispositif gonflable 300 ;
7. Un actuateur 554 pour permuter le système 100 en configuration d’arrêt dynamique, il s’agit ici de l’option permettant la compensation des variations de profondeur dues à la respiration du plongeur.
8. Un actuateur 555 pour activer une procédure de remontée par paliers ; en effet, compte tenu de la possibilité de piloter automatiquement la quantité de gaz présente dans le dispositif gonflable 300, la présente invention permet d’enclencher une procédure de remontée automatique, de préférence à vitesse contrôlée, en mesurant régulièrement la profondeur du plongeur et en ajustant la quantité de gaz respiratoire dans le dispositif gonflable 300. Cela permet ainsi au plongeur de ne pas s’inquiéter des différents paliers nécessaires à suivre avant sa remontée, l’ensemble est automatiquement assuré par le système 100 de stabilisation et préprogrammé dans le dispositif de commande automatique 500.

On the , we find :

1. The actuators, preferably mechanical, for manual inflation 410 and manual purge 420;
2. A 570 actuator to activate a flashlight and control its light power; This power being displayed by a light power level indicator 571 of the flashlight;
3. An indicator 501 of the quantity of remaining electrical energy;
4. An actuator 551 to switch the system 100 to inflation configuration. Preferably, on the surface, this actuator 551 is configured to allow the inflation of the inflatable device 300, in other words the stab. And, preferably, while diving, this actuator 551 is configured to allow the rise of the diver 700;
5. An actuator 552 to switch the system 100 to deflation configuration. Preferably, on the surface, this actuator 552 is configured to deflate the inflatable device 300, in other words the stab. And, preferably, when diving, this actuator 552 is configured to allow the descent of the diver 700;
6. An actuator 553 to switch the system 100 to a static stop configuration, this involves keeping a constant quantity of respiratory gas in the inflatable device 300;
7. An actuator 554 to switch the system 100 to a dynamic stop configuration, this is the option allowing compensation for depth variations due to the diver's breathing.
8. An actuator 555 to activate a step-up procedure; in fact, taking into account the possibility of automatically controlling the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device 300, the present invention makes it possible to initiate an automatic ascent procedure, preferably at controlled speed, by regularly measuring the depth of the diver and adjusting the quantity of respiratory gas in the inflatable device 300. This thus allows the diver not to worry about the different stages necessary to follow before ascent, the whole is automatically ensured by the stabilization system 100 and pre-programmed in the device automatic control 500.

1. Un écran d’affichage de données 502, comme par exemple un suivi de la profondeur, ou encore des images prises en photo ;
2. Une caméra 581 ;
3. Un actuateur 590 pour la prise de photos ;
4. Un actuateur 580 pour l’enregistrement de vidéo.

On the , the embodiment of the automatic control device 500 further comprises:

1. A data display screen 502, such as depth monitoring, or even images taken;
2. A camera 581;
3. A 590 actuator for taking photos;
4. A 580 actuator for video recording.

1. Un écran d’affichage de données de plongées 503 ;
2. Des actuateurs 504 pour l’enregistrement de données de plongées ;
3. Un indicateur 560 de la quantité de gaz respiratoire restant dans la source 200 de gaz pressurisé.

On the , the automatic control device 500 further comprises:

1. A dive data display screen 503;
2. 504 actuators for recording dive data;
3. An indicator 560 of the amount of breathing gas remaining in the pressurized gas source 200.

Thus, the automatic control device 500 is cleverly designed to allow the diver to manage all the functionalities of the system 100 and make his diving easier while ensuring his safety.

It will be noted that advantageously, the automatic control device 500 comprises an electric battery configured to be recharged preferably by induction.

In order to protect the electronics of the automatic control device 500, it is preferably entirely cast in resin, so that all the electronic components are protected from attacks from the sea. least actuators are optical actuators designed according to the principle of interrupting or not a light ray between an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. As this optical technology is not affected, or very little, by sea and underwater conditions, this guarantees significant reliability and longevity to the automatic control device 500.

1. Détermination du rythme respiratoire du plongeur par le dispositif de commande automatique 500 via le capteur respiratoire 510 ;
2. Détermination des variations de profondeur du plongeur en fonction de son rythme respiratoire déterminé par le dispositif de commande automatique 500 ;
3. Pilotage du dispositif de permutation 600 par le dispositif de commande de manière à ajuster la quantité de gaz respiratoire présent dans le dispositif gonflable 300 de manière à compenser les variations de profondeur déterminées. Selon un mode de réalisation, une manière simple peut comprendre le monitorage en permanence de la profondeur et l’ajustement de la quantité exacte de gaz correspondante. Toutefois, cela consomme beaucoup d’air. Selon un autre mode de réalisation préféré, une variation maximale de profondeur, c’est-à-dire une variation de profondeur maximale, est prédéterminée, par exemple 10 cm, aussi l’ajustement de la quantité de gaz ne se fait que lorsque la variation de profondeur dépasse la variation de profondeur maximale prédéterminée. Selon un autre mode de réalisation avantageux, il est également possible d’utiliser un algorithme basé sur les précédentes respirations pour calculer la quantité moyenne d’air à injecter ou à soutirer au dispositif gonflable 300 qui sera utile pour limiter les variations de profondeur. Cette méthode permet d’optimiser la consommation d’air.

The present invention also relates to a method of stabilizing, preferably dynamically, the position at depth of a diver equipped by the present invention. This method comprises at least the following steps implemented by the control device:

1. Determination of the diver's respiratory rate by the automatic control device 500 via the respiratory sensor 510;
2. Determination of the diver's depth variations as a function of his breathing rate determined by the automatic control device 500;
3. Control of the permutation device 600 by the control device so as to adjust the quantity of respiratory gas present in the inflatable device 300 so as to compensate for the determined depth variations. According to one embodiment, a simple manner may include continuously monitoring the depth and adjusting the exact quantity of corresponding gas. However, this consumes a lot of air. According to another preferred embodiment, a maximum depth variation, that is to say a maximum depth variation, is predetermined, for example 10 cm, so the adjustment of the quantity of gas is only made when the depth variation exceeds the predetermined maximum depth variation. According to another advantageous embodiment, it is also possible to use an algorithm based on previous breaths to calculate the average quantity of air to be injected or withdrawn from the inflatable device 300 which will be useful to limit variations in depth. This method optimizes air consumption.

Cleverly, the diver's depth is no longer affected, or only very little, by his breathing. This is very advantageous for example when the diver wishes to be precisely stabilized at depth, for example to make an underwater video. This is also advantageous when an inexperienced diver needs to be automatically assisted to be stabilized at depth, for example to avoid decompression sickness.

According to one embodiment, the automatic control device 500 also comprises a memory module, preferably non-transitory, making it possible to store a plurality of data and also instructions for controlling the permutation device 600, depending on 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 carried out by the microprocessor of the automatic control device 500, executes at least the steps of the stabilization process previously described. It should be noted that advantageously, and for reasons of continuous improvement and/or legal proof in the event of a trial, at least part of the latest information and the latest actions are recorded on a non-transitory memory, preferably until saturation of said memory, which can represent several dozen dives, or even several hundred for example.

According to one embodiment, the automatic control device 500 comprises a plurality of electronic elements, preferably entirely immersed in a waterproof material, such as 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, that is to say they operate according to the principle of interruption or of non-interruption of one or more light rays, preferably these light rays are infrared rays, advantageously, these light rays can be lasers. So for example, to activate the ascent actuator, the diver only has to place his finger in the place corresponding to the actuator, this then causes the interruption of one of several light rays and then notifies the automatic control device 500 the action performed by the user.

This optical technology and this electronics immersed in a waterproof material allow the automatic control device 500 to be protected from attacks in the marine and underwater environment and provides increased security for the on-board electronics. Sea water contains a lot of particles which has the effect of diffracting light rays and the emission of the “up” button can perfectly find a path to reach the receiver of the “down” button. To counter this parasitic phenomenon, several techniques were developed during the development of the present invention. For example, and according to one embodiment, the optical messages transmitted by each transmitter are coded so as to be interpreted only by the appropriate receiver for which they are intended. The coding of the optical signal(s) allows the individualization of said optical signals. According to another preferred embodiment, each signal comprises a series of pulses and the sending of each signal is shifted in time between each source so that only one pulse is emitted at a given moment. Thus, a first transmitter transmits a first series of pulses, and a second transmitter transmits a second series of pulses, the emission of the second series of pulses then being offset by a predetermined time relative to the emission of the first series of impulses. This predetermined time is for example equal to one hundredth of a second. No pulse from the first series of pulses is emitted at the same time as a pulse from the second series of pulses and vice versa. This alternation of pulses, in other words this transmission frequency, allows receivers to identify the transmitter of the received signal. Advantageously, it takes several, for example three interruptions in a row to validate the presence of the diver's finger, that is to say to validate an action.

AUTONOMOUS CHARGING

As illustrated in and according to a particular embodiment, the system 100 comprises an energy generator 800 configured so as to allow greater energy autonomy for the system 100.

According to one embodiment, the pressurized gas contained in the source 200 allows the diver 700 to transform, via the energy generator 800, pneumatic energy into electrical energy necessary for the proper functioning of the system 100.

The energy generator 800 includes a storage device 820 configured to be alternately recharged and discharged.

The energy generator 800 advantageously comprises a turbine device 811 and an alternator 812 configured so as to be electrically connected to each other so as to transform the energy of the gas flow coming from the pressurized gas source 200 into electrical energy, in other words so as to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. The turbine may include blades or vanes.

In addition, the system 100 is advantageously configured to operate on energy autonomously, that is to say with the sole aid of a general pneumatic supply, preferably from the air contained under high pressure in the bottle.

According to a particular embodiment, the control device 500 can be configured to allow the actuation of an inlet of pressurized air in the energy generator 800.

Alternatively the system is configured to allow the passage of a pressurized gas from the pressurized gas supply source 200 to the energy generator 800, preferably without interfering with the inflation or deflation of the inflatable device 300.

The energy generator 800 advantageously comprises an electrical system 810. The system 810 comprises a turbine 811 extending along a drive axis_{8 .}The 811 turbine being configured so as to be driven in rotation along the drive axis₈by the gas coming from the pressurized gas supply source 200. Preferably, the pressurized gas 200 being expanded at medium pressure through a conduit 814 or a guide nozzle. At least a portion of the turbine 811 being inside the conduit 814 in an operating configuration.

The turbine 811 and the alternator 812 are further configured so as to supply energy to the storage device 820. The storage device 820 may for example be a rechargeable battery or a capacitor. The recharging and/or discharging of the storage device 820 being configured to take place directly or via an electronic regulation device.

As illustrated in , the energy generator 800 may comprise a single electrical system 810a. Preferably, this electrical system 810a comprises a single turbine 811 and a single alternator 812.

As illustrated in , the energy generator 800 comprises a first electrical system 810a and a second electrical system 810b which respectively comprise a first turbine 811a and a first alternator 812a and a second turbine 811b and a second alternator 812b. The first electrical system 810a and the second electrical system 810b extending along the same drive axis X ₈ . The energy generator 800 being configured so that the first electrical system 810a and the second electrical system 810b form a series connection. Advantageously, the two turbines are included at least partially inside the same guide conduit 814. Preferably, between the two electrical systems 810a 810b, there is arranged a device 813 for reshaping the pressurized gas jet. Preferably this configuration makes it possible to optimize the efficiency of the energy generator 800.

As illustrated in , the system 100 comprises two electrical systems 810a, 810b extending respectively along two collinear and non-confused drive axes X _{8 ,} X _8' . The two electrical systems 810a, 810b are preferably juxtaposed next to each other so as to form a parallel connection.

As illustrated in , the system includes four electrical systems 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d and combines the two previous embodiments. The four electrical systems 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d are mounted two by two in series so as to form two juxtaposed pairs. In other words, according to this same embodiment, the energy generator 800 comprises a first assembly comprising a first electrical system 801a and a second electrical system 810b in a series arrangement along a first axis X ₈ and a second assembly comprising a third electrical system 810c and a fourth electrical system 810d, and a second assembly comprising a third turbine and a fourth turbine in a series arrangement along a second axis X _8' .

The first axis X ₈ and the second axis X _8' being advantageously collinear and not merged. The energy generator 800 being configured so that the first set and the second set form a parallel arrangement. Thus, this embodiment allows much greater energy generation.

In this embodiment, the energy system 800 includes a conduit with two separate hermetic portions.

As illustrated in , the energy generator 800 can be part of the stabilization system 100 between the inflation device 300 and a distributor 830, preferably motorized included by the stabilization system 100 so that the distributor 830 is configured to direct the flow of air from the pressurized gas source 200 to the energy generator 800.

The energy generator 800 preferably comprising at least one alternator and a turbine. The energy generator 800 being configured so as to be able to electrically power the control device 500 directly via an electronic card and/or allow the recharging of a storage system 820 which may for example be a battery and/or a capacitor.

The present invention allows access to diving for novice divers by facilitating numerous procedures while guaranteeing the safety of users.

Advantageously, the system includes batteries that can be recharged by induction in case the turbine does not provide enough energy or for example if a lamp is added to the system

The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all the embodiments covered by the claims.

Numerical references:
100 Stabilization system
200 Pressurized gas supply source
210 Regulator
211 Entry of depressurized breathing gas into the breathing device
300 Inflatable device
310 Breathing gas deflation outlet intended to inflate the inflatable device
400 Respiratory device
410 Manual inflation actuator of the inflatable device
411 Pressurized gas entry into breathing device
412 Manual inflation valve
420 Inflatable device manual purge actuator
421 Purge valve
422 Breathing gas outlet
430 Breathing mouthpiece
500 Control device
501 Electric energy level indicator
502 Display screen
503 Dive Data Display
504 Dive Data Logging Actuators
510 Breathing sensor
520 Control module
521 Motor
530 Optical sensor
531 Optical transmitter
532 Optical path
533 Optical receiver
540 Hygrometric sensor
550 Actuators
551 Rise actuator
552 Lowering actuator
553 Static stabilization actuator
554 Dynamic stabilization actuator
555 Automatic raising in stages
560 Amount of remaining breathing gas
570 Flashlight actuator
571 Flashlight intensity level indicator
580 Photo taking actuator
581 Camera
590 Video capture actuator
600 Changeover device
601 Inflation valve
602 Deflation valve
603 Suction module supply valve
604 Safety valve
610 Primary pressurized gas inlet
611 Inflation circuit
612 Suction module power circuit
613 Secondary pressurized gas outlet
620 Primary pressurized gas outlet
621 Deflation circuit
622 Secondary suction gas inlet
623 Secondary suction gas outlet
630 Suction module
631 Secondary pressurized gas inlet
632 Primary suction gas inlet
633 Primary suction gas outlet
640 Evacuation circuit
641 Gas inlet to be evacuated
642 Gas outlet to be evacuated
650 Check valve
660 Evacuation of respiratory gas
670 Cart
671 Reflective element
700 Diver
800 Energy generator
810a, 810b, 810c, 810d Electrical systems
811a, 811b, 811c, 811d Turbines
812a, 812b, 812c, 812d Alternators
813 Fitness device
814 Conduit
820 Storage device

Claims (41)

Portable stabilization system (100) capable of adjusting the depth position of at least one diver (700) in an underwater environment relative to the water surface, the system (100) comprising at least one source of pressurized gas supply (200), at least one breathing gas supply source, at least one inflatable device (300), and at least one breathing device (400) configured to allow the diver to breathe breathing gas from the source supply of respiratory gas and preferably to allow the diver to manually trigger gas filling of the inflatable device (300),
the system (100) being characterized in that it can alternate between:

• an inflation configuration in which the inflatable device (300) is configured to be inflated, at least partially and preferably automatically, so as to reduce the depth position of the diver (700),
• a regulation configuration in which the inflatable device (300) is configured to inject or extract gas so as to maintain the depth position of the diver (700),
• a deflation configuration in which the inflatable device (300) is configured to be deflated, at least partially and preferably automatically, so as to increase the depth position of the diver (700),

and in that it includes:

• an automatic controller (500) configured to automatically switch the configuration of the system (100) between any of inflation, regulation and deflation configurations, the automatic controller (500) comprising an electronic module configured to evaluate the depth position of the diver (700) and a control module (520) configured to receive at least one depth data from the electronic module and to determine a control instruction at least from said depth data,
• a permutation device (600) configured to cooperate with the automatic control device (500) so as to permute the configuration of the system (100) depending at least on said control instruction, the permutation device (600) comprising at least :
  • a primary pressurized gas inlet (610) configured to cooperate with the pressurized gas supply source (200),
  • a primary outlet (620) of pressurized gas configured to cooperate with the inflatable device (300) so as to inflate the inflatable device (300) when the system (100) is in the inflation configuration,
  • an evacuation module configured to cooperate with the inflatable device (300) so as to reduce the amount of gas contained in the inflatable device (300) when the system (100) is in the deflation configuration by means of creating a pressure differential.

System (100) according to the preceding claim in which the pressurized gas supply source (200) and the respiratory gas supply source form a single and same pressurized respiratory gas supply source. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the pressure differential is generated automatically and/or manually. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the evacuation module comprises a gas outlet to be evacuated (642) intended to be arranged at a depth shallower than the depth of the inflatable device (300), in particular when the diver is in a horizontal swimming or ascent position, and in which the pressure differential is generated by the positioning of the control device (500) at a depth less than the depth of the inflatable device (300). System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the evacuation module comprises a suction module (630) configured to cooperate with the pressurized gas supply source (200) and with the inflatable device (300) so as to reduce the quantity of gas contained in the inflatable device (300) when the system (100) is in the deflation configuration, and in which the pressure differential is generated by the suction module (630) . System (100) according to the preceding claim in which the permutation device comprises a secondary outlet (613) of pressurized gas configured to cooperate with the suction module (630) and to form a deflation circuit (621) with the inlet pressurized gas primary. System according to the preceding claim in which the suction module (630) comprises:

• A secondary inlet (631) of pressurized gas,
• A primary inlet (632) of suction gas and
• A primary outlet (633) of aspirated gas,

such that, when the system is in the deflation configuration, the secondary pressurized gas inlet (631) is fluidly connected to the secondary pressurized gas outlet (613) and the primary suction gas inlet (632) is fluidly connected with the inflatable device (300) so as to deflate the inflatable device (300) by suction via the venturi effect generated by the pressurized gas entering through the secondary pressurized gas inlet (631), the gas drawn in by the primary inlet (632) of suction gas and at least part of the pressurized gas then being evacuated by the primary outlet (633) of suction gas. System according to the preceding claim in which the secondary inlet (631) of pressurized gas comprises a diameter greater than the primary inlet (632) of aspirated gas. System according to any one of the two preceding claims in which the secondary inlet (631) of pressurized gas is aligned with the primary outlet (633) of aspirated gas so as to define a circulation path of the pressurized gas, and in which the The primary inlet (632) of aspirated gas is arranged orthogonally to said pressurized gas circulation path. System (100) according to any one of the three preceding claims wherein the secondary pressurized gas inlet (631) is aligned with the primary pressurized gas outlet (633) so as to define a pressurized gas circulation path having a diameter, this diameter having a narrowing at the level of the primary inlet (632) of aspirated gas according to the direction of circulation of the pressurized gas along the path of circulation of pressurized gas. A system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims further configured to have a control configuration configured to stabilize the depth position of said diver by regulating, preferably automatically, the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device (300). System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the electronic module comprises at least one depth sensor configured to evaluate the depth at which the diver (700) is located. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the electronic module is, preferably entirely, immersed in a waterproof material, preferably in resin. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the control module (520) is, preferably entirely, immersed in a waterproof material, preferably in resin. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one safety valve (604) configured to alternately allow and interrupt the supply of pressurized gas to the system (100). A system (100) according to any preceding claim comprising a manual controller configured to manually switch the configuration of the system (100) between any of inflation, regulation and deflation configurations. System (100) according to the preceding claim in which the automatic control device (500) and the manual control device are physically integral with each other. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the permutation device (600) comprises at least one multi-valve comprising at least one actuator (521) capable of moving 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 (100) at least partially into a regulation configuration, the second position being configured to switch the system (100) into a deflation configuration, the third position being configured to switch the system (100) to inflation configuration. System (100) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 5 in which the multi-valve comprises at least one body in which the movable element moves via the actuator (521), this body comprising the primary inlet (610 ) of pressurized gas, the primary outlet (620) of pressurized gas, a secondary outlet (613) of pressurized gas and a secondary outlet (623) of aspirated gas, the secondary outlet (613) of pressurized gas being fluidly connected to the module d suction (630), and the secondary outlet (623) of suction gas being fluidly connected to the suction module (630). System (100) according to the preceding claim in which the movable element is at least partly movable in rotation around an axis of rotation. System (100) according to claim 19 in which the movable element is at least partly movable in translation along a translation axis. System (100) according to any one of the three preceding claims in combination with any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the secondary outlet (613) of pressurized gas being connected to the secondary inlet (631) of pressurized gas of the suction module (630) and the secondary suction gas outlet (623) is connected to the primary suction gas inlet (632) of the suction module (630). System (100) according to any one of the four preceding claims in which the movable element is shaped so as to cooperate with the body of the multi-valve in order to form pressurized gas circulation paths depending on the configuration of the system (100), these pressurized gas circulation paths comprising at least:

• An inflation circuit (611) formed at least in part between the primary pressurized gas inlet (610) and the primary pressurized gas outlet (620) when the system (100) is in inflation configuration;
• A supply circuit (612) of the suction module formed at least in part between the primary inlet (610) of pressurized gas and the secondary outlet (613) of pressurized gas when the system (100) is in deflation configuration ;
• A deflation circuit (621) formed at least in part between a secondary inlet (622) of suction gas and the secondary outlet (623) of suction gas when the system (100) is in deflation configuration.

System (100) according to any one of the five preceding claims in which the movable element comprises at least one reflective element (671) capable of reflecting at least one light ray. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 in combination with claim 5 in which the permutation device (600) comprises at least one set of valves (601, 602, 603) comprising at least one inflation valve (601), a deflation valve (602) and a supply valve (603) of the suction module (630), and wherein the inflation valve (601) is configured to fluidly connect the power source ( 200) in pressurized gas to the inflatable device (300), and wherein the deflation valve (602) is configured to fluidly connect the inflatable device (300) to the suction module (630) such that a portion at less of the gas contained in the inflatable device (300) is sucked by a venturi effect, the supply valve (603) of the suction module (630) being configured to fluidly connect the pressurized gas supply source (200) to the suction module (630) so as to generate said venturi effect allowing the suction of at least part of the gas present in the inflatable device (300). System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an energy system (800) comprising an assembly which comprises at least one turbine (811) and at least one alternator (812), the energy system (800) being positioned so to be in contact with a flow of gas coming from the pressurized gas supply source (200) and configured so as to transform part of the energy of this flow into electrical energy. System (100) according to the preceding claim comprising at least two assemblies configured to be connected in series or in parallel. System (100) according to any one of the two preceding claims comprising an electrical energy storage device (820) capable of supplying electrical energy to the system (100) and of storing the electrical energy delivered at the output of the energy system ( 800). System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims also comprising a respiratory sensor (510) configured to allow the evaluation of the respiratory rate of the diver, the control module (520) being configured to determine the control instruction depending on also the assessment of the diver's breathing rate. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the automatic control device (500) cooperates with at least:

• The control module (520) of the permutation device (600) configured to modify the configuration of the system (100);
• An optical transmitter (531) and an optical receiver (533) configured to enable tracking of the configuration of the system (100);
• The electronic module comprising at least:
  • A respiratory sensor (510) configured to allow the assessment of a respiratory rate of the diver;
  • A depth sensor configured to allow assessment of the diver's depth;
• A plurality of actuators (550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 570, 580, 590) configured to allow the automatic control device (500) to be controlled by a diver;
• A microprocessor configured to execute a series of system control instructions (100).

System (100) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 24 in which the reflecting element is configured to cooperate with the optical transmitter (531) and with the optical receiver (533) so as to establish at least one optical path ( 532) between the optical transmitter (531) and the optical receiver (533) depending on the configuration of the system (100). System (100) according to any one of the two preceding claims in which 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) controls the switching device (600) to switch the configuration of the system based on adjusting the amount of gas required in the inflatable device (300) to counterbalance the breathing gas present in the diver's lungs and the variations in depth of the diver caused by his breathing. System (100) according to any one of the three preceding claims comprising at least a first actuator and a second actuator among the plurality of actuators (550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 570, 580, 590), the first actuator comprising a first optical transmitter and a first optical receiver, the second actuator comprising a second optical transmitter and a second optical receiver, the first optical transmitter being configured to emit a first series of pulses towards the first optical receiver, and the second transmitter optical being configured to emit a second series of pulses towards the second optical receiver, the emission of the second series of pulses being offset in time by a predetermined time relative to the emission of the first series of pulses, so that when the pulses of the first series of pulses are transmitted, no pulses of the second series of pulses are transmitted, and so that when the pulses of the second series of pulses are transmitted, no pulse of the first series of pulses is emitted. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims configured so that the permutation device (600) is carried by a first plunger and so that the automatic control device (500) is configured to be carried in part at least by a second diver, so that the second diver controls the permutation device (600) of the first diver. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one evacuation circuit (640) comprising a plurality of turns arranged between an inlet (641) of gas to be evacuated and an outlet (642) of gas to be evacuated. System (100) according to the preceding claim in which the outlet (642) of gas to be evacuated is fluidly connected to a non-return valve (650) comprising an evacuation (660) of the gas and being configured to prevent entry of water into the evacuation circuit (640) via the gas outlet (642) to be evacuated. System (100) according to any one of the two preceding claims in which the automatic control device (500) comprises at least one hygrometric sensor (540) disposed in part at least in the evacuation circuit (640) and being configured to allow detection of the presence of water in the evacuation circuit (640). System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the automatic control device (500) is, preferably entirely, immersed in a waterproof material, preferably in resin. Method for stabilizing the position at depth of at least one diver in an underwater environment relative to the water surface, said diver comprising at least one system (100) according to claim 30, a power source ( 200) in pressurized gas, at least one inflatable device (300), the method comprising at least the following steps implemented by the automatic control device (500):

• Determination of the diver's respiratory rate from a respiratory sensor (510);
• Determination of the diver's depth variations based on his breathing rate determined from the depth sensor;
• Automatic control of the permutation device (600) by the automatic control device (500) so as to adjust the quantity of gas present in the inflatable device (300) so as to compensate for the determined depth variations.

Method for stabilizing the position at depth of at least one first diver in an underwater environment relative to the water surface, using at least one system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 38, in which the permutation device (600) is carried by a first plunger and the automatic control device (500) is carried in part at least by a second plunger, the method comprising the following steps:

• selection by the second diver of a permutation instruction from the automatic control device (500),
• transmission of the permutation instruction from the automatic control device (500) to the permutation device (600) carried by a first diver,
• permutation of the system configuration (100) based at least on said permutation instruction.

Computer program product comprising instructions, which when carried out by at least one processor, executes at least the steps of the method according to any one of the two preceding claims.