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luis
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Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2005 9:28 pm
First Name: Luis
Location: Maine

Argonaut Mechanism

Thu Jan 15, 2015 9:24 pm

The video below is a spin-off from one of the many analyses I did during the detail design of the Argonaut.

This animation is a simulation of the mechanical motion of the parts.

NOTE: THIS VIDEO IS NOT A REPRESENTATION OF A BREATHING CYCLE. It shows cycling the demand valve into a fully open position. Fully opening the demand valve will only occur during artificial “worst case” test modes. The flow rate capacity of the fully open demand valve will exceed any diver demand, at any realistic work load, and at any depth where air could be reasonably used (in deeper dives, helium/tri-mix is recommended).

One of the many things that was calculated is the mechanical advantage of the lever during the full motion cycle. The letters and arrows in the video represent key dimensions used in some of the calculations:
• D1 (Delta1) and D2 (Delta2): represent the primary displacements in response to the demand valve diaphragm action.
• L1 and L2: are used to determine the lever mechanical advantage as a function of travel passion.
• S1: the spring compression. It is used to determine spring force (again, for the full range of travel).
• Some of the other variables are used for other calculations.
• The blue arrows represent directional vector forces on the lever (the arrow size does not indicate force magnitude).

The analysis associated with this animation is actually one of the simplest analysis that was performed, but it produced an interesting visual image of the functional parts in action.

Note: In addition, I also did structural analysis on most of the parts. As part of the flow analysis, I have many drawings of section cuts of the complete flow path showing flow cross sections.

The data generated from the calculations has been validated and verified whenever possible with component and/or system testing.


[video]https://vimeo.com/116820483[/video]



First stage:
If you are familiar with a Royal Aqua Master (RAM) or a Conshelf first stage, you will recognize similarity with the Argonaut first stage. That (RAM) first stage design has proven to be the most dependable with over 50 years good reliable history behind it.

Air passages:
Downstream, the air passages between the first and second stage of the Argonaut are totally new and much improved from a RAM. The flow pass impedance is lower than other double hose or single hose regulators. Confirmation of the improved inter-stage flow comes from an almost instantaneous Intermediate Pressure (IP) recovery during a breathing cycle (measured on any of the ports).

Second stage:
Unlike the first stage, the Argonaut the second stage is very different from a RAM. It combines the success of my HPR design with a new volcano orifice and a new venturi flow alignment/ interface with the hose-horn in the case. The venturi flow is smoother with the hose-horn designed to match the air flow out of the nozzle.

The demand valve (second stage) is the key component in achieving a great-performing regulator. Therefore, I opted for a simple modern design with good track record of performance and reliability.


Mechanically the second stage has a very simple appearance, but it incorporates several important details to minimize friction and maintain a very predictable motion for very smooth performance:

• The lever-fulcrum and lever-work-point are well defined contact edges with stainless steel washers for a bearing surface with a long predictable/ low friction life.

• The second stage is assembled as a module. The lever contact points in the module are self-aligning, with no binding or unnecessary friction

• All materials were selected for durability and low friction, including the round synthetic beads at the tip of the levers.

All the critical parts (volcano orifices, lever, lever bearing washers, springs, seat carrier, etc.) can be replaced if damaged, worn, or corroded in order to maintain the highest level of performance.


The case/ housing:
Not shown in the video is the housing. The housing was specifically designed to be integrated with the venturi flow design of the second stage. The hose-horn alignment, the shape, and the distance from the jet were design to optimize the venturi flow. The diameter of the horn was driven by the preferred hose size, therefore the other three variables were adjusted for the desired flow pattern.
Luis

Buceador con escafandra autónoma clásica.

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Bryan
Plank Owner
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Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2005 11:40 am
First Name: Bryan
Location: Wesley Chapel Florida
Contact: Website

Re: Argonaut Mechanism

Thu Jan 15, 2015 9:36 pm

As Jackie Gleason would say.....How Sweet It Is...Thanks Luis
Doing it right should include some common sense, not just blindly following specs and instructions. .Gary D, AWAP on SB

menemsha1968
Skin Diver
Posts: 42
Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2014 11:33 am
First Name: Dean
Location: Marine City MI

Re: Argonaut Mechanism

Fri Jan 30, 2015 10:14 am

Every time I read a post from Luis, I get the impression that this guy is genius. I'm glad that he directs some of it toward diving; the rest of us benefit from it.

refrat
Diver
Posts: 22
Joined: Tue Jan 14, 2014 4:08 pm
First Name: Colin
Location: Houston TX

Re: Argonaut Mechanism

Fri Jun 26, 2015 9:45 pm

I agree!
It is my impression that Luis is sharp as a razor blade as well as innovative on the engineering side, Bryan is the brains and drive on the production and marketing side, both are utterly committed, and we are lucky to have them delivering us the best double hose regulator on the planet.
I think this team might produce a few more break throughs and surprises for us in the next few years!

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Bryan
Plank Owner
Posts: 5279
Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2005 11:40 am
First Name: Bryan
Location: Wesley Chapel Florida
Contact: Website

Re: Argonaut Mechanism

Sat Jun 27, 2015 11:06 am

And Herman is the one who fixes all the screw ups and prototype errors we create!
Doing it right should include some common sense, not just blindly following specs and instructions. .Gary D, AWAP on SB

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Superlite
Master Diver
Posts: 183
Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2013 1:30 pm
First Name: Andrew
Location: Lafayette, LA

Re: Argonaut Mechanism

Fri Feb 05, 2016 11:15 am

Luis, Herman, and Bryan are the dynamic trio of the Kraken and DSV. I'm looking forward to when the DSV is available so I can install it on my Kraken as well as PRAM and DAAM regulators. You guys are the best!!!! :D

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luis
VDH Moderator
Posts: 1747
Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2005 9:28 pm
First Name: Luis
Location: Maine

Re: Argonaut Mechanism

Sun Aug 28, 2016 12:14 pm

Bryan wrote:And Herman is the one who fixes all the screw ups and prototype errors we create!

To be fair, 99% of the errors were created by the machine shops or the parts fabricators.
I am just saying...


I am just glad that Herman was able to fix most of the errors. We just could not add material back where they had cut too much.
Luis

Buceador con escafandra autónoma clásica.

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