At the first instance it may seem like a bulky water-skiing contraption with two distinct pontoons. But in reality, it is a water craft that fascinatingly allows its occupants to travel on water and under water. Now, you may ask how? The answer lies in simplicity of technology and combination of structural components. Named as the Platypus Submarine, this ingenious concept was conceived by Ideotheque founder Francois-Alexandre Bertrand and naval architect Philippe Roulin.
As already mentioned, the form of the craft is defined by two flanking pontoons connected to a centrally located hull. This middle section will carry the riders, and is conjoined to the pontoons by a series of four horizontal rods. In normal circumstances, the expansive surface area of the pontoons will allow the craft to ‘ski’ over water surfaces, with the hull (and the riders) above water level. But the simplistic mechanism will also allow the horizontal connecting rods to rotate downwards, thus submersing the small hull below the water. The attached pontoons will remain above the water to glide through the fluid surface, while the riders (along with submersed hull) will now enjoy underwater scenery.
This doesn’t make the craft a complete submarine, but nevertheless the essence of novelty doesn’t get tarnished in any way. Moreover, the designers have envisioned the conception to be driven by two low emission electric motors, with noiseless attributes, so as not to adversely affect the surrounding marine life. For user convenience, the partly submersible vessel will be incorporated with a pumping system to convey fresh oxygen from an above water tube setup, directly to the rider’s mouthpiece. The air generating tubes are connected to a retractable cylinder, thus allowing the riders a certain degree of mobility for undersea exploration.
There are a multitude of applications associated with this adroitly conceptualized hybrid water-vessel. Firstly, with the recent spurt of underwater tourism, recreational facilities could use such contraptions for specialized tours for the travelers. Even beyond avocation, the craft can be used for serious scientific endeavors like underwater photography and marine life exploration, and that too in an adamantly sustainable mode.
Via: Diseno-Art
