Engineering Design and Development

Jordan O’BoyleBrian Roache

Paul Wiedorn

The Problem Statement• 135,000 freedivers from 9 developed nations• 1 out of 1600 (USA) will die free-diving. • Free divers tend to be cost conscious and prefer to be

unencumbered by equipment and often tether a dive buoy to their spear gun.

• Death is often by shallow water blackout. Other causes include entanglement, blood loss, loss of vision, and hazardous encounters with marine life.

• Promptly alerting the dive buddy is critical.

Shallow Water Blackout (SWB)Prolonged underwater breath holding can be deadly.

Here’s what happens

Survey Says… 7 novice, 9 int. & 4 pro

• 9 of 20 never dive alone, 6 sometimes(!), 10 w/ buddy, and only 1 with group. CONCLUSION: Market to buddy divers.

• 9 light headed or suffered SWB; 11 never. CONCLUSION: SWB is a valid problem.

• 7 of 20 entangled. CONCLUSION: Entanglement is valid.• Concern for SWB 2.9 (of 5) , for entanglement 2.85.

CONCLUSION: Solve both.• 9 would wear a device, 10 maybe, 1 says no. CONCLUSION:

Has to be well designed to actually be used.• Equip.: 3< $100, 8 @ in $100 to $500 and $500 to $1000. Only

1 over $2,000. 9 will be spending < $100 this year, 8 $100 to $500 and 3 over $500. CONCLUSION: Keep cost <$100 (or maybe <$500).

Generate Ideas

Generate and Defend Solution Concepts—Device that will alert the dive buddy

Releasable Float• CO2 inflatable float

that whistles on ascent

• Tether helps buddy locate diver

• Manual release for entanglement

• Automatic release for SWB?

• Conclusion—tell Carter Floats

Switch on Speargun• Grip keeps switch closed• Underwater cable

replaces float line• Audible & visual alarm

on dive buoy• Upon release– Selectable time delay– 5 second beep and then,– Full Alarm

• Also…

Construct Prototype• VEX Cortex• Alarm & Light• 3D Printed spear

gun grip and added VEX switch

• 3D print case to mount on dive buoy w/ flag.

• Another alarm in keep it safe.

Constructing the Sea Siren prototype and Developing the Testing Plan

Prototype Testing•Trigger Function•Sound Travel•Ergonomics•Ease of use•Accidental Alarms

Sea Siren

Questions?