product design - dive gear [Archive] - BSAC Scuba Diving Forums

rhys27

13-10-2008, 14:10

Fiona

13-10-2008, 14:44

Other ideas included saftety equipment for divers trapped underwater, a type of flare gun that uses an inflatable device to float to surface transmitting a SOS signal. basically an EPIRB for underwater use.

Rhys

So I am trapped underwater and deploy my floating EPIRB to the surface, I think my time is already running out and won't the surface EPIRB just get carried with the tide, so who is the transmitter aimed at and what is the "surface support" going to do about getting me up, how do they know where I am :)

Nigel Hewitt

13-10-2008, 14:46

I've had several initial ideas, including oxygen tank sensors that transmit your tank pressure to a dive computer or HUD in the users mask. However, after doing research i discovered its been done already by oceanic.
It would probably work with other tanks too. You really didn't mean to say oxygen? Please?
I need four channels, well five if you count the suit bottle.

Other ideas included saftety equipment for divers trapped underwater, a type of flare gun that uses an inflatable device to float to surface transmitting a SOS signal. basically an EPIRB for underwater use.
Time is the problem here. Unless you have a safety diver kitted up and ready to go this one is just a tool to make it easier to recover the body. Those you want to attract are divers already near to you not above. Also trapped probably means no clear exit above.

I would really like to hear from you about things that you think could be improved within scuba gear, or anything to do with scuba that needs developing/improving. What gear do you struggle to use? what could you benifit from? Can be anything!
If I knew something like that I'd have it in production and ready to launch at the dive show.

Ideas

1) The murky water ball that automatically trims itself to hover at 3/6/9/12meters so I don't have to keep looking at a computer just this thing I have on a string. If I could think of an easy way to make one I'd do it just for me.

2) A compass that works in wrecks or even Inertial navigation for divers.

3) Variable consistency fins so you get enormous freedive power, rigid frog kick turning mode and floppy force fin low effort depending how you kick.

4) Buddy finder. There are a couple about but at silly prices.

bigjo

13-10-2008, 15:03

How about a submersible GPS

rhys27

13-10-2008, 15:05

cheers mate, the ball idea is a good one, compass in wrecks is a bit more complicated, vairiable fins exist! buddy finder is also pretty good!

thanks mate, appreciate it, will look into those ideas

Nigel Hewitt

13-10-2008, 15:51

the ball idea is a good oneBe careful.
The ball is the most complicated one by far. I'm not sure how to do it and I've been in the making things based on University Physics for about 40 years.

Maria CM

13-10-2008, 19:56

1) The murky water ball that automatically trims itself to hover at 3/6/9/12meters so I don't have to keep looking at a computer just this thing I have on a string. If I could think of an easy way to make one I'd do it just for me.

2) A compass that works in wrecks or even Inertial navigation for divers.

3) Variable consistency fins so you get enormous freedive power, rigid frog kick turning mode and floppy force fin low effort depending how you kick.

4) Buddy finder. There are a couple about but at silly prices.

In order of preference....

1) Love the idea of the murky water ball! It drives me potty keeping staring at computer when I don't have a visual reference.

4) Great thing to have :)

2) Sounds good

3) I think if I was worried about that I'd get a scooter-thing...

I love ideas.....:) :)

best wishes,

Maria

iain1965

13-10-2008, 20:36

Perhaps we should start a new forum for product design students, we seem to be getting more and more popular by the day.

LOL,

Iain

Chris Harvey

13-10-2008, 20:46

Excellent choice of subject for your end of project design course.

Open and Closed circuit do have areas which could could be improved; also don’t forget diving doesn’t stop at recreational level, police, military and commercial.

And if you get the right people at the end of the phone their "sometimes" very willing to help indeed.

I did what you did at 16 for my GCSE, picked diving and got on with it, got three products under my belt, then again in my engineering degree.

Bets of luck, and want any help drop me a line.

Chris.

PeteM

14-10-2008, 06:58

1) Love the idea of the murky water ball! It drives me potty keeping staring at computer when I don't have a visual reference.

I've got one already, well it is not a ball it is a tube. Oh and it sits on the surface with a string hanging under it with 3m, 6m, 9m and 12m marked on that. Also got a reel to keep the bit of string I am not using at the moment tidy.

Ian@1904

14-10-2008, 12:36

Wrist mounted sonar system. Graphic dislpay that shows the outline of the wreck, range say 30m. That way when the skipper puts us in the wrong place or the shot has been dragged off the wreck I can still find the wreck. If inside the wreck I can find the way out.

Retail at about £200 ;)

rhys27

14-10-2008, 14:05

Thanks for all this guys!
how about a full face helmet, something similar to an offroad motorbike helmet, which contains lights, air supply and you can put optional extras on it, such as welding goggles? This is a bit more specific for wreck/cave divers/underwater welding, and could incoporate a system which reduced the likely hood of your regulator hose from being caught up? It would prevent you from knocking your head in wrecks/caves ? thanks guys

Nigel Hewitt

14-10-2008, 14:07

how about a full face helmet, something similar to an offroad motorbike helmet, which contains lights, air supply and you can put optional extras on it, such as welding goggles?Have you looked at my avatar?

paul_c

14-10-2008, 14:30

i ahve a concept.

useing a normal BCD with a thing called MOLLE which is a modular load bearing system used by armed forces around the world

basicaly a normal BCD with the MOLLE weave and NO pockets on it which can then have the pockets the owner desires such as trim or integrated weight, camera or other gear pockets, etc etc.

rhys27

14-10-2008, 14:39

Nigel,
that helmet looks quite bulky and has hoses comming off it all over it! i'm sure there is room for improvement within that? how does it seal? around your neck? can you wear it with a wetsuit or only a dry suit?

The MOLLE BCD idea is interesting, like the idea of being able to "personalise" your gear by adding different pockets onto it!

thanks guys! keep em comming please!!!

IainC

14-10-2008, 14:41

Re: product design - dive gear
i ahve a concept.

useing a normal BCD with a thing called MOLLE which is a modular load bearing system used by armed forces around the world

basicaly a normal BCD with the MOLLE weave and NO pockets on it which can then have the pockets the owner desires such as trim or integrated weight, camera or other gear pockets, etc etc.

Sounds a lot like my diving harnessm webbing with whatever pockets. drings etc. i want threaded on to it..

PeteM

14-10-2008, 14:52

that helmet looks quite bulky and has hoses comming off it all over it! i'm sure there is room for improvement within that? how does it seal? around your neck? can you wear it with a wetsuit or only a dry suit?

Google for Kirby Morgan

Personally the thing I would most like is a distance line that did not tie itself in knots the whole time

Steve Knight

14-10-2008, 14:53

I've got one already, well it is not a ball it is a tube. Oh and it sits on the surface with a string hanging under it with 3m, 6m, 9m and 12m marked on that. Also got a reel to keep the bit of string I am not using at the moment tidy.

Ive got one of them. Good aint they:D

Nigel Hewitt

14-10-2008, 14:55

that helmet looks quite bulky and has hoses comming off it all over it! i'm sure there is room for improvement within that? how does it seal? around your neck? can you wear it with a wetsuit or only a dry suit?You put on a hood and then it's pretty snug. It has to be heavy as you are now carrying several extra litres of buoyant air.
I'd add a picture (http://www.nigelhewitt.co.uk/nig6.jpg) but they're off limits at the moment.

This rig has a light, a camera, surface supply air, backup (from a cylinder) air and I can be talked to / talk back hence all the cables and hoses. The only bitch with the thing is clearing your ears because you can't reach your nose except with a funny pronged thing. The air 'screen clear' is a nice trick.

It seals round your neck with what is effectively and upside down neoprene neckseal on a plate and the helmet clips onto the plate.

I don't think you want to try and out do Kirby Morgan, the manufacturer, on this one. They've been at it long enough to have all the good tricks already and are pretty much considered 'the business'.

rhys27

14-10-2008, 15:26

Nigel Hewitt

14-10-2008, 15:39

those kirby morgan helmets still look quite bulky, and dont exactly give you a wide viewing area?
i cant seem to find prices online for them, just out of interest how much do they retail for approx?About 4K and a six month lead time.

Heavy too but neutral in the water.
Remember it turns with my head so in fact it beats a mask for view.

The volume is more set by being something you can get your head into and if you put your head in the right position you can keep it full of air even if a seal has gone. Somebody produced a low volume 'clam shell' system that was OK until the seal went so that's not used now. The key design parameter is that it always brings the diver back and, remember, you don't dive it with an octo.

Maria CM

14-10-2008, 20:41

Excellent:D Fantastic manual workaround on the lines of pencil/biro in space thing!!!!! If I could give you a green I would - but the 'computer says no'

I must construct a 5m one - sticky back plastic and rubber ducks, here I come :D :D

best wishes,

Maria

rhys27

15-10-2008, 17:20

thanks guys, think im going to go down the full fask mask/ intergrated helmet, i personally think that existing ones could be improved, and prices could be reduced. thanks very much for all your help, i really appreciate it, has given me loads of other things to think about! thanks guys!

john scott

16-10-2008, 11:27

How about some sort of under water communication device, perhaps a waterproof texter. Then my wife and I could bicker properly on a dive!

PeteM

16-10-2008, 11:37

How about some sort of under water communication device, perhaps a waterproof texter. Then my wife and I could bicker properly on a dive!

http://www.britishsignlanguage.com/

and I've seen it done

JimW

16-10-2008, 11:43

http://www.britishsignlanguage.com/

and I've seen it done

I've seen it done without such skills......:rolleyes:
funniest bit was immediately on surfacing hearing
"..and another thing...."

;)
Jim

ChristianG

16-10-2008, 12:23

and another thing
Ahhh, communication.

1) The standard, pathetic, hand signals are a joke.
2) I've seen couples in the water where one (or in fact both) were deaf and they've signed. Largely doesn't work, mostly because the signals are too subtle in anything other than perfect visibility. A bit like talking then, really, or writing pompous messages like this one to various boards.
3) Anyone heard of "Chinese whispers"?

NickBCotswold

16-10-2008, 12:38

All, new to the forum.

I'm currently doing a final year project for my product design course, and as a padi qualified diver (yes i am a traitor!) i have decided i'd like to base my project on scuba equipment.

I've had several initial ideas, including tank sensors that transmit your tank pressure to a dive computer or HUD in the users mask. However, after doing research i discovered its been done already by oceanic.

Other ideas included saftety equipment for divers trapped underwater, a type of flare gun that uses an inflatable device to float to surface transmitting a SOS signal. basically an EPIRB for underwater use.

I would really like to hear from you about things that you think could be improved within scuba gear, or anything to do with scuba that needs developing/improving. What gear do you struggle to use? what could you benifit from? Can be anything!

Thanks very much, Any help appreaciated,
Rhys

not sure if its already been done in some form or other but how about a wrist mounted communication device to other divers.....you could have a buddy pair wearing wrist mounted "computor like displays" with preset text messages you can transmit to each other to comminicate to each other, i guess they could also incorporate a buddy sensor finder, where if you lose your buddy the lost buddy transmits a signal that shows getting stronger/weaker on the other display when the rescuer/buddy fins closer or away........

like i say, prob either been thought about before or just me dreaming......

John Bantin

16-10-2008, 18:02

not sure if its already been done in some form or other but how about a wrist mounted communication device to other divers.....you could have a buddy pair wearing wrist mounted "computor like displays" with preset text messages you can transmit to each other to comminicate to each other, i guess they could also incorporate a buddy sensor finder, where if you lose your buddy the lost buddy transmits a signal that shows getting stronger/weaker on the other display when the rescuer/buddy fins closer or away........

like i say, prob either been thought about before or just me dreaming......

http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=6629&sc=1003&ac=d&an=6629:+What+next+-+underwater+texting?+Ac...

northern_diver

16-10-2008, 18:49

personally, as the kirby-morgan is basically 'it' as nigel says, the idea of fully custom BCD's which dont work on a harness system is a better idea. you dont get so many organisations using something for so long, that isnt up to scratch :rolleyes: .... hmmm :rolleyes:

IMHO that is,

guys, have you even been putting your harness, equipment/weight etc and found that the arm loop has folded in somewhere silly and you cant get to it? or the harness has twisted? or manybe that the use of other kit, affects accessability/usefull bits of others?

maybe a BCD, that is basically a vest with loops/D's, much like the modern tactical vest/ load bearing systems used by the military/s would ease the problem. if it inflated similar to a BCD, with a power inflator etc then no extra training would be needed. if it was comfortable, durable and not going to limit me too much in the way of movment/cargo etc i would consider it.

i would also hazard a guess that elastic loops, wouldnt work. though not sure.

the issue is, the present schools of thought, the BCD and the Wing...ABLJ's are basically gone now, are ok, so the old phase of 'if it aint broke, dont fix it' comes into play....

but, dont see why, for those that like to customise there kit more than you can with a 'standard BCD', or change configuration for different dive types might like it. i know when i have my weight harness on, the pockets on my BCD arent the easiest to reach, so by been able to drop them down, and forward, i would enjoy more accessabily:)

john

NickBCotswold

17-10-2008, 10:31

http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=6629&sc=1003&ac=d&an=6629:+What+next+-+underwater+texting?+Ac...

cheers john - not seen it widely publisized!!!

thinking of degree projects etc, looking back to mine, the mission wasnt to try to invent something, but just design your own take on something - so even if somethings been done before it was ok for you to make your design based on that idea...... for example, the rugby clock has been around for years but one colleague desisgned his own using a sensor to make a display into his pc, then he added timer functions (such as central heating timing controls etc on various ports, turning his computor into one big timer switch with input from the rugby clock.......all been done before, but was just HIS take on it....... me? I designed and built a pulse generator that would send a pulse down a cable....you could work out the end of the cable (or break in a cable) by measuring the pulse return (in 180 degrees phase) and calculate the distance of the break! - all been done before, but was MY take on it! I'm sure the OP doesnt have to try to invent something new!

katdiver

17-10-2008, 12:50

With the ideas for full face masks, I've got a Poseidon Atmosphere. The function of the unit is great, the way it defogs is excellent, on inhalation dry air is drawn up over the inner surface of the visor. Ear clearing is not so comfy. If that sort of design could be used, but make it so you could interchange 2nd stages on the go, then it would be a very useful piece of kit. The current model has a dedicated 2nd stage built in just below where the comms unit goes.