Phil Kapelko

The purpose of this project was to create a device which solves a problem which I found several hundreds of people drown every year at sea falling from a boat. I wanted to create a device that allowed crew to know exactly when someone went over board. I did some research into sonar and found a electronics kit that detected when water touched it. I connected all the components and made a rough prototype mockup to show how the components would be housed and for measurements.
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The pictures shown are the continued effort to test a new prototype, when the two prongs come in contact with water, it would make a sound. This could trigger to an alarm which would send a signal and alert the captain. The prototype needed to be water proof and would need to be able to float so that's what I checked. The prototype was made from high impact polystyrene and adhesive used to cement the parts together.
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The receiver device (pictured) works together with the device, if a person wearing the device goes overboard into the water, the captain would be alerted by sending a signal to a receiver. If a certain number of people were to go into the water, an emergency signal would be sent to the coast guard with the coordinates of the location of the boat/ship. The receiver contains a radar, a speaker and is compact enough for the captains already crowded workspace.
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A aesthetic model was then made to show what the product may look like without ruining the working model. Two parts were added to the model: an aerial to communicate with the receiver (this can be used to hang off clothing or other objects), and a belt clip to clip from the waist (human interaction or accidental force may knock it from other parts of the body/clothing). The two prongs represent the water sensor. The belt clip was placed in a wrong position on the device therefore it could be caught or be in the way, the sensor is too exposed and needs protection.
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The final aesthetic model. I made the model thinner so it's easier to use. Hand grips were added for extra grip whilst holding. The sensors have added protection. I kept the design consistent through angling the corners.
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End visual for man overboard device
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