ANUCHA POH MAGA
PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEER
STUDENT
MAKER
Noria Sustainable Innovators wishes to use SONAR to scan Dutch canals for plastic waste. However, their existing prototype is manually operated and unstable. Our team of 6 was tasked with creating a new scanner that could transmit data remotely and remain deployed for up to 2 weeks while remaining more stable than Noria's prototype.
The original device was unstable, could not be operated remotely, and could only scan downwards
Our proposed solution could be secured and deployed for 2 weeks, scan a cross-section view of a canal and transmit data to a remote server
Securing the device presented a challenge, as the mounting had to move with the water surface while still maintain SONAR stability.
After validating the functional aspect, we produced multiple formal iterations, trying to balance a simple, utilitarian design with positive public perception
We designed the general look of the product, including a rigid exoskeleton to protect against boat impacts and a transparent casing to allow technicians to determine equipment status.
Functional prototypes demonstrated a floating module could carry the sonar while remaining buoyant
Multiple iterations of the ladder were produced, resulting in a ringlike design that would aid lowering and retrieving the device
FEA was used to determine survivability in the event of a boat collision
We created a full-scale working prototype of the system and used it to further validate its functionality. All critical systems (batteries, telemetry, sonar, waterproofing, and structure) worked as intended
Components were designed as modules that could be refitted in the field and manufactured in low batch quantities