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tarangini
AN INDIGENOUS ECHO SOUNDER
Design of an indigenous Underwater Depth & Bottom Hardness Indicator was executed for Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), one of the Defence Research and Development Organisations (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
The product is developed mainly for determining the depth of the water body at predetermined locations during a site scan, which is required mainly in underwater search and rescue operation. The project started following few accidents, where local divers refrained from rescuing the victim due to unknown water depth. A number of similar types of sophisticated SONAR instruments, meant for scientific use are available in the market. But these are very expensive and not suitable enough to be operated by layman.
Organisation
Integrated Design Services (IDS), NID
Client
Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory, DRDO, Govt. of India.
Contribution
Research, Interaction / Packaging (Electronics), Mechanism, Form, Ergonomics (Physical & Interface), Colour Scheme / Graphics, Storage / Mobility solutions
Year
2011-12
A New Design Experience
Initial research on case studies, various Indian rescue scenarios and existing tools were carried out. I happened to interact with various potential users and rescue service forces. Along the design process we finally evaluated the initial functional prototype of the device at operational sites for understanding its mechanism, interface, usage expectations, look and feel.
Working with a Defence Research Organisation of such national importance, understanding their various SONAR systems used in their defence equipments and producing a new indigenous product result closely working with the Scientists/Engineers within their testing grounds was a new design experience.
The Design Development
Based on the initial research and data collected, various mechanisms along with grips were conceptualised and evaluated to meet the functional and usage requirements. Various electronic modules were evaluated to achieve the right interactive experience with the product which includes its ergonomics, controls, LCD information, navigation etc.
Now being able to better visualise the product constraints, the form was further fine tuned up to manufacturing details including graphics positioning, and then prototyped. Various carry case designs and related add-on accessories were also presented.
