SCUBA diver handling and trimming system for divers with physical limitations
Working with a team at MMID Product Development in The Netherlands, I designed a handling and trimming sstem for Red Loster Divers (RLD).
RLD is a group of experienced divers who help divers with physical limitations, like MS. Our system gave safer control to the experienced "uddies" and more comfort to the novice divers, helping them explore the underwater world.
Before
Ke features of this product include:
A longer top T handle, so the experienced udd can hold it from many orientations
Elastic holds sewn onto the straps where buddies can adjust the amount and location of added floatation
Materials chosen to withstand use in the sun, pool, and saltwater environments (largely nylon)
All off-the-shelf parts, except the two 3D-printed handles, so we can open-source the design and reach a wide range of groups like RLD
lack coloring, so the device lends in with other SCUBA gear and doesn't highlight itself as an aid. The ellow ands help the udd locate the ar if they let go.
It's difficult and uncomfortale for the experienced buddies to control the novice divers. During RLD's weekl diving sessions, we observed the uddies holding divers' tanks and gragrabbing on their arms and legs when they lost control.
After
A handle system that securely straps to the novice diver’s tank, allowing the experienced buddy to comfortably hold the diver. The buddy now has one hand free to adjust the diver’s buoyancy as needed.