Engineering design 4WBB0 (2018-2019) 

Group: 281 

Name Student ID

Iris Berden 1237548

Tim Heiszwolf 1242343

Ate Hempenius 1257331

Maurits Hulsman 1243977

Jordi van Laarhoven 1230803

Lars Paffen 1238573

Contents
Contents 1

1 Group effectiveness 2
1.1 Overview group effectiveness 2

2 Project goal 3

3 Functions and solutions 5

3.1 Functions 5
3.1.2 Waterproof 6
3.1.2 Detecting the side of the pool/swimming lane 6
3.1.3 Send signals 6
3.1.4 Wearability 6
3.2 Functions and solutions encyclopedia 7
3.2.1 Waterproof 7
3.2.2 Detecting the side of the pool / swimming lane 7
3.2.3 Sending signals 8
3.2.4 Wearable 10

4 Concepts 12

5 Requirements, preferences and constraints 13

5.1 Requirements 13
5.2 Preferences 13
5.3 Constraints 14

6 Preliminary design 15

7 Risk management 17
7.1 Risk management table 17
7.2 Short description 18
7.3 Backup plan in case of no extra budget 18

8 Detailing 18

9 Assembly 18

10 Final design 19
10.1 Bill of materials 19
10.2 Table of manufacturing techniques 19
10.3 Discription of the device 20

11 Test plan 20

12 Design evaluation 20

1
1 Group effectiveness
1.1 Overview group effectiveness 
Name Strengs Weaknesses

Iris Berden (Industrial - Good at combining different - Lack of technical know-how

Engineering) ideas and concepts
- Planning and organizing skills

Tim Heiszwolf (Applied - Skills in physics, math, - Not that creative

Physics) programming and modeling - Bad at finding innovative
- Good at writing reports solutions to a technical
- Skill in presenting problem
- Good at planning

Ate Hempenius (Mechanical - Practical skills like - Has problems with

Engineering) building or assembling punctuality
- Experience with the - Is often too late to ask for
design-process feedback
- Problem-solving attitude
- Experience with drawing
in NX

Maurits Hulsman (Industrial - Management skills - No skill or knowledge in

Engineering) - Analyzing a problem from the field of electronics, physics
different perspectives or mechanics
- No experience with the
design process

Jordi van Laarhoven - Programming skills (JAVA, - Tends to be impatient

(Computer Science) Python, PHP, HTML, CSS) and pushy to group members
- Good at planning - Not good at
- Real team player when self-reflection
work has to be done

Lars Paffen (Biomedical - Experience with working - No skill or knowledge in

Engineering) in groups
- Creative to some extend
- Good at finding a
compromise over different
ideas
the field of electronics
- Tends to be a bit naïve
- Bad at reflecting the idea
by taking different aspects in
consideration

The group has a variety of backgrounds with all group members studying a different bachelor. This is
a huge advantage for the group as a whole since everyone uses his or her strengths, that are
different for each study, to bring the project to great heights. The table above gives a clear overview
of the strengths and weaknesses of all group members. What becomes clear quite easily is that,
looking at the strengths, different skills are present in our group. There is a variety of skills and
knowledge present in the group, some examples are: physics knowledge, programming,
management and analyzing. Key in bringing the project to greater heights is using everyone’s
strength to its fullest. This is not as simple as it may sound. Finding your strength and using it in a
project like this is pretty hard. Nevertheless, the group should try to trigger each other to use their
2
strength by dividing the work and giving particular tasks that require a certain skill to a person that
masters this skill the most.

But, this project is not only meant to excel in the skill you master already. Every group member has
to improve his or her weaknesses in order to become a better student in every aspect. By letting
certain group members work together on a task, the group members can learn from each other. One
mastering a certain skill can help another and by doing so, he or she can transfer that particular skill
to the other person. In this project, learning from each other is from major importance.
During the midterm evaluation, the overall conclusion was that the group functions properly.
Communication is mentioned as a very strong aspect of this group. Every group member participates
with appropriate effort and the work is equally distributed.
Though as a group, decision-making is still something that must be worked on. The group agreed
that, whenever a certain deadline is coming closer, the task has to be completed at least one
meeting before the deadline, so that the work can be discussed and where necessary adapted or
improved. This is something that the group will try to do more in the future to improve the quality of
the delivered work.

Another thing that came up after the midterm evaluation is that the strengths present is the group
are used to a good extend. Ate, who is good with drawing in NX, made a 3D visualization of our
design and Jordi used his programming skills to write a complete script for the Arduino. All other
group members also worked on tasks where they could flourish by using their own strength.
At the same time, several tasks where not assigned to just one person but to two. This insured that
group members had to work together so that they could share their vision and were able to learn
from each other. A good example is where Tim came up with test methods and calculations which
Lars used to create a test plan.

2 Project goal
Aerobic exercise (also known as cardio) has many health benefits such as a better endurance,
reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and a prolonged lifetime1. One of the best aerobic exercise is
swimming because your body is using a lot of mussels and the pressure is distributed somewhat
equally during the exercise due to the high buoyancy force compared to normal exercise2. But for
people who are visually impaired swimming and some other aerobic exercises can be difficult
because of safety concerns such as colliding with objects of people. These people often have to limit
themselves to methods where they are stationary such as a treadmill or exercise bike. These kind of
exercises have the disadvantage that they often do not stimulate as many mussels as swimming3 4.

A device could be made that increases safety for visually impaired swimmers. If the user is swimming
in his/her own lane the possible risks are colliding with the outside of the lane (and leaving it) or
colliding with the end of the pool/lane. There are already methods to deal with both problems.
Colliding with the end of the pool is solved by a ‘tapper’ which taps the swimmer on the head when
he/she is approaching the end of the pool and colliding with the sides of the pool is solved by having

1
Weil, R and Conrad, M. (2016). ​Aerobic Exercise.​ Consulted on 30 september 2018.
https://www.medicinenet.com/aerobic_exercise/article.htm
2
Heid, M. (2017). ​Why Swimming Is So Good For You​. Consulted on 30 september 2018.
http://time.com/4688623/swimming-pool-health-benefits/
3
Lowis, S. (2018). ​What Muscles Are Activated From a Treadmill​. Consulted on 30 september 2018.
https://livehealthy.chron.com/muscles-activated-treadmill-5234.html
4
Vescape. (2015). ​What Muscles Does a Stationary Bike Work​. Consulted on 30 september 2018.
https://shop.vescape.com/en/blog/21_what-muscles-does-a-stationary-bike-work.html
3
the swimmer regularly try to touch the side of the pool with his/her hands to detect the distance and
by training to swim as straight as possible5 6.

5
Tildesley, D. (2001). ​Swimming as a Totally blind Athlete: What You Need to Know.​ Consulted on 30
september 2018. ​https://nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/fr/fr18/fr05sf09.htm
6
VisionAware. (2015). ​Swimming: Tips for Swimmers Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.​ Consulted
on 30 september 2018.
http://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-living/recreation-and-leisure/sports-and-exercise/swim
ming-6126/1235
4
While both solutions are suboptimal the solution for avoiding collision with the side of the pool is
very bad especially for beginning and intermediate swimmers because it slows them down
significantly and they have to do it very often since they can not yet swim very straight. So a device
will be made to improve this solution mainly for beginner and intermediates. It was briefly
considered to extend this idea to running and biking but this was quickly disregarded due to the
difficulty and risks. Besides that swimming is the better sport it was also because running and biking
have a much higher velocity compared to swimming and thus have less time to detect and correct
danger with potentially higher consequences.

This device should guide these visually impaired people through their lane by detecting the position
in the lane, making a decision based on that data and then helping the swimmer adjust his/her
course in a way that collision is avoided. The group thinks that this goal is very achievable since
(depending on the methods used) the input and output will not be very complex and since swimming
is relatively slow the device will have plenty of time to do measurements, make decisions on those
measurements and communicate this the user. The major challenges will most likely be making the
device waterproof and having it fit within the budget. But luckily the group is composed of people
with skills in all kinds of fields so there is a lot of confidences in the groups ability to overcome these
challenges.

Right now there are some devices in development, or have been developed for visually impaired
swimmers. An example of this is IBM’s ‘Buddy for the Blind’ project. IBM’s product focuses on blind
kids. Blind kids are unable to practice many sports, but they can practice swimming. While swimming
blind is possible for kids, there is one thing that the kids fear. The kids fear hitting their heads against
the wall, which holds them back from swimming full speed. This fear is even greater when they are
swimming on their back. Therefore, kids and beginning blind swimmers need continuous coaching to
be able to enjoy swimming. This greatly reduces their autonomy. After speaking to multiple children,
IBM found that most kids would think a simple warning system that allows them to freely roam a
pool would greatly improve their experience7.

What is IBM developing? IBM is developing a system, in which the swimmer will wear a waterproof
smartwatch with an IBM developed app installed. By communicating with bluetooth beacons which
are set up around the pool, the app will be able to calculate the swimmer’s position in the pool, or
even the position inside a swim-lane. The app and smartwatch will be able to send the required
signals to the swimmers. For example if the desired result is to keep the swimmer inside a lane, the
smartwatch will buzz accordingly. Or if it is just for kids to freely roam the pool without hitting their
head, the watch will only send a signal when the kid is approaching the wall. Allowing them to stop
in time8.

3 Functions and solutions

3.1 Functions 
For our design we have 4 important functions: Waterproof, Sending signals, Detecting the side of the
pool/swimming lane & wearability.

7
Warner, D. (2015). ​Would you dare to swim in the dark?.​ Consulted on 4 october 2018.
https://www.ibm.com/systems/be/inspire/visio-buddy-for-the-blind

8
Warner, D. (2015). ​Would you dare to swim in the dark?.​ Consulted on 4 october 2018.
https://www.ibm.com/systems/be/inspire/visio-buddy-for-the-blind
5
3.1.2 Waterproof
The device is developed as an aid for visually impaired swimmers, to assist them with swimming
lanes. It is self-evident that swimming lanes will take place in a swimming pool, a place where water
cannot be avoided. Since electronics do not work together with water, we therefore have to make
our device waterproof. If our device would not be waterproof, then this would pose a danger to the
user, the user and perhaps other swimmers could be electrocuted. Therefore, our first, and maybe
even our most important, function is that our device needs to be waterproof.

3.1.2 Detecting the side of the pool/swimming lane

As mentioned before, our device will help visually impaired swimmers. In order to guide the
swimmer to the pool/lane, we need to track where they are located in the pool, relatively to the
borders of the lane. We need this data in order to send signals (explained in our next function) to
prevent the swimmer from collide into one of the borders. Hence this functions is also very
important, because if we cannot detect the walls, collisions cannot be prevented.

3.1.3 Send signals

Our third function is sending signals. The second function indicates the importance of being able to
detect the location of the swimmer. However, we will not succeed to prevent collisions only by
detecting the side of the pool/swimming lanes. The device needs to react on the data obtained by
these measurements. The swimmer needs to be sensed by the device when he/she is swimming
towards one of the borders in order to prevent collisions. This illustrates the importance of being
able to send signals.

3.1.4 Wearability
The fourth function is wearability. The device is designed to help visually impaired people while
swimming, hence it is important that this device can be carried by the swimmer. This because a large
distance will be covered while swimming in lanes. Also, the device needs to be able to sense the
swimmer, therefore a direct connection to the swimmer has to be established, and thus the device
has to be wearable by the swimmer.

The four functions mentioned above will cover all aspects of our device. Since with these functions
our device will be able to operate underwater (waterproof), will be able to measure the position of
the swimmer (Detecting the side of the pool / swimming lane) and will be able to respond on this
input by sensing the swimmer (sending signals). To ensure that our device can operate while
swimming, the device must be worn by the swimmer (wearable). Hence, this set of functions covers
all aspects of the product.

6
3.2 Functions and solutions encyclopedia 

3.2.1 Waterproof
Solution 1. The product could be made waterproof with a rubber casing.
Solution 2. Another solution is to enclose the product in a plastic casing.
Solution 3. The device could be enclosed in PUL (Polyurethane Laminate), which is
a flexible fabric with a plastic coating.
Solution 4. Heat sealing could be used to attach and close the system. (Image 3.1)
Solution 5. Another solution is to cover all electronics with nail polish. Which will not
affect the functioning of the Arduino and will prevent water from affecting
the Arduino in its functioning. (Image 3.2)
Solution 6. Covering the electronics in a silicone casing will also prevent water from
interfering with the electronics.
Solution 7. Using a plastic container to keep all the electronics dry. (Image 3.3)
Solution 8. Place all electronics in a waterproof (zip) bag.
Solution 9. An epoxy coating could be used to keep the electronics dry.
Solution 10. Using putting compounds.

Image 3.1: Image 3.2: Image 3.3:

Using heat sealing to Using nail polish to make the Using a plastic container
make the device device waterproof. (Solution 5) to make the device
waterproof. (Solution 4) waterproof. (Solution 7)

3.2.2 Detecting the side of the pool/swimming lane

Solution 1. Proximity sensors could be used in the floating line markers / at the end
of the lane to detect the swimmer.
Solution 2. A laser that goes through the middle of the swimming lane could be
used to detect the swimmers position. (Image 3.4)
Solution 3. Ultrasonic sonar sensors attached to the swimmer could be used to
detect the sides of the pool/swimming lane. (Image 3.5)
Solution 4. The sides of the pool/swimming lane could also be detected by using
infrared sensors.
Solution 5. GPS could be used to determine the distance travailed and thus how
many meters till the end of the pool.
Solution 6. Put a camera above the swimming pool which tracks the swimmer and
sends signals to the swimmer, depending on the location of the
swimmer in the pool. (Image 3.6)
Solution 7. The movement of the swimmer could be measured, such that the
position of the swimmer can be calculated. However, this would only
work for both ends of the pool. And requires that the swimmer is

7
 capable of swimming in a straight line, such that this line forms the
shortest distance between the two ends of the pool.
Solution 8. Put a sensor before each end of the swimming lane, that sends a signal
to the swimmer when passing this sensor. Such that the swimmer will
know that he/she has reached on of the ends of his/her lane and has to
turn. (Image 3.8)
Image 3.4: A laser through the middle
of the swimming lane used to detect
the swimmers location. (solution 2)

Image 3.5: An ultrasonic sensor

attached to the swimmer is used to
detect the distance to the side of the
pool. (solution 3)

Image 3.6:Infrared sensors are used to

detect the distance from the swimmer
to the side of the pool. (solution 4)

Image 3.7: A camera is used to locate

the swimmer in the pool and indicate
the swimmers location to the
swimmer.(solution 6)

Image 3.8: An ultrasonic sensor is

placed a few metres before the end of
the swimming lane which will warn the
swimmer that the end of the pool is
nearby.(solution 8)

3.2.3 Sending signals

Solution 1. The device could sense the user by using vibrations. If the swimmer will
go towards the left wall, a vibration motor on his left side would vibrate.
If the swimmer would go towards the right wall, then the right vibration
motor would vibrate. When the swimmer gets close to one of the ends of
the pool, both vibration motors will start vibrating. These vibration motor
should be placed in a wearable belt, such that the vibration motors are
located against the skin of the user, around his/her wrist. (Image 3.9)
Solution 2. The device could also implement sensing by using vibrations in another
way. The device could indicate the distance towards the walls by varying

8
 the intensity of the vibrating. These vibration motor should be placed in
a wearable belt, such that the vibration motors are located against the
skin of the user, around his/her wrist. (Image 3.9)
Solution 3. The ideas of solutions 1 and 2 could also be applied with vibration
motors in a bathing cap. (Image 3.9)
Solution 4. Vibration motors could also be used to indicate direction and/or turning
points. The vibration motors could be used as a code sender. In such a
way that each vibration pattern has a different meaning. (Image 3.9)
Solution 5. Sound could also be used. The swimmer would need waterproof
earphones for this. If the swimmer would go to far towards to the left
wall, a sound would be played in his left ear. If the swimmer would go to
far towards the right wall, the right ear would receive a sound. If the
swimmer would reach one of the ends of the pool, both ears would
receive a sound signal. (Image 3.10)
Solution 6. Sound could be used to give the swimmer instructions/directions.
Instructions like “a bit to the left” or “straight ahead” could be used.
(Image 3.10)
Solution 7. We could apply the idea of sounds in another way, by varying with lower
and higher pitches. The swimmer will hear a lower pitch if he is
swimming inside his lane, and a higher pitches if he/she goes too far to
one of the sides. (Image 3.10)
Solution 8. Sound could also be used to guide the swimmer in a way similar to
parking sensors. If the swimmer stays in his lane, no sounds will be
played, if the swimmer gets closer to the border there will be played
some sound with a large interval. When the swimmer keeps swimming
in the wrong the direction, the swimmer would then receive the same
sound signal but with a lower interval. (Image 3.10)
Solution 9. Pressure pads could be used to guide the swimmer. Pressure pads
could be activated when the swimmer gets too close to one of the
outlines of the pool/the lane. (Image 3.11)
Solution 10. Another way of sensing the swimmer is to implement a finger-like part
that, once triggered, touches the swimmer on a particular side of the
body. When two of these are, for example, mounted in a belt each on a
side, then these could trigger the side if the swimmer gets too close to
that side. And could trigger both if they get too close to one of the ends
of his/her swimming lane.

Image 3.9: Using a vibra- Image 3.10: Using earpods Image 3.11: Using a
tion motor to sense the to sense the user (with pressure pad to sense

9
user. (Solution 1/2/3/4) sounds). (Solution 5/6/7/8) the user (Solution 9)

3.2.4 Wearable
Solution 1. The device could be implemented inside wristbands. (Image 3.12)
Solution 2. The device could be implemented inside a headband. (Image 3.13)
Solution 3. Attached to the bathing cap of the swimmer. (Image 3.14)
Solution 4. It could be attached to/inside a belt (bag). (Image 3.15)
Solution 5. Implemented inside a bathing suit.
Solution 6. The device could be implemented in so-called “arm-socks” or sleeves.
(Image 3.16)
Solution 7. It could be implemented inside gloves.
Solution 8. The device could be implemented inside a backpack, which the
swimmer then has to carry while swimming.

Image 3.12: Using wristbands Image 3.13: Using a headband

to make the device wearable to make the device wearable
(Solution 1) (Solution 2)

Image 3.14: Using a bathing cap Image 3.15: Using a belt bag
to make the device wearable. to make the device wearable.
(Solution 3) (Solution 4)

10
Image 3.16: Using a arm sleeve
to make the device wearable.
(Solution 6)

11
4 Concepts
4.1 Concept 1 
The first concept that will be explained is using a bathing cap with Audio to signal the swimmer when
he reaches on of the ends of the pool. by calculating where the swimmer is located using lasers. The
idea is to implements earplugs and onto a bathing cap. This would be attached on top of the silicone
cap. On top of this cap there will be another silicone bathing cap. Which together will be sealed at
the opening, such that it will be waterproof.

On the left is the inner bathing cap, on which a Bluetooth receiver and ear pods will be attached.The
Bluetooth receiver is marked with a 1, the ear pods with a 2. On top of this cap, another bathing cap
will be placed. This will make it possible to create a waterproof area for electronics inside the caps.
They either will be glued together on the dotted line with silicone glue, or heat sealing.The lasers will
detect the swimmer whenever he is in range of these lasers. The lasers will probably only be able to
detect the swimmer when he is in a range of 1 meter. Therefore a laser is needed at each end of the
pool.

Concept of the pool, with two lasers attached to it. The lasers are indicated by the number 3.

12
4.2 Concept 2 
The idea behind this device is that it will help a blind swimmer to be aware of his position in the
swimming pool, or better, the lane he is in. The device consists of two different parts. One is the
swimming cap with sensors detached to it. The other is a belt in which the Arduino and other larger
electronics will be implemented.

The swimming cap used houses two different sensor types and two vibrating elements (motors). On
either side (left and right) of the cap, proximity sensors will be positioned. These sensors will
measure the distance between the swimmer’s head and the lane border. At the very top of the cap
an ultrasonic sensor, or sonar sensor, will be positioned. This sensor uses ultrasonic sound to
measure the distance to the wall at the end of the swimming lane. Just above the ears of the
swimmer, the vibrating elements will be positioned. Once the swimmer approaches the wall or the
borders of the swimming lane, these vibration motors will be triggered making it clear to the
swimmer that a certain action is needed in order to prevent a collision or an out-of-lane movement.
The swimming cap and all its components are connected to the belt using a wire running from the
back of the swimmer’s head, along its back to the belt that houses the Arduino. This belt is
positioned in a way that the additional friction is minimum.

The picture on the left is a visualization of

the prototype not being worn by a person
which can make it look a bit weird. The
purple ball on the plastic hairnet indicates
the sonar sensor. The two coins on the left
and the right of the net symbolize the
proximity sensors. The headphones
(underneath the coins) indicate the
vibrating motors. All these components are
connected to a wire that runs down to the
belt where it connects to the Arduino.

This concept is very innovative, right now technology to signal to swimmers whether they are
diverting from the centre of the lane is not on the market. But there’s a reason for it too, this
technology isn’t easy to make and it is therefore a challenging concept. One of the main concerns
that makes it challenging is how it will be detected whether the swimmer is diverting. Another, less
challenging problem, but still a challenge to overcome. Is how to properly assemble this concept.
Right now this concept has split the technology in 2 compartments, a belt and a cap. Which means
that the 2 compartments need to be wired to communicate with each other. but just letting wires

13
run like that means that the system can break easily. Another challenge is waterproofness, how are
the wires made waterproof? Due to the loose wires, putting the product on can also be a problem
because if the user is not careful, he might break the wires.

4.3 Concept 3 

A sketch of the pool for clarity and a sketch of the device

To realise this concept, two different compartments are needed, a sensor which measures the
distance to the end of the pool and a receiver which needs to be with the swimmer to give the
swimmer an indication that this is the case. There are multiple communication methods one of
which Bluetooth could be an option. When the Arduino is connected to an ultrasonic sensor which
measures the distance of the swimmer towards the sensor, the sensor should give a signal to a
Bluetooth transmitter. The swimmer himself should be wearing earplugs which are connected with
Bluetooth. A possible problem is that both the Bluetooth transmitter and receiver are quite
expensive. Another way to deliver the signals is via a vibration motor which could work better
because the swimmer does not have to pay attention to a specific sound. However, the same
problem occurs because the vibration motor needs to communicate with the Arduino.

Another possibility is to use a speaker and connect this to the Arduino and the ultrasonic sensor. This
way, the Bluetooth compartments are not necessary. However, a problem could occur when
multiple swimmers are competing against each other because each one of them could hear those
sounds.

As with concept 1, the innovativeness of this concept isn’t really great since similar technology is
being used. The big difference is the use of sonar instead of laser. The challenge in this concept is for
the sensors to distinguish the sound. Because there will be multiple swimmers in multiple lanes
there will be multiple sounds which will prove a challenge to work that out. But like concept 1 this
product is very user friendly because it easy to use for new users.

14
5 Requirements, preferences and constraints
5.1 Requirements 
Requirement Quantification

The device can detect the side of the pool from Not yet tested → measuring tape
at least 3 meter and with a standard deviation
lower than 0.2 meter.

The device can determine and signal course of Not yet tested → user
action for the user to avoid collision with such
speed and accuracy that a normal person
swimming towards the wall with a angle of 81 π
and a speed of 1 meter per second from a
(perpendicular) distance of 1 meter won’t
collide with the wall at least 0.9 of the times.

The device must be able to function in a pool Not yet tested → timer
(underwater) for at least 30 minutes.

The device must not obstruct other swimmers Not yet tested → multiple users
in the pool.

5.2 Preferences 
Preference Optimization

The device should feel intuitive to use. The Not yet tested → user
person using the device should be able to use
the device without a manual in 85% of the
cases.

The device must be as reliable as possible (with Not yet tested → user
a marge of 5 percent) to prevent the swimmer
from hitting the side of the pool.

The device should not reduce the swimmers Not yet tested → user
abilities significantly / the device should affect
the performance of the swimmer less than 5%.

The device must weigh as little as possible Not yet tested → scale

The device must be as small as possible Not yet tested → measuring tape

The device must be as comfortable as possible. Not yet tested → user

At least 90% of the people (from a sample size
of at least N=20) should feel comfortable
wearing the belt bag.

15
5.3 Constraints 
Constraint Materialization

The device must work autonomously. Not yet tested → user

The device must be ‘active’. Not yet tested

The device must weigh weigh less than 0,3 Not yet tested → scale
kilogram

The main compartment of the bag should be Not yet tested → measuring tape
about 20*4*7 cubic centimeter.

16
6 Preliminary design
The preliminary design is the basic design which is used to reach the project goal. This means that
the RPC’s should be met as much as possible and that it is the foundation for the final design. With
the preliminary design it is possible to start detailing and make the design even better. Until
everything is what it needs to be and the final design has been formed. This means that to get a
good final product it is important to get a good preliminary design.
The preliminary design is based on the best solutions for different functions, while keeping the RPCs
in mind.

Figure 1: closed view Figure 2: inside view

For the function ‘waterproof’ a waterproof zip bas is used. This will cause a little bit of drag but if the
bag is thin enough and attached well to the swimmer it will not be a large amount. Only the Arduino
and battery are placed inside the bag . The rest of the parts, like the vibration motors and sensors
are waterproof on their own. The wires that go inside the bag for the connection between the
Arduino and the other parts will need small holes however. To make these holes waterproof a
waterproof glue will be used.

Figure 3: back (inside) view

For the function ‘detecting the sides of the swimming lane’ waterproof sonar sensors have been
used. The sensors are marked blue on the sketches. The reason for the use of these more expensive
sensors is that these sensors work very well underwater. Which is very important for a working final
product. If the sensors are not waterproof it would be needed to make them waterproof which can
cause the sensors to malfunction.

Figure 4: side (inside) view

The wearable is an adjustable belt. Every part will be put on this belt. One of the reasons that a belt
has been chosen is that a belt is unisex, while it can fit everything on it. Which would be a problem if
we would implement it in the swimwear like swim shorts or a bikini. Because everything can fit on
the belt the sensors and the vibration motors can be attached to the Arduino by using wires which
causes no problems underwater and is much cheaper than wireless connections. Another reason is
the place where the belt is worn. It is on the waist, which will cause the arms of the swimmer to not
disturb the sensors that much while swimming and that is important for a correct measurement of
the sides of the swimming lane.
17
 Figure 5: top (inside) view

For the communication with the user vibration motors are used. Which are marked red on the
sketches. Vibration motors work well underwater and are very cheap. If put close enough to the skin
of the user they will be felt very well which means clear communication with the user. They also
prevent the need for extra wearables like headphones. In this design each side of the belt has one
vibration motor. If the swimmer swims too much to the right the right vibration motor will start
vibrating. This way the user will know that he/she needs to adjust course. The same goes for the left
side.

The preliminary design meets all the constraints and as long as the parts work like they do on paper
all the requirements will be met as well. Next to that the design has the possibility to fit most of the
preferences. The only problem that the design may have with the preferences is unwanted drag
caused by the belt bag. The device could also be smaller if necessary. These two preferences are a lot
alike, because when the device is smaller it probably will cause less drag. So if in the detailing follows
that it is necessary to reduce the amount of drag the device will probably be, if possible, made
smaller.

Overall is the design well in line with the RPC’s and well executed with the right solutions for each
function. The only real problem that this design can have is the amount of drag caused by the belt
bag. Which probably can be solved by making the device smaller in the detailing fase.

18
7 Risk management
7.1 Risk management table 
Topic Probability Impact Control?
What may How likely is it? What does this cause? How do you prevent it?
happen?

Incompatible parts Not likely It might cause damage Check the parts multiple times
are used to other parts

Parts are damaged Somewhat likely Order the parts which Carefully construct the device
(during are damaged again with multiple persons who
construction) and take the extra have a general idea of how it
time needed for should be constructed and
ordering and have overhead to potentially
construction into buy replacements
account

Parts are damaged Not likely Order the parts which The device should initially be
(during are damaged again tested in safe conditions and
usage/testing) and take the extra should have redundancy in
time needed for the design and have overhead
ordering and testing to potentially buy
again into account replacements

Parts don’t Somewhat likely A not working or Evaluate the concept/design

function in the underperforming multiple times
expected/intende prototype
d way (sonar,
motors)

Software doesn’t Not likely A not working or Make sure there is plenty of
function properly underperforming time to make, debug and
prototype research the software

Extra budget is not Likely A change of plans Have a backup plan/concept

obtained because the first which has similar
concept needs some functionalities at a reduced
adaptation budget

Expenses are Somewhat likely A change of the Have some overhead for
higher than concept because there extra/unexpected costs
planned budget is a limit on the budget

A member of the Not likely Extra tasks which will Store essential information in
team is unable to not be fulfilled by the a central and accessible way
contribute (for team member who is (google drive) and make sure
example illness) unable to contribute that nothing important is
handled by only one person

19
7.2 Short description 
Parts could be damaged, underperforming or not working at all. To prevent this from happening one
must check the concept and the different parts multiple times and preferable by multiple team
members. Furthermore, extra time should be taken into account in case of damage to one or more
compartments.

Extra time should also be taken into account while writing the software because the software could
be non-functional. Therefore, extra time is needed for potential debugging and research.

Finally, the extra budget could be unavailable. To mitigate this a back up plan should be made that
accounts for this scenario.

7.3 Backup plan in case of no extra budget 

If the extra budget is not obtained, the requirement about functioning in a pool could be scrapped.
This would first of all save €10,50 per sonar sensor so the new total becomes €45,61. Next the belt
bag can also be scrapped and replaced by a less expensive or self-made belt which could save €9,49
so the new total becomes €36,12. And if absolutely necessary one of the sonar sensors can also be
scrapped to save an extra €2,45 so the total becomes €33,67.

8 Detailing
[teksts]

9 Assembly
[teksts]

20
10 Final design
10.1 Bill of materials 
Component Supplier €)
Cost (€

2 Vibration motors Benselectronics (webshop) 1,90

Arduino Uno r3 Benselectronics (webshop) 11,50

9V battery Benselectronics (webshop) 2,25

9V battery clip with DC Jack Benselectronics (webshop)

20 Dupont 20cm male-female Benselectronics (webshop) 1,50

Breadboard 400 points Benselectronics (webshop) 3,-

2 Waterproof ultrasonic sensors Vanallesenmeer (webshop) 25,90

(JSN-SR04T)

Waterproof belt bag Amazon (webshop) 9,49

Benselectronics delivery 3,95

Vanallesenmeer delivery 2,95

Amazon delivery 3,99

Total 67,13

10.2 Table of manufacturing techniques 

Manufacturing techniques Tools used Purpose

Solder Soldering iron + tin Attaching wires with the parts

Stripping Wire strippers Making the wires ready for

soldering

21
 Glue Epoxy/kit Making the entire device
waterproof / putting parts in
their place

Script writing Computer / arduino Letting the vibration motors

vibrate when they need to /
letting the arduino give a
signal when it needs to /
letting the arduino pick up the
signal of the sensors

Sewing Needle and thread Making the adjustable sensor +

stoffen boekenkaft vibration motor holder for the
belt

10.3 Discription of the device 

The device is a belt that prevents visually impaired swimmers to stay in the right swimming lane.
Every single part is attached to the belt. On the sides of the belt there are adjustable fabrics with a
vibration motor and an ultrasonic sensors attached to it. These fabrics are adjustable, because they
can been shoved along side the belt. the reason for this adjustability is that not all people have the
same waist width. So to make sure that the sensors can be in the right place for all people they
needed to be adjustable.
[Picture of the shovable sensors +vibration motor]

The vibration motors will vibrate when the visually impaired swimmer is starting to swim to one of
the sides of the swimming lane. If the swimmer goes to the left side, the left vibration motor will
vibrate, the same goes for the right side. The closer the swimmer gets to the side, the less time there
will be between the vibrations. Because of this the swimmer will know exactly how much to adjust
his or her course. The vibration motor know when to vibrate because of the signal that the arduino
gives. And the Arduino knows when to give a signal because of the ultrasonic sensors. When the
sensors measure a distance of 0.5 meters or less the arduino starts giving the signal to the vibration
motor.
[Picture of sensor working inside the water ???]

The device is entirely waterproof. The sensors are waterproof on their own and the vibration motors
have been waterproofed by using a special casing made of XXXX. The arduino, battery and
breadboard are safely stored inside a small waterproof bag attached to the rear of the belt. The
wires that are between the vibration motors and sensors and arduino/breadboard need to go inside
the bag as well, without compromising the fact that the bag is waterproof. To solve this a waterproof
kit/epoxy/glue is used. the holes where the wires enter the bag will be sealed of with this.
[Picture of the waterproof bag ??]

11 Test plan

12 Design evaluation

22