Echo- An obstacle detection and alerting device to enhance kayaker safety and reduce the risk of collisions with hidden objects or debris as it may lead severe, devastating accidents.

Year

2023

Duration

4 Months

Locking Carabiners

Ultrasonic Detection

Heavy duty carabiners withstand pulls from fastening the harness on kayak
Pre-existing docking lines on all kayaks enable Echo harness to be securely attached

Ultrasonic sensor points forward and downward for maximum coverage on submerged and above-water objects.
Range of detection from 16 ft ahead allows 3 seconds of reaction time if going at an average speed of 2 mph

Quick Release Buckle

Hands-Free Alert

Sliding bracket mount with secured strap enables device to be mounted and dismounted easily while remained secured.
Lengths of heavyweight polypropylene webbings can be adjusted based on the size of kayak bow.

Signals from ultrasonic detection delivers to a bracelet via bluetooth to alert kayaker with haptic feedback.
Main device and bracelet are connected via bluetooth at all time to alert kayaker with haptic feedback while notifying the battery level.

OVERVIEW

Kayaking is one of the most popular water activities. Around 18.56 million people in the U.S. went kayaking in 2021. In 2021, 2.63 million people in the U.S. participated in whitewater kayaking.

PROBLEM

Inexperienced and inattentive kayakers often find themselves into danger situation, leading to inevitable accidents from collision with unforeseen objects and capsizing.

Kayaking is more dangerous than you think!

According to 2022 Recreational Boating Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard:

Kayaking accounted for 7% of casualties among all vessel types

Canoe/Kayak ranks 2nd highest percentage of deaths (14%) in all vessel types.

20% were caused by operator inexperience and 20% by the hazardous water.

Reducing risk of collision with hidden objects or debris

Method of alerting kayaker when detecting obstacle within the range

Detecting obstacles during kayaking

OBJECTIVE

WHY DETECTING OBSTACLES

Sensation (Sensory): signal intensity (brightness, contrast, size, loudness, etc.)

Perception (Cortical): processing of sensation

Response Selection (Motor): action associated with reaction

Shorten reaction time!

Device senses obstacle from maximum 16ft ahead (which allows 3 seconds of reaction time if going at average speed of 2 mph) & vibrates on bracelet with gradual strength to alert kayaker to steer away.