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Seawater Particle Analyzer
Our oceans are under threat and to understand their health we need data from around the world.
As a NASA (SBIR) project, Horizon was designed to study microscopic particles at a speed never before possible. Connected to a vessel's plumbing, the laser scattering system can detect particles in the water as ships travel the seas.
Such data can now provide a macro picture of a micro world. Design considerations were made to support durability, portability, drainage, security, access for maintenance, harsh working environments, low-volume production, and more.
BACKGROUND
In oceanographic research, samples can quickly become outdated between collection and lab analysis. To truly understand ocean health, researchers need real-time data. Horizon was developed as an on-site benchtop system that connects directly to a vessel's plumbing. With an estimated 50,000 ships traversing the world's oceans daily, this presents a global opportunity for water quality monitoring. Horizon collects, analyzes, and transmits real-time seawater data, creating a continuous data network that offers valuable insights into ocean health and helps address environmental challenges.
System Requirments
Designed for the demanding conditions of maritime environments, Horizon needed to achieve a careful balance of accessibility, portability, durability, and efficiency. Its physical and digital interfaces were tailored to meet the needs of scientists, maintenance staff, and technicians. The structure was engineered to provide robust tie-down and carry points, ensuring versatility across various applications. Additionally, multiple inlet, outlet, and drainage ports were strategically incorporated for optimal functionality.
User-Centric Design
Designed for high-stakes, fast-paced marine environments, Horizon prioritizes accessibility. Its compact size fits seamlessly within benchtop workspaces and integrates effortlessly into ship operations. The exposed tube-frame structure offers essential protection while doubling as ergonomic carrying handles and secure tie-down points, ensuring efficient and intuitive interaction.
Engineering
Beneath Horizon’s compact exterior is a meticulously engineered system designed for ease of use, accessibility, and durability. It offers three levels of access tailored to users' needs and roles. Scientists interact primarily with the touch display and sampling chamber, while maintenance personnel access external and internal pumping connections. Technicians at the highest level can fully disassemble and reassemble the system, ensuring resilience in harsh maritime environments.
Design for Manufacturing
Horizon was developed with low-volume manufacturability in mind. Just as it was designed for operational efficiency, it was also optimized for streamlined, cost-effective production. Full-scale prototypes enabled rigorous testing and refinement, ensuring components met demanding standards. Low-volume manufacturing techniques facilitated in-field pilot projects and provided a scalable path for larger deployments.
Concept Development
Through comprehensive research, evaluations, and analysis, we identified key user, system, environmental, and business needs to guide our design decisions and ensure all stakeholders’ requirements were met. Our systematic concept development process transforms innovative ideas into tangible solutions through rigorous brainstorming, ideation, sketching, and conceptualization.
Horizon
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