After
interviewing the customer, a need was identified for a product that increases vehicle
safety by sensing the vehicle sinking, delaying the rate of sinking, and
creates a means for the passengers to escape. The customer declared a maximum budget
of $1000 with the project focusing on saving the lives of the passengers in the
vehicle. The final product will limit any potential hazards that could threaten
the passengers while in egress.
Specifications determined from sponsor interview
1.
The
project budget cannot exceed $1000.
2.
The
priority of the product is to save the lives of the passengers in a sinking
vehicle situation.
3.
The
product will limit any potential safety hazards such as breaking glass during
egress.
4.
The
product incorporates a sensor to sense the vehicle sinking under the water
surface.
5.
The
sensor transmits lifesaving information such as GPS location to first
responders once sinking has been detected.
6.
The
product will decrease the rate of sinking in the vehicle.
7.
The
product will create a less time consuming process of egress for the passengers
in the sinking vehicles
8.
The
product will be designed in metric units
Customer Interview Questions
1.
Maximum estimated cost?
a.
$1000
2.
Priority in saving life or vehicle?
a.
Priority in saving all passengers
3.
Safety concerns and Potential hazards?
a.
Shattered glass could hurt escaping passengers
b.
Passengers could be incapacitated
4.
Device requirements?
a.
None given from customer
b.
Research Google Patents
5.
Existing products?
a.
Dislike: JSK Glass Breaker - device connects to door and breaks glass in emergency
resulting in a hazard to escaping passengers
b.
Like: RESQME - Individual device to cut seat belt and break
window.
6.
Are they any similar products in the market you know about?
a.
Automatic window dropping system: https://www.cogentoa.com/article/10.1080/23311916.2017.1347990.pdf
b.
Sensor
that detects vehicle sinking under water surface and automatically drops
window: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/DE102010046765.html
c.
Side Window safety device designed for side collisions: http://www.google.com/patents/US5318145
7.
What improvements could be made to existing products?
a.
Drops window instead of breaking glass
b.
Sends lifesaving information to first responders
c.
Delays sinking rate of vehicle
8.
Units to work in?
a.
Metric
9.
Specific product functions?
a.
Sense vehicle sinking
b.
Delaying sinking rate
c.
Allow for easier egress of passengers
10.
Universal design for all types of vehicles?
a.
Yes; if possible
11.
Expectations for prototype?
a.
Demo to show ability:
i.Sensing vehicle sinking
ii.Delaying sinking
iii.Window dropping
12.
Assume driver is not incapacitated