Neuentwicklung eines Tauchcomputers mit berührungssensitivem Display

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Organisational units

Abstract

The field of diving has changed much over the last decades. In addition to the technical advantages of the diving equipment there is also an increasing focus on comfort and ease of use. A diving computer for the wrist with a touch-sensitive display and ergonomically designed case combines the technical advancement with the convenience of fast, easy and clear operation. The aim of this thesis was to develop a diving computer with a touch-sensitive display. For this a touch panel is required, which reacts to the input of the finger under increased external pressure. A chassis has been developed in which space is provided for all the necessary components, which guarantees 100% waterproofness and fits ergonomically to the wrist. In this work a system of silicone oil and a partially bonded touch panel was developed which allows the touch-sensitive unit to operate under water. The diving computer and the space between the polymer film and the glass substrate of the touch panel are filled with silicone oil. Therefore there is a hydrostatic pressure condition inside the diving computer, whereby the touch panel also reacts to the additional pressure exerted by the finder when submerged under water. A special type of bonding was found to guarantee the waterproofness. It consists of a permanently plastic, highly adhesive material, based on butylene rubber that withstands the silicone oil. The resistance of the adhesive to the silicone oil was confirmed by various tests such as extraction, thermogravimetric analysis and gas chromatography. The chassis has been designed for all given requirements. The design ensures waterproofness and includes all necessary components. Additionally an attempt was made to keep the wall thickness as low as possible, which also has a positive effect on the production. To increase comfort, the chassis has been adapted to fit the forearm. For this purpose, a study to determine the average width of the forearm was performed. Various materials for the housing were found which meet the requirements. Based on these results, filling simulations were performed, confirming the injection moldability of the housing and allow a tool proposal. To summarize, all tasks were successfully completed. The touch-sensitive unit has been adapted to the difficult conditions of the area of application. In addition, a chassis design was constructed, material suggestions were found for the chassis and with these results the injection moldability has been confirmed. However, the dive computer is not yet suitable for mass production. Some prototypes are necessary to confirm the individual results and the interaction of the components.

Details

Translated title of the contributionDevelopment of a dive computer with a touch sensitive display
Original languageGerman
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Supervisors/Advisors
Award date27 Mar 2015
Publication statusPublished - 2015