Jet Beluga: Diver Propulsion Wearable

• Main Authors: Graham, Jacob, Amaral Neves, Bernardo, Genter, Ethan
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Washington University Open Scholarship 2019
• Subjects: Mechanical Engineering; Beluga; Beluga*
• Online Access: https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems411/131; https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1117&context=mems411

Scuba diving is a physically and mentally challenging task performed in both recreational and professional settings. Recreational divers seek to experience the marine world for extended periods of time without buoyant resistance. Rescue divers, military personnel, and underwater construction workers train to execute complicated tasks in a limited time period. Diver propulsion vehicles can improve the quality of recreational diving as well as the effectiveness of diving as performed in professional settings. The following report describes the design and motivations for a wearable diver propulsion device that provides the benefits of increased speed and mobility while limiting the amount of time the user’s hands are occupied by the device. Jet Beluga is an underwater jet pack which frees up the user’s hands to interact with their environment expanding the capabilities of professional divers and enhancing the recreational experience of amateurs. Four powerful propellers, along with a turn assist feature allow the user to make sharp angle turns with minimal bodily contortions while maintaining their velocity. Controlling the device is made easy by a wrist-mounted controller with an emergency off switch. This report includes analysis of DPVs currently on the market, outlines the design processes employed to build the Jet Beluga, and addresses relevant standards for safety and manufacturing.