Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

Magnets Enable Small Design for Underwater Communication Tools

By Design World Staff | July 7, 2011

Share

In the underwater realms, divers prefer small items rather than large ones. Innovative Scuba Concepts, Inc., designed its Mini-Quest™ to fit in a buoyancy compensator jacket pocket – nearly 40% smaller than its original Quest™ model. The compact size was challenging for the product designers.

The Quest™ product line offers divers a way to communicate their depth, air remaining, or other various topics. “It is like a high-tech underwater Magna Doodle,” said engineering manager Debbie Miller. It features a magnetic stylus for writing messages on a magnetic surface and a magnetic eraser-bar to clear the surface. For diving applications, however, it must be designed to very tight tolerances and be able to withstand pressures common to most diving depths.

The Quest

The high-energy magnets used are manufactured to +/- 0.01 in. of the print dimensions. Plastalloy magnets from Electrodyne adhere to these tight tolerances and keep size and weight down. Common “fridge magnets,” for example, are two to three times thicker, and weigh at least twice as much as the Plastalloy for a given size.

High energy magnets are anisotropic, so both sides are equally strong. In the case of the Quest™ redesign, a stronger attraction translates to bolder writing on the Quest™ surface – so that divers’ messages stay crisp and legible despite the surroundings. Equally important, though, the writing was completely erased when the eraser bar (containing Plastalloy magnetic material) passed over the message. Complete erasure of the magnetic slate ensures that there is no ghosting of images or writing to confuse divers.

Electrodyne Company Inc.,
www.edyne.com

::Design World::


Filed Under: Off highway • construction, Fastening + joining • locks • latches • pins, Materials • advanced

 

Tell Us What You Think!

Related Articles Read More >

Self-lubricating and wear-resistant: igus bar stock for food, continuous operation and high media resistance
Minnesota Rubber and Plastics announces plans for new Innovation Center
The importance of resin selection
EXE014 - Image 1
Composite materials help place Italian race team in pole position

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Renishaw next-generation FORTiS™ enclosed linear encoders offer enhanced metrology and reliability for machine tools
  • WAGO’s smartDESIGNER Online Provides Seamless Progression for Projects
  • Epoxy Certified for UL 1203 Standard
  • The Importance of Industrial Cable Resistance to Chemicals and Oils
  • Optimize, streamline and increase production capacity with pallet-handling conveyor systems
  • Global supply needs drive increased manufacturing footprint development

Design World Podcasts

June 12, 2022
How to avoid over engineering a part
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings