Developing an improved high level 2nd stage regulator for scuba divers
Professional scuba divers dive to great depths (≤60m) to carry out their work. This creates a need to regulate air pressure from the breathing tanks to ensure that divers maintain the same breathing effort as they descend. Failure to effectively regulate pressure leads to cardiovascular related fatalities (25% of scuba fatalities) fatigue and toxic gas related fatalities (20% of fatalities). Professional divers use high level 2nd stage pressure regulators to regulate inhaled air pressure. Unfortunately, current regulators are unreliable and very costly. Approximately 35% of all scuba fatalities are due to equipment failure. The regulators are very delicate and maintenance intensive devices requiring complete systematic service and replacement of parts at least twice a year for regular divers. In addition, the purchasing cost of the regulator is high, (≤€442) limiting its accessibility on the market. There is therefore a need for a more reliable and affordable high-end solution. Lavind is an established manufacturing company with expertise in the manufacture of scuba products, pressure regulators and metal turn parts spanning over 70 years. Lavind is a supplier to globally renowned brands in the scuba industry such as Cressi, Scuba Pro, Decathlon and many others. Lavind has designed a high level 2nd stage regulator which will be more durable, reducing maintenance requirements for users by 75% through a new internal configuration and reducing purchasing costs by 80% due to a stream-lined manufacturing design. This solution is targeted at professional divers but will also cater to recreational divers due to its lower cost and less stringent maintenance requirements. The completion of the project will allow Lavind to achieve a revenue of €13,351,750 with an ROI of 3.34 creating 25 new jobs after 5 years. We will reduce the carbon footprint by 7-9% due to our fewer plastic components used. Furthermore, our device is non-corrosive and will not pollute operating waters.