Deep Blink 

Internal operation:
The product consists of 4 super-bright LED arrays, a blinker circuit and a ripcord-style switch.

• Ripcord:
  The nylon ripcord will rest between two electric plates, preventing contact from being made and breaking the circuit. By pulling (and removing) the ripcord, the circuit closes and the device begins to function. The configuration of the ripcord also prevents the product from being accidentally “bumped off” in a distress situation.
• SuperBright LED Array:
  The product features 4 arrays of 4000 MCD LEDs. These “super-bright” lamps can be seen even in poor, murky water conditions or in broad daylight. By diffusing through the waterproof material enclosing them, the arrays will have a fairly large viewing angle. 200 ohms of additional resistance is required for each array.
• Blinker:
  The arrays of LEDs will blink to draw extra attention to the distressed user. This is accomplished by our analog blinker circuit adapted from a Velleman MiniKit (Flashing LED, Mk102).
  The circuit is essentially a less sophisticated version of a digital timer. The two 10µF capacitors will slowly fill (depending on the resistance in the circuit). When the capacitors finish charging they will discharge to the base of a NPN transistor. When the transistor receives this discharge, it allows current to run between the collector and the emitter supplying current to the LED’s until the capacitor is completely discharged and the LEDs turn off. This process will continue indefinitely until the battery is drained or the device is deactivated.

Manufacturing Methods:
The Deep Blink uses relatively simple and readily available components, allowing a unit to be manufactured by very modest means (such as in a garage). The bulk of assembly lies in preparing the electronics: soldering and testing the blinking circuit and LED arrays. This task is easy to train others for and can be performed by most unskilled labour. After the electronics are completed, they must be placed in watertight containers (with the aide of silicone caulk). Lastly, the complete watertight components must be affixed to the nylon belt with epoxy and thread.

User Instructions:
DeepBlink™ is intended to be used as a water safety signal. In situations of drowning or distress, the user triggers the advice to alert other swimmers or supervisors of their condition.

The signal is activated by pulling a small ripcord which closes a switch and effectively prevents the device from being turned off until after rescue. The signal consists of 4 sets of super-bright LED clusters which will flash vibrantly, alerting others in, and around the water of the user’s distress.

The battery is stored in an easy-to-open housing to allow the user to easily change the power source whenever it is necessary (provided they are not currently in the water!).

Product illustrations: