ECE.14R – Individual G-Force Tracker

• Yaroslav Florov
• Karenly Gerena
• Ryan Hanson
• Luis Morales

The United States Coast Guard’s operational environment presents unique challenges to its personnel’s health and safety, particularly concerning the adverse effects of impact shocks encountered during missions aboard various vessels. These shocks, especially prevalent in operations involving large cutters and small boats, pose a significant risk to the physical well-being of Coast Guard members, with the spine and cranium being particularly vulnerable. To address this critical issue, we propose the development of a compact, wearable device that is specifically designed to detect and quantify impact shocks experienced during boat operations. The shocks will be measured using an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a hardware processor, and a power system with wireless charging capabilities. This innovative solution is engineered to be unobtrusive, ensuring it can be seamlessly integrated into the daily activities and gear of Coast Guard personnel without impeding their mission performance. One of the key aspects of our ​​system is the acknowledgment that, as of now, there is no existing hardware specifically designed to meet the unique needs of this project. This gap underscores the innovative potential of our proposed device, highlighting its significance in filling a critical void in operational safety measures within the Coast ​​Guard. The device is a crucial monitoring tool and lays the groundwork for establishing threshold limits and Coast Guard ​​policies related to shock exposure. Aiming to mitigate the risks associated with these impacts. By providing real-time data on shock impacts, the device will enable the immediate assessment of risk and the implementation of preventative measures. Furthermore, the long-term collection and analysis of impact data will contribute to a deeper understanding of the risks involved in various operational scenarios, enabling more informed decisions regarding personnel safety and mission planning. The culmination of these efforts is expected to profoundly impact the operational safety and well-being of Coast Guard members. By equipping them with the means to proactively manage and mitigate the risks associated with impact shocks, we are enhancing their safety in the line of duty and contributing to the overall effectiveness and resilience of Coast Guard operations. This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to safeguarding those who serve, ensuring they are protected as they carry out their critical missions.