Our team came up with the idea for a product that would be placed in hazardous areas to help combat the issues of risk-taking in case of flooding. We hope as a result of our product, damage that would have occurred without a system in place can be prevented, therefore saving time and money that would have otherwise likely been wasted.
UNITY
UN SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Empowered and Driven:
Delivering Solutions for Global Issues
The goal “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” from the United Nations aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. It focuses on creating sustainable and accessible infrastructure, supporting technological advancement, and facilitating economic growth, particularly in developing countries.
Goal 13, “Climate Action,” aims to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation), adapting to its impacts, mobilizing financial resources, building capacity, and fostering global collaboration to protect the planet and its inhabitants.
Flood buddy is a device that combats the climate problems present in the area by developing the infrastructure already present using technology.
We aim to address the issue of drivers becoming stranded on hazardous roads during rainy conditions, particularly when local fords become flooded. This situation not only poses the risk of being stranded on remote roads but also increases the likelihood of vehicle damage.
DESIGN STORY
Challenges
``In the course of any project, it is inevitable to confront instances where we encounter specific challenges that require careful navigation and resolution. During the project, we might come across these challenges, which will require us to find solutions and adapt as needed to achieve our goals. -Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of flood detection technology, especially in challenging environmental conditions like fast-flowing water, debris, or poor visibility, can be a significant technical challenge. -Integrating flood detectors into existing river ford infrastructure may require coordination with various stakeholders, including government agencies, transportation departments, and local communities, which can pose logistical and technical challenges. -Establishing reliable data connectivity in remote areas where river fords are often located can be challenging, affecting the transmission of real-time flood data and alerts to drivers and authorities. -Maintaining and servicing flood detection systems in river fords, particularly in harsh outdoor environments, requires regular inspections, repairs, and replacements, which can be costly and resource-intensive. -Engaging local communities and stakeholders in the implementation and use of flood detectors in river fords is crucial for ensuring effective communication, trust-building, and adherence to safety protocols. -Adhering to regulatory requirements and standards related to flood detection systems, transportation safety, and environmental protection adds complexity to the project and may necessitate ongoing adjustments and updates. -Product does not work as intended -Printed parts do not fit -Sensor does not detect water level correctly -Components get damage from water -Warning message is not displayed correctly -Parts do not arrive on time -Computer crash causes data loss ``
Solution
We suggest the implementation of a water detection device designed to alert drivers when water levels reach 20 cm. Upon detection, a warning message will be displayed near hazardous roads, guiding drivers away from danger and towards safer routes to reach their destinations.
Use Case
``Purpose: To promptly detect flooding in vulnerable areas and alert drivers to avoid flooded zones, thereby ensuring their safety and preventing potential accidents. Main Flow: -Water sensors monitor flood-prone areas for rising water levels. -Upon detecting a flood threat, the system generates real-time warning messages. -Messages are broadcasted through a screen. -Drivers receive timely warnings and can safely navigate away from flooded areas. Postconditions: -Drivers are informed of flood risks and directed to safer routes. -Emergency response teams may be alerted if needed. Notes: -Essential for road safety, preventing accidents, and minimizing flood-related disruptions. -Requires regular maintenance for reliability.``
TECHNOLOGIES
List of Essential Tools and Technologies
THE PROCESS
PROTOTYPE DESIGN
As part of our project design, sensors will be used to measure the water level along certain stretches of roadway. As a result of the live data collected by the sensors, our software should output a message alerting drivers in the case of flooding ahead on their route, which will prevent their vehicle from getting stuck.
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Online Marketing
Creative agency
Web development
PLEDGE
Impact on the market
``Integrating flood detectors into river fords to prevent drivers from getting stuck during flooding events represents a practical application of this technology in a different context. Equipping river fords with flood detectors can significantly enhance safety for drivers who need to cross them during periods of heavy rain or flooding. By providing real-time alerts about rising water levels, drivers can make informed decisions about whether it's safe to cross the ford or find an alternative route.
Flood detectors in river fords can help prevent accidents and reduce the number of vehicles becoming stranded or stuck in the water. This not only protects drivers and passengers but also minimizes the need for costly rescue operations and vehicle recovery efforts.
Many rural or remote areas rely on river fords as essential transportation routes. By enhancing safety and reliability through the use of flood detectors, communities can maintain access to essential services, such as emergency response, healthcare, and supplies, even during adverse weather conditions.
Implementing flood detectors in river fords can lead to cost savings for local authorities and emergency services by reducing the need for rescue missions and vehicle recovery operations. This frees up resources that can be allocated to other critical areas of public safety and infrastructure maintenance.
Stalled or stranded vehicles in river fords can pose environmental risks, such as fuel leaks and contamination of waterways. By preventing vehicles from becoming stuck during flooding events, the integration of flood detectors helps mitigate these environmental hazards and preserves local ecosystems.
The use of flood detectors in river fords contributes to community resilience by empowering residents with the information they need to make safer decisions during flood events. This proactive approach to managing flood risk strengthens community preparedness and reduces the potential impact of disasters.
Overall, integrating flood detectors into river fords offers a practical solution to enhance safety, reduce accidents, and improve access to remote areas, ultimately benefiting both individuals and communities reliant on these transportation routes. ``
RESULTS
FINAL PRODUCT
“For the initial stages, we mind mapped a variety of ideas, varying from food freshness detectors, for food beyond its best before date, to all-in-one soil quality sensors for greenhouses and gardeners. After narrowing down these ideas to a couple, we further expanded upon these ideas so we can have a better grasp as what would be trying to achieve. After discussion, we went down the path of a water level detector, specifically to warn drivers about flooding caused by fords.
Following our idea selection process, we began to draw up concepts of what our product should look like, both from a cosmetic side and a hardware side. In addition to controlled and safe use of AI tools to assist in the ideation process, we set ourselves on a design we believed would achieve our goals and began to look around for components.
After borrowing what we could from the university, we searched online for more unique components that would be needing, such as the water sensors. Subsequently, we put parts together one at a time to ensure we didn’t have any defective components. Once we’ve checked everything, the final build for the hardware took place, matching to our original specification as close as we could. The initial draft of the container for the sensor using 3D modelling software was also complete during this period. “
