Saving navy SEALS: Pressure-activated system for personal flotation device

Approximately 2000 operators in the SEAL Teams use a personal flotation device (PFD). While it is a necessary safety measure, the current PFDs in use often deploy prematurely causing the operator to then discard the device. We created a system with changeable modes, allowing the user to retain a fully functional vest with an activation system that is not subject to premature deployment. Implementation of this will reduce the danger for each operator and save lives. Our system is composed of a sensor suite, microcontroller, and actuator. The system has two user chosen modes: automatic and manual. We performed system tests to ensure the system is reliable and validated for use in special operations. Two of these tests included a software functionality test (A) and a valve response test (B). Results for (A) were LED ON for deployment conditions and LED OFF for non-deployment conditions. Results for (B) were a positive result (actuator activated and filled bladder correctly) for each test. The final result was an automatic PFD system that is viable for use in special operations. This will increase the number of lives saved by ensuring that operators can retain their PFDs without premature deployment as well as ensuring that an unconscious victim in the water will be lifted to safety by their automatic PFD.