College of Engineering Unit:
Smartfin is a longboard fin that aims to bridge the gap between surfers and scientists. Each Smartfin can be mounted on a longboard and collects real-time temperature, wave, and GPS data. Data is then transmitted to the cloud and available for analysis via a database. Previous prototypes of Smartfin have varying features with some more successful than others. Smartfin is designed to collect and transmit ocean data while minimally affecting a surfboard’s performance while remaining cost-effective. Our team will identify the best features of the previous Smartfin prototypes, research possible improvements for the next iteration, and construct and test said prototype. Our version of the Smartfin prototype uses a permanent magnet integrated circuit (PMIC) as our method of having a wired charging connection along with a fuel gauge to monitor the system’s battery life. This will provide a basis for future iterations to implement a feature in a user interface for customers to see as they use their fin out on the ocean. Furthermore, it resolves one of the more important issues the Smartfin team had with their previous charging circuit applications.
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