HYDROBOARD
Copyright © 1997-2002 Angela Chang. All
rights reserved.
The Hydroboard is a battery-operated water mobility vehicle for kids
age 9- 13. Our group of 17 was given three months and $6000 to
develop the idea, design the concept and embody it all in a working
prototype. Team members were responsible for all aspects of the
design, including market research, manufacturing, assembly and
testing. Cost breakdowns, failure mode evaluations and customer
testing were also performed.
The boogie-board shaped product weighs 25 lbs and has a top-speed of
about 3 mph. A 1/6 hp dc motor, connected to a propeller, is powered
by a 12 V sealed lead-acid battery. The electrical components fit
inside 2 injection-molded plastic casings which snap fit. The product
contains a view win dow and two light-up LED panels that show the
speed and battery status. The product is designed to be safe for
kids: a hidden battery door, a comfort able rubber mat for the belly,
and rounded body edges are featured.
The target markets are parents, the special needs group, and recre
ational resorts. The team expects to sell the boards at $200, with a
manuifacturing cost of about $55. The NPV is about $10 million for a
5 year lifetime, with a Return on Investment of 80-200%.
