WEIYU . H
User Research
Prototyping
Competitive Analysis
TIMELINE
Oct 2021 - Dec 2021
A number of poisoning incidents occur in fish hold where fishermen work. Poisoning incidents often occur on private ships.
93.3% of the vessels have no medical staff. The first one to rescue was the crew. Due to insufficient first-aid knowledge, it often becomes a group poisoning incident.
93.3% of the vessels have no medical staff. The first one to rescue was the crew. Due to insufficient first-aid knowledge, it often becomes a group poisoning incident.
Heat accelerates the decomposition of fish and shrimp, increasing H₂S production.
POOR VENTILATION
Inadequate air circulation prevents H₂S from dispersing, causing accumulation.
DETERIORATION OF FISH AND SHRIMP
Decomposition of organic matter releases hydrogen sulfide and other toxic gases.
H₂S SETTLES AT THE BOTTOM
Since H₂S is denser than air, it accumulates in the lower part of the fish hold, posing a high risk to fishermen entering the space.
Hydrogen sulfide exposure is highly deceptive: at low levels it irritates, at medium levels it destroys your sense of smell—removing the only natural warning—so danger becomes invisible, and at high levels it causes rapid collapse or instant death.
This invisibility means fishermen often enter fish holds unaware of the risk.
CORE PROBLEMFishermen must open the hatch before they can ventilate or work. At that instant, accumulated hydrogen sulfide may rush out in lethal concentration. Even a single breath can be fatal.
Private vessels lack gas masks and protective gear.
INEFFECTIVE DETECTION
- Test papers require frequent replacement and cannot predict gas release before the hatch is opened.
- Portable detectors only react after air exchange, too late to prevent first-breath exposure.
CUMBERSOME RESPIRATOR
SCBAs are the proper protection, but they are heavy, difficult to operate, and rarely used.
DELAYED RESCUE
Remote locations mean help arrives too late, amplifying mortality.
DETECTION
Monitor hydrogen sulfide concentrations throughout the day.
PREVENTION
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When the concentration reach the exposure limit, the fishhold switch automatically locks.
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Reducing the concentration of hydrogen sulfide by spraying seawater.
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Avoid direct contact of fishermen with hydrogen sulfide.
LOW COST
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Redesign base on the structure of the fishhold.
- Low cost method of elimination.
Manually filling seawater increases procedures and downtime, and in emergencies it may delay response.
BATTERY/CHARGING DEPENDENCE
Continuous rainy weather, panel shading, battery degradation, or electrical faults may weaken system reliability.
MARINE ENVIRONMENT STRESS
Salt spray, corrosion, humidity, heat, and vibration may shorten the lifespan of sensors, pumps, valves, and locking mechanisms.
FALSE LOCK / UNDER-DETECTION RISK
False alarms may cause unnecessary lockouts, while under-detection may still expose fishermen to danger.
CREW ADOPTION & UPKEEP
The system still requires regular maintenance by crew (water tank, filters, batteries, nozzles), and improper operation may reduce effectiveness.
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