iDive housing - diving case for iPad

In July, iDive and Watershot will launch iDive housing. It will be the first fully functional touchscreen enclosure for Apple devices. It will be a breakthrough for divers, explorers and anyone moving in an underwater environment, according to its creators.

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It consists of an extruded polycarbonate housing, a cast aluminium frame and a polyurethane membrane. The iDive has threaded holders for accessories, lights, sensors or other tools.

A new product from iDive, it is a rugged, waterproof case designed to cope with high pressure. The flexible membrane allows the user to operate the touch interface while protecting the iPad display. The case is compatible with Apple iPad 2, 3, 4 and Air series. But let’s start at the beginning.

iDive originated in the mind of Professor Michael Berumen, who is a marine biologist and researcher at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. Professor Berumen was fed up with keeping his underwater records with a pencil and a piece of plastic, and then transcribing everything into notes kept on a computer. He knew there had to be a digital solution to this situation, and a tablet seemed to be the answer.

Unfortunately, disappointment quickly set in. The products on the market only offered water protection, but didn’t offer the ability to use the touchscreen to its full potential.

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Digital solutions are used in practically all professions. They make it possible to maximise efficiency. Unfortunately, there are limitations in some environments. In this particular case, of course, it is that electronics and water simply do not make the happiest combination.

The biggest hurdle during the development of the iDive, was designing a case that would allow the use of a touch screen. Fortunately, the first tests showed that it was only a matter of time before a solution was found.

In late 2012, Prof. Berumen turned to Watershot, a company known for designing similar solutions for the iPhone and Galaxy series. In a short time, Watershot’s engineering team led by Jim Peña began work on the new product.

Key to this was the use of a flexible diaphragm and a pressure management system that automatically maintains overpressure and thus allows the touchscreen to be used. The same system vents the iDive during ascent. This has resulted in a housing that allows the unit to be taken to depths of 50m.The diver can choose to supply the housing with air using: a CO2 cartridge, a first stage or a pony type cylinder.

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In addition to the enclosure, the kit includes a balanced module for monitoring the pressure inside the device, a robust storage case and an adjustable lanyard

Device dimensions: 29cm x 23cm x 8.9cm
Weight: 1.13kg
Depth Max: 50m
Price: $799
Preorder Price: $649.99

Source: idivehousing.com, watershot.com, apple.com