Listed below are possible solutions to possible hazards of the proposed design. Excerpts from for each hazard from the "Ethics and Product Liability" section are shown in italics below the corresponding solution
- Heat dissipation - If the device generates a large amount of heat, placing objects on top of the device or covering the device may create a fire hazard
- Level 5 - If device creates a fire, loss of life and significant property damage could occur
- Add a heat sink to the device
- Include warning label to instruct the user not to cover or place objects on top of the device
- Damage to circuitry - If the circuit board is left exposed, damage to circuitry could occur could occur, which could also cause damage to connected equipment
- Level 3 - Device will likely not be feasible to repair, will have to be replaced
- Add a case to enclose the circuitry of the device (case can also act as heat sink)
- Hearing damage - If the user amplifies the signal beyond a safe threshold, hearing damage could occur
- Level 4 - Hearing damage is a minor, not life-threatening injury
- Limit gain of amplifier to prevent user from causing significant damage without connecting to an additional amplifier
- Include warning label to inform the user about the possibility of hearing loss at high volumes
- Baby-proofing - If a user sticks a foreign object into the output ports of the device while the port is turned on, electric shock to the user or product could occur
- Level 4 - Electric shock could case injuries to the user, and would likely cause damage to the device
- Include 3.5 mm caps to allow user to block objects from accidentally shorting 3.5 mm jacks
- Add fuses to product circuitry to prevent user from causing damage to electrical components
- Include warning label to instruct the user not to stick anything but 3.5 mm connectors into the 3.5 mm jacks