Cobra
This project was assigned with a focus on emergency response or natural disaster relief. Our group began our research on a multitude of natural disasters and the workers that respond to these disasters. The final designs for the project had to solve the problem we researched as well as work together as a system. For our project we focused on police response to mass shootings.
After deciding to focus on police we began researching the subject surrounding police officers. To do this we started with a survey, finding that 59% of people are intimidated by police and 68% have anxiety around an officer. We then did contextual inquiries with Iowa State University police, identifying major pain points and needs when dealing with mass shootings, as well as semantic needs. They wanted to be intimidating enough to help prevent crimes, but approachable enough for people to feel comfortable around them. We found the most opportunity in their equipment and communication.
FLEX
Comprised of flexible geometric architecture
Made of graphene
More than 75% lighter than conventional solutions
Allows extension (long sleeves, collar, etc.)
Built in body camera, mic, and speaker
Can be worn underneath or in place of uniform
Modular design allows replacement of specific parts rather than entire product
Ideation really focused on making police as efficient and as safe as possible. While this was important for the other two components of Cobra. Cure, my product, focused on helping on helping those in need quickly and intuitively in hopes to avoid casualties for victims.
CURE
Trauma relief system
Designed to handle common wounds in deadly situations
Lightweight and easily handled for police and victims
Simplifies current Med-kits
Helps victims while giving essential information to second responders
Bandages are tearable at different intervals
Attaches to FLEX using advanced surface texture
Stackable
Vacuum formed until tab is pulled
Protective Layer
This layer protects the other two as well as the wound, it houses the tech that enables a report of the victim’s vitals to second responders via CONTROL’s system.
Sponge Layer
The Sponge layer is a single layer of dense sponge-like pills that sink into the wound in order to soak up blood and expand to stop bleeding until proper medical attention is available.
Dissolvable Layer
This layer dissolves in order to create a seal around the wound for the sponge pills to enter the affected area, it also acts as a barrier to keep the other two layers sanitary.
CONTROL
Advanced communication system
Runs on FirstNet first broadband network dedicated to America’s police, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS)
Attaches to sleeve of FLEX; retractable
Mobilizes vital information (building plans, maps, etc.)
Receives vitals from victims using CURE
Control works in tandem with the other Cobra products by including different functions within its simplistic design. Those functions include medical information of victims using Cure, a “map mode” showing comrades on an accurate map, and a docked mode allowing for charging and use as a nameplate. Overall, each product of Cobra works together to make a police officer as efficient and safe as they can be.
