Final year project
Safeguarding military personnel to look beyond cover [Read more]
Interacting with the device
The objective of the device, which is fastened to the rail system used on firearms as an attachment, is to provide a secondary optic to its user allowing for safe observation of surroundings and accurate engagement of targets from behind cover. By default the screen will display a live feed of the camera located on the top rail as shown, allowing for safe evaluation of what lies beyond cover without exposure of the head, arm or shoulder. A cross hair and integrated range adjustment feature can be activated by twisting the dial from its default position upwards, allowing the device to act as an optical sight similarly to the one present on the top of the firearm.
Customisation
The device comes with a set of 3 fixed handle attachments to provide a comfortable grip as compensation for the added volume underneath the barrel of the firearm in use. The set features a vertical grip, 45 angle grip and an alternative 45 grip for rifles with less rail space. Alternatively, other grips on the market can be used in place of the grips provided with the device as they are attached/detached via an Allen screw.
Alternative angles of use
It is not enough that the device allows a user to look and aim around cover to their left or right side, there are many instances where the ability to look over cover can be the difference between being pinned down and awaiting assistance or continuing an operation in good time within the time constraints set out in planning stages. By allowing the user to withdraw the display and angle it to their choosing, a user can effectively use the device overhead as they would around a corner.
Bringing your "Kodak Moments" to new heights!
The objective of this project was to design a portable camping stove under the Kodak brand, that fit with the aesthetic of its existing products and seamlessly integrated into its product lineup despite the divergence of product usage from photography.
The project was enjoyable as a clearly defined brief allowed for a more focused design process, and working towards integrating an unrelated product to an established brand posed an interesting challenge.
Jack Robert Boddy
The aim of this project was to develop a highly practical piece of equipment to improve both the offensive and defensive capabilities of western military forces in combat situations.
Largely developed as a concept through sketch work and refined for hypothetical manufacture in CAD the device designed for this final year project was a significant challenge relative to other projects undertaken whilst at University.
At the beginning of the academic year I would argue CAD was one of my weaker skills, with sketch work being my preferred form of design communication. It became clear quite early on though that improving my abilities with CAD was a priority if I were to succeed in bringing to life the vision I had for the project. So enjoying a challenge, I relished the opportunity to learn and improve my skill set, so that I could successfully develop the design without compromising on form.
With greater complexity in forms and component compositions becoming more feasible and achievable as the year progressed, I am ultimately satisfied with the journey this project has taken me on with regards to improving my weaker design skills and allowing me to exercise my existing strengths to their fullest.
Having constructed a well developed CAD model with Solidworks, taking to Keyshot and rendering it to resemble a lifelike product in use was in itself incredibly satisfying and a fitting end to the project overall. Not just the fact of seeing the concept in a now finished state having started as a sketch but observing how far I had come with a skill I had deemed too challenging to effectively master in the time given.
I hope to utilise these skills both new and old in a future career, and continue to learn to become a better designer as time goes on.
Final year project
Safeguarding military personnel to look beyond cover
Awards
'20 Diploma in Professional Studies
Experience
Have had experience at BP HQ in London as an intern exercising administrative skills finding and handling data and partaking in market research. The time spent there provided insights into working life with the daily commute to London, working in an office environment with professionals and networking with other interns being what I would deem important learning outcomes.
Placements
August 2018 - August 2019
CAD Design Intern, Aston Martin