A group of students from Danang University of Science and Technology designs a smart jacket that helps wearers float on water and includes a GPS locator for search and rescue purposes.
After researching the needs of many fishermen who work at sea but are reluctant to wear life jackets due to their bulkiness, the student group from Danang University of Science and Technology decided to create a smart life jacket. Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Thu, one of the university’s instructors, guided the project.
The sCoat jacket, which also serves as a life jacket. (Photo: Research Team)
The group’s goal was to create a jacket resembling a regular windbreaker, with waterproof, windproof, and thermal insulation features, but that could transform into a life raft when fishermen needed it.
Starting the product research in January 2019, the first version was completed after six months. The sCoat jacket is designed to look like a regular jacket, but the collar and sleeves are equipped with inflatable floats. These floats are securely attached to a cold CO2 gas system housed within the jacket.
When the jacket needs to be turned into a float, the wearer simply opens a valve, and the internal gas cylinder automatically inflates the floats. Once the floats are fully inflated, the wearer closes the gas cylinder. If the floats begin to deflate, the gas cylinder can be reopened to extend the buoyancy time on the water. The gas cylinder can provide continuous inflation for up to 72 hours. The jacket weighs approximately 1 kg and is made from simple waterproof materials. Currently, the group has completed two products, with a manufacturing cost of 700,000 VND.
The first version was an orange jacket with U-shaped floats connecting the collar to the sleeves. During testing, fishermen reported that the jacket was uncomfortable, hindered daily activities, had an unattractive design, and was priced too high.
The inconveniences of the first version were quickly addressed. In the second version of the jacket, the collar and sleeve floats were separated, providing greater comfort for users. The design details were improved for aesthetics and functionality. However, this product still does not meet the safety jacket standards (according to TCVN 7282-2008 for life jackets equipped with whistles, lights, etc.).
Tran Le Vi Nhan Tam (left), a member of the research team, and fishermen participating in the life jacket trials. (Photo: NVCC)
The team continues to enhance the jacket with reflective patches on the sleeves and back, and pockets for tools such as whistles, lights, knives, and GPS devices… to help users survive in emergencies. The jacket is also designed with a sSim GPS system similar to an airplane’s black box. The sSim records the entire journey of the wearer, including location and coordinates, to send notifications to rescue centers or pre-registered phone numbers. “sSim is like a phone SIM card, attached to the jacket. While GPS can only locate the boat, sSim will locate the wearer, making search and rescue efforts easier,” Tam added.
Besides fishermen, the research team hopes this will be a necessary product for tourists, transportation, and those participating in marine activities. The product is currently undergoing testing to meet life jacket standards and communication device requirements. The team aims to connect with rescue centers to implement it in practice.
The student group developing the smart life jacket. (Photo: NVCC)
Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Thu, an instructor at Danang University of Science and Technology, praised the creativity, exploration, and improvement capabilities of the student group. She noted that the jacket, which also serves as a life-saving device, has significant potential applications. The group’s aim is to raise awareness among fishermen about protecting their lives and health while at sea, preventing unfortunate accidents.
The product “sCoat Technology Jacket” from the student group recently won first prize at the 2021 Student Technology Startup Competition organized by the Danang University Student Association and the Danang Department of Science and Technology.
