Step 2: Designing the Cabinaid AED cabinets

To fulfil our mission; “Save time, Save lives”, we started with brainstorming together to determine the requirements for a universally deployable AED cabinet. These requirements formed the basis for the design phase.

This showed that an AED cabinet should be quick and intuitive to open (with one hand). There has to be enough space for both the AED device and useful accessories and other aids. The safety of the victim and rescue helper are most important. And finally, a cabinet must be striking so that it is easily and quickly recognizable at any location.

With these requirements in mind we started the design phase, with two different options as possible outcome. A hexagonal cabinet or a round cabinet. With a cover that flips down to open or a removable lid. After a few prototypes, we decided to continue with the round design. After this, a mortar tub proved to be an important source of inspiration for determining the right size and space. In particular due to the equal depth, a comparable model offers a lot of space.

Now that the decision had been made to go for an (almost) round design, we started looking for a suitable cover/lid. The inspiration for the recognizable and functional handle came from the electrode tray of the LIFEPAK CR2 AED. This also has a handle to remover the entire package from the electrodes in one smooth move. This way of opening seamlessly fits in with what we had in mind for Cabinaid.

The inspiration for the recess for the handle came from a coffee creamer cup. Due to the small recess there is no valuable space lost in the cabinet. The inspiration for the closing method came from the well-known storage boxes. The cover is clamped between the double edge, making it easy to close and water- and dustproof. The cover can also be removed in its whole, making the entire contents of the cabinet easily accessible. Exactly what we were looking for to enable citizen emergency responders to act as effectively as possible.