Was starting from scratch the secret to our breakthrough Protective Cover?

When Army Aviation & Missile Command put forward the challenge to develop a more effective protective cover in 2007, we had 30 years of corrosion-prevention experience, but we didn’t have a protective cover product.

On the face of it, not having developed a protective cover would appear to be a disadvantage. What we came to learn was that a blank slate may well have been the secret to shifting the paradigm.

Cocoon’s patented breakthrough in technical textiles works in a wholly new way. It allows moisture under the cover to escape as a vapor while remaining fully waterproof and hydrophobic. The result is a significant advance in corrosion-mitigation - meaning fewer Non-Available Days, lower sustainment costs, and lower Total Ownership Cost.

If we’d been working from the basis of an existing cover and simply trying to improve it, it’s likely we never would have been able to break new ground. Here are 6 reasons why the blank slate worked to our advantage:

1. Fresh Perspective:
There were no preconceived notions or constraints based on existing systems or ideas. This allowed us to question existing norms and explore new possibilities.

2. Unburdened by Legacy:
By starting from scratch, we avoided the limitations and complexities associated with legacy systems, and avoided the tendency to defend existing products.

3. Opportunity for Disruption:
Starting from scratch provided an opportunity to disrupt existing thinking and challenge the status quo.

4. Flexibility and Agility:
A clean slate allowed us to iterate and adapt quickly without being bound by existing materials or processes.

5. Holistic Design:
Starting from scratch enabled a holistic approach to design and development. We considered all aspects of the product, incorporated customer feedback, and integrated emerging technologies.

6. Collaboration:
We were free to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and partners, which led to a broader range of possibilities and cross-pollination of ideas.

Of course, starting from scratch is not always necessary, or feasible, in every context. Incremental improvements or building upon existing foundations can also drive innovation. However, starting from scratch provides a unique opportunity to break free from existing constraints, embrace creativity, and explore new frontiers of innovation. In the case of our Protective Covers this may well have been the secret to the breakthroughs that resulted in game-changing improvements in design and performance.

To learn more, download the Protective Covers Intro Brief or contact us directly.