Redesigned distance measuring wheel’s counter top and handle grip for Rolatape. Product is currently being sold in the international market.
Redesigning an existing measuring wheel tool with an ergonomic grip design and improved aesthetics for mechanical counter box enclosure
CST/ROLATAPE Measuring Wheel ReDesign
In 2010, a mechanical measuring tool company named Complete Surveying Technology approached Desmania Design Studio to redesign their existing measuring wheel tool. Such distance measuring tool is used for landscaping, general construction, road construction, home remodelling and real estate appraisals. The company wanted fresh design solutions to redesign the enclosure for the tool’s existing mechanical components and an ergonomic grip design.
The fresh enclosure design was to be designed in such a manner that it houses all the mechanical components of mechanical counter, have a provision for an analogous display and allow a handy reset button incase the user wants to reset the counter to zero. On navigating the surface, it calculates distance in feet and inches on a 5-digit counter. The company requested a unique ergonomic handle that is easy to grip and provides excellent control of the device.
I was assigned as a lead designer for the project - responsible to conceptualise, 3D model, 3D render, create aesthetic prototype and collaborate with the engineering team to generate the final CAD model for tooling and mass production.
The product has been selling successfully since 2010 in the Indian as well as the US/Canadian market.
CATEGORIES
Industrial Design
ROLE
Ideation, Sketching, 3D Modelling, Rendering, Low Fidelity Prototype, CAD Collaboration
TIME
2 months
COMPANY
CST + Rolatape
GRIP DESIGN
Concept Generation
The concepts were developed under two themes - a walking stick style and pistol design. Both the themes allowed distinct look and feel. The walking stick allowed the user to put weight on the stick while walking whereas, the pistol design allowed for a better grip and control of the tool. Initial hand made and digital sketches of the two themes were converted into 3D models using Maya software.
Concept Development
Later, each concept were developed into two variants - standard injection molding (cost effective) and two-shot injection molding option (better aesthetics and comfort).
Concept Refinements
Both of the versions of the grip were reviewed with the client. The grip design got approved for final CAD development with minor tweaks like applying textures on particular areas and reducing the handle protection.
Prototypes
After creating the 3D models for the grips, I generated engineering drawings to be shared with the vendor to create an aesthetic prototype. Besides, I also 3D printed the grip to created a quick and dirty prototype and understand the look and feel of the part.
3D Prints
MDF (Aesthetic Prototype)
The CAD model was refined to reduct the handle length. The engineering drawings were shared with an external mock-up maker to create an aesthetic prototype (using MDF) for client review.
MDF mock-up production based on engineering drawings. Image shows handle length optimization.
MECHANICAL COUNTER BOX (ENCLOSURE) DESIGN
The existing counter box mounting location was by the side of the wheel axle. Such a location of the counter had two demerits:
A. It at the distance from the user and readability was an issue.
B. The counter box was on the left hand side of the wheel and hence, for a left hand user, it would cause further readability issue.
I proposed not just a better aesthetics but also a better placement of the counter box that is closer and also independent of the left hand/ right hand usage. The proposed location makes the counter box sit symmetrically on top of the wheel on a fork. The fork location asked for a few modifications, like a belt from the axle to the counter box and a belt cover.
Hence, my design proposal for the counter box included:
1. New aesthetics for box redesign
2. Fork design
3. Terrain proof belt cover
Counter box enclosure design concepts
In the project like this, there is no scope of jumping onto the sketch book to doodle blue sky concepts. Here it is imperative to deeply understand the constraints and define the playground for design. Therefore, I first took the teardown model to understand the size and location of the major components of the counter box and sketched very preliminary concepts on top of it.
concept Development
CoNcept Refinement
Once the blocking exercise of reconfigured components was in place, it was time to refine the counter box form. The proposed form was an extension of the shortlisted pistol handle design. A similar form treatment was rendered on the enclosure box which was edgy and robust.
3D Renderings
Production Model & Launch
The client appreciated the new counter box proposal; however, it was not ready to invest in the new tooling cost associated. Therefore, the company went ahead to produce the new grip design with their existing counter box (wheel mount).
Rolatape introduced the grip design to four of its measuring tool models i.e. RT 312, RT 30, RT 50 and RT 66.
Images above as seen on commercial websites (Home Depot, CST and other tool retails.
Further links:
http://www.cstglobal.net/32-312m.html
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rolatape-12-in-Aluminum-Measuring-Wheel-RT312/309567118