Base

Design a power tool for rural developing communities.

How can a power tool system better fulfill the needs of those without many of the amenities of industrialized areas such as electricity, manufacturing facilities, and large equipment? The Base Power Tool System is a proposed solution that utilizes a modular gasoline powered unit to enable users to create a number of tool solutions.

RESEARCH

Conceptual Framework

A framework for future design and research was initially developed through mind mapping and preliminary research. The critical aspects to the project that need to be understood were discovered to be users, environments, and materials. For users a clear assessment of users functional needs that a power tool could solve and their experience with tools and construction. Learning about available supplies and requirements of rural developing environments is needed. Materials available to be manufactured and sourced for are also to be understood.

Rural Developing Areas

research map-4-rural color-01 copy — Areas that have a high rural population are shown with green and developing areas are depicted as darker. As show Central Africa has a large rural developing population and can be a primary focus with Asia and South America as secondary areas for the projects use. These rural developing areas often are without reliable electricity though petroleum fuel is often used. The areas also have large agricultural populations.

suame magazine-2-01 — Suame Magazine, recognized as the largest engineering cluster in sub-Sahara Africa / West Africa is inhabited by artisans, machinists, and engineers. Creators develop and adapt available parts and materials to fit their needs. They cast, weld, and machine parts to create solutions such as the SMATI Turtle 1. Suame illustrates that providing a foundation of a design that utilizes local materials and techniques the intended product can be created, modified, and used locally.

user interview-2-01 — Interviews with NGO workers, local craftsmen in developing communities, and rural workers were done to discover specific needs and views of tools. Electricity was again found to be a large concern as was having the supplies for tools. Wood, sheet metal, and cement were the most often used materials (to be worked on). And maintenance was often found to be difficult and infrequently done on tools and homes (because of few resources), requiring extensive repairs.

Secondary Research

Competitive Analysis

Through research specific needs were found for the project. A successful tool system should be easy to adapt and modify, as the specific needs and requirements of a rural developing areas are difficult to define. The tool and materials used to create it should be reliable and robust utilizing straightforward mechanics to reduce complications. Having parts that can be manufactured in the region allows users to have more ownership of a locally built tool and easier repairs. Fuel to power must be locally sourced to where it is used as well.

IDEATION

Sketches

DrillSketch-6-01 copy — Ideation sketches were done with a broad product description, imagining different controls, modularity, and features through sketching. Specific concepts were further explored in study models.

engine-1-01 — The central technology is the gasoline power source. Inspired by RC cars the small gasoline engine can be adapted for reliability and efficiency for the BASE power tool. Though the engine will require a liquid fuel, air intake, and create heat and exhaust these considerations can be designed for to facilitate the deed for small, adaptable, reliable, and local tool. The technology around the gasoline engine has been around for centuries similar Nano engines are replicated by hobbyists and in the future machinists in developing communities.

Study Models

base-test-5 — To further understand the ergonomics, form, and use of the tool weighted study models were created and tested by multiple potential users. The reviewers rated models on comfort and ease of use. With a clear choice coming as a rear grip with a thin body that can be held in multiple positions.

Design Language / Mood Board

Study Models

Base Inspiration-3 — Inspiration and a visual understanding of products, materials, and textures that exemplify the essential and universal essence of the project are shown. With a focus on the bare essentials and universal utilitarian look that the user and producer have the opportunity in imbue with their own personality and preference through the products construction, continued use, and eventual modification.

REFINEMENT

Internal Components

Pod-Sizing-7-01 copy — Further refinement of the form was done through laying out the needed components in 2D and the needed space for initial gearing. The components size was determined from current products, primarily RC cars, and gearing calculations were done to achieve typical drill motor speeds and torque.

White Models

Once more accurate dimensions and visual language were determined white models were developed to understand how the new information can come together in a final form / product. The white models where evaluated based on the proposed design language and product needs, mainly ease of manufacturing and adaptability.