Continued Design Work Outside of University:
After the completion of this project, further work was done on getting the design to the first envisaged design of having internal technology to monitor air pollution levels. While also exploring new techniques in Keyshot rendering and using Adafruit RGB LEDs. To see more about this project, click on the image below.
To see more about this project, click on the image.
Skills in this Project:
Solidworks/Rendering
Label Printing
Photoshop/Illustrator
Corel Draw
Sustainabile Design
Prototyping
3D Printing
Designing a Sustainable Air Purifier
The Overall Project:
This was an individual project that lasted 5 weeks where I was the opportunity to work with a real-world client, to design a corporate gift for under $10. I did really enjoyed the research and development side of the project, being able to find a potential design that could be manufactured within the design constraints.
Product render with the lid removed, which was created in KeyShot 9
An alternative view of context the product render with the lid removed, which was created in KeyShot 9
What is it?
The APS (Air Purification System) is the designed corporate gift for QUT SEF, will mainly target the Environmental Technologies discipline.
Promoting their innovations in air purification, to reduce the impacts of air pollution on our environment. In recent years, the air quality within the everyday homes and businesses can be up to eight times worse than outdoors. While also providing a learning experience for the recipient, to demonstrate their ability to improve quality in resources. Incorporates innovative and functional parts, allowing for the gift to be continually used.
Air Purifier Features:
Candle Air Purification
Sustainable Purification Methods
Corporate Branding
Ventilation Inspired Design
Context:
The APS is designed to be situated in your work area (desk) where it acts as a natural purifier and light to optimise workflow by creating a peaceful environment that has clean/purifed air. While sustainably offering a light source for your office that saves on use of electicity and costs. The size of the product is designed to be small enough to be mobile but also be easy to place on any sized desk or work area.
Ergonomics:
The design is centred for user experience when carrying. The rounded base and short sides allow the product to comfortable fit in the palms of the users hands, Also, the internal area size is designed so its easy to replace the candle when it runs out.
2 Part Design:
The design is comprised of a 2 part assembly, where the Lid is made from a carbon fiber material, so it can be able to withstand the heat generated from the candle.
The rest of the design is made from PLA material as it is an environmentally friendly plastic. The Lid is also used to be able to project the QUT logo when the candle is light, to offer additional branding.
Beeswax Candle:
Research has found that beeswax candles are a cost-effective substitute for sensor technology. Beeswax releases negative ions when it burns to negate the positive charge of air contaminants. Where the neutralized ions are sucked back into the burning candle or fall to the ground. Beeswax candles also don't drip, release smoke, burns slower, and also contains a nice natural fragrance.
Purification:
The design of the holes is based for perfect ventilation and purification of air that allows the beeswax candle to effectively purify the surrounding air.
Product animation of exploded components, which was created in KeyShot 9
The Design Process
The Problem:
The QUT brand is ‘a University for the Real World’, and the focus of the university is in technology and in leading innovation. Set in these core values, a key aspect of QUT corporate gifts is that these demonstrate usefulness and innovation. This means the design needs to be meaningful, sustainable, useful, local, iconic, manufacturable, local materials, cost-effective, and easy assembly.
The Development:
In developing the idea further, I sketched out the idea with the concept of creating a design that aims to target all of the design criteria. I have been given environmental studies within QUT SEF, where ill mainly focus on sustainability and technology of what they offer.
The Prototyping:
From the client meeting, they allowed me to further pursue making a sustainable air purifier, which led to me designing a candle holder that can hold a beeswax candle and offer QUT branding as well on the product. This led to many prototypes which included the one below, where it showcases the design of the candle holder.
Early Form Prototype
3D Printed Form Model Testing The Lid
Internal Look At The Model In Testing The Exterior Circles
The Final Design:
The final design of the tearing packaging liner aimed to encompass all the values and beliefs of the client business. This is in regard to being cost-effective, have an efficient end of life cycle, be able to utilize the current materials that the client offers, easy to learn for the end-user, and be sustainable for future commercial uses.
Final Form Model That Includes Carbon Fibre Lid
Testing The Branding On The Lid
How The Candles Fit In The Model, Also Showing The New Exterior Circles
