The driving factors for this project are as follows:
1. Use our new seat frame (see my other project titled, "Native Slayer Seat Frame") with our existing human powered propulsion system and provide infinite adjustment for the customer.
2. Simple, "bomber", functional and intuitive.
3. Minimize the number of new parts.
4. Have fun!
After a thorough objective review, this idea came out on top, proving to be the simplest and most cost effective.
It is a single injection molded part that MUST be used on both the right and left, house and retain an adjustment knob, slide freely and not break.
This is what happened next. Enjoy!
I created a rough model in Solidworks, printed paper templates for the top, side and front views on the printer, glued them to a piece of nylon and machined a few parts to prove the concept.
It worked! Whew!
Next, the part and assembly models.
After proving out the concept and making sure everything would fit properly in an assembly, I finished up the model and printed out a prototype (shown here in white) on my Ultimaker. I tweaked the model a couple more times and came up with the final prototype (shown here in olive).
Top Image:
From Left:
1. First production sample of part with prototype knob and production Native logoed cap.
2. First production sample; bare.
3. Second prototype of this part. Printed...
4. Final printed prototype. Mating button installed to check fit.
2. First production sample; bare.
3. Second prototype of this part. Printed...
4. Final printed prototype. Mating button installed to check fit.
Left Image: Machined out of a nylon block, this is the very first prototype in testing.
Bottom Center Image: Second prototype finished on the 3D printer.
Right Image: Final prototype in testing.
Next I started designing the knob.
Originally, I wanted to create a knob that could accommodate either a nut or a bolt that snapped into place. This way it could be used in any application.
I sketched it out, modeled it, printed it on my Ultimaker and then applied SUGRU to one half of the top surface in order to get an idea of what the over-molded part would look and feel like.
Visit this project on SUGRU's page as well: http://sugru.com/gallery/make-a-paddle-sports-knob-prototype
In the end, cost is king and we decided to buy knobs off the shelf. This part isn't dead, just placed on the shelf to be put to use elsewhere one day.
Early morning product testing on the local lake; it was a beautiful cool morning. The power plant keeps the water warm and the finishing interesting all year round.
This is a short review of the seat adjustment.
Before launch, Sam and I spent a little time shaking things out. In this video, we're checking the production parts. I worked great!
And here is a close up of the final product.
Finally, production is complete. Here is a completed Native Watercraft, Slayer Propel, just before it's bagged and shipped.
Happy Paddling!
Special thanks to:
Shane Benedict, Sam Spear, John Kiffmeyer, Steve Harris and the Rotaloc Crew.
Thanks to the whole Legacy Paddlesports team for your trust and confidence! You're all awesome!
Finally, thanks to my wife and kids for putting up with the long hours; I love you!
Shane Benedict, Sam Spear, John Kiffmeyer, Steve Harris and the Rotaloc Crew.
Thanks to the whole Legacy Paddlesports team for your trust and confidence! You're all awesome!
Finally, thanks to my wife and kids for putting up with the long hours; I love you!
