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Caleb Hallock | Senior Design Thesis
Initial Design Statement:
Design a product to aid motorcyclists in navigating their surroundings without visual distractions that could result in collisions or other incidents on the road.
Summary of research:
While collecting research and taking surveys of individual riders of motorcyclists, I found that my initial design intent did not fix the problem area that I was trying to address initially.
After finalizing my research, I decided it best to shift my design statement to providing the rider more information about their surroundings while riding while also protecting them in the event of an incident on the road.
My research on common injuries sustained by motorcyclists led me to begin ideating in the product category of back protectors due to the protection of the neck and spine area, which can leave some of most prolonged injuries. I started looking into the armadillo’s shell as it has rigidity and strength, yet remains flexible and adaptive to the form of the armadillo. I started to mimic this trait in my design by creating multiple layers of flexible and rigid materials to provide protection and contour to the shape of the body.
While I worked on refining my concept, I started to ideate in GravitySketch VR to better understand the curvature of the body and how to best design the product snug to the back of the user.
Material Studies:
From my research into different materials, the best options for materials would be to use dyneema fabric as it is super lightweight, waterproof, heat dissipating properties, and resistant to tears and abrasions.
In addition, utilizing fiber reinforced plastics as they are more lightweight than an ABS plastic and is more environmentally friendly.
Finally, including multiple panels of D30 shock absorbing foam to reduce impact on the user when in an accident.