particle trolley.
“design a kayak trolley which is adjustable, lightweight, affordable, and strong.”
This kayak trolley is currently being manufactured, sold, and is receiving 5 star reviews from customers.
LOW COST, HIGH VALUE.
To hit the brief by ensuring affordability I initially looked into the manufacturing method to produce the trolley. I wanted to see if I could minimise the injection mould tool cost by creating the trolley from a single, hermaphroditic part.
After some R and D I found that the initially concept would go against the adjustability and strength elements of the brief. Although this design didn’t work, after discussing with the team we agreed that the manufacturing method was the best direction for the projects.
To address the strength and adjustability issues I redesigned the trolley to use stock materials, where I created a fixed, stronger axle where the uprights could be adjusted along it to fit any kayak.
Strong but light.
To meet the brief, I focused on strengthening the trolley for better functionality. After establishing an initial form, I used a honeycomb structure to enhance strength while minimising weight. I also ensured consistent wall thickness to align with injection moulding principles, preventing uneven shrinkage that could affect the fit of third-party components.
go anywhere, do anything.
To allow the trolley to work over a rough terrain, I added a flange design, and coupled with concave tips on the uprights it keeps the trolley and kayak as one. The optional strap loops on either side of the trolley can also help with this, creating a solution which allows you to go anywhere, anytime.
designed for people.
For this design I wanted to make it as easy to use as possible. I looked into how I could simplify this process and understand how the user will interact with the product.
One key interaction point which stood out to me was the connection area between the two halves of the trolley. To improve usability, I added locator areas to stop each of the halves from sliding around when attaching them together.
To further improve the usability and functionality of the trolley I used mathematical and engineering principles to calculate the plastic shrinkage during the moulding process. This ensured that the nuts and bolts would work flawlessly with the trolley and create a hassle free assembly experience.
WASTE FREE WATERS.
This trolley has been made from recycled plastic and without the use of overmoulds, a process which makes it more difficult to recycle as the materials are bonded together. The nature of the design means that the assembly and disassembly of the trolley allows each of the components to be separated to be easily recycled, creating a circular economy.
SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING.
“What’s not to love about a trolley made from recycled material? Does what it says in the description, easy assembly, works fine, very happy”
“Easy to put together.. fits perfectly in the rear deck of my Riber deluxe sit in kayak... Love it..”