DUAL HYBRID MICRO-SCISSORS
CLIENT: LINECUTTERZ
STUDIO: PROPULSION DESIGN | 2019
Product Design | Prototyping | Engineering | DFM
Process Overview
Fishing products require a special attention to detail as they are judged not by aesthetics but by performance on and off the boat. This project involved many moving parts and complications such as sand, saltwater, and even fish guts! All of these were at the forefront of most design decisions
One main challenge to this project was keeping it small. So small that it can clip right to the bill of your hat!
Nailing Down the Form & Feel
Several shapes were explored. The tool required to be small, yet ergonomic. The pebble-like shape was ideal for keeping the product compact, and easy to slide into pockets or compartments. We developed several rounds of prototypes to achieve the right feel and experience.
Design Challenges
A factor that drove several design decision was the intent of making the blade removable.
This drove us to opt for a two-housing approach, assembled by small screws.
Locking Mechanism
The design includes a simple locking mechanism, that retracts the cutting snippes away when they are not in use. The mechanism works through a release of spring tension, as the user pushes down on the snipper handles. This action releases the spring, which deploys open the snippers.
Prototyping
Developing multiple prototypes was essential to thoroughly assess and refine the ergonomic requirements of this compact tool. The design process prioritized maintaining a minimal form factor without compromising performance or user experience.
Prototypes enabled iterative evaluation to ensure optimal usability and functionality within the constrained size parameters.
Recognitions
ICAST 2020 Fisging Tradeshow
Best of Category: Cutlery, Hand Pliers or Tools
