Objective 1


Demonstrate the ability to prototype, build and apply for patents for technology products meeting specific human factors, form and function criteria.

Rack Track

The Rack Track is a tablet holder designed specifically for coffin racks on ships and submarines, aiming to enhance comfort and connectivity for sailors and submariners during their deployments at sea. Through user-focused design, prototyping, and patent application, the Rack Track provides an innovative solution to address the unique challenges faced in the maritime environment. 

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The Rack Track is a cutting-edge tablet holder specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by sailors in their daily lives onboard ships and submarines. As a product intended for use in coffin racks, the Rack Track aims to optimize comfort and connectivity for personnel, ensuring that they have access to technology for both work and leisure during long deployments at sea.

The development of the Rack Track began with comprehensive research and consultations with sailors  to understand their needs and pain points. It became evident that personnel often experienced discomfort and restricted access to technology in their coffin racks, which are small, personal sleeping spaces allocated onboard vessels. To address these challenges, we committed to creating a user-focused product that enhances the onboard experience.

Prototyping played a critical role in the development of the Rack Track for coffin racks. Early iterations involved testing different designs, materials, and mounting solutions to ensure the holder's stability and adaptability to varying rack configurations. Feedback from naval personnel was collected and integrated into the design process, guiding continuous improvements to meet their specific requirements.

After finalizing the design through iterative prototyping, we engaged in the manufacturing process to build the Rack Track. The product is constructed using lightweight yet robust materials to withstand the rigors of the maritime environment while remaining easy to install and dismantle. The Rack Track aims to enhance the living conditions of sailors and submariners without compromising on quality.

The Rack Track's form factors were carefully considered to ensure compatibility with standard coffin racks while minimizing intrusiveness. Its compact and foldable design allows for easy storage when not in use, maximizing available space within the confined racks. A secure, customizable locking mechanism guarantees that the tablet remains firmly in place even during rough seas, while still offering effortless accessibility.

Functionality remains at the core of the Rack Track's purpose. The holder accommodates various tablet sizes and models, enabling personnel to use their devices for both professional and personal activities, including communication, work-related tasks, and leisure activities. The product ensures features like USB charging ports, power buttons, and volume buttons, remain unobstructed reinforcing its practicality and usability.

The Rack Track is more than just a tablet holder; it symbolizes a commitment to enhancing the lives of sailors, who sacrifice personal comfort during long deployments at sea. By understanding their needs and designing a product tailored to the unique challenges of coffin racks onboard ships and submarines, we aspire to make a positive impact on the lives of those serving our maritime forces. The Rack Track demonstrates the power of innovation and human-centric design in meeting the specific requirements of users in even the most challenging environments.

AR Style Cup and Cigar Holder

The AR Style Cup Holder is a 3D printed product made of PET-G material, combining convenience with style by holding a standard-sized can and providing storage for Romeo y Julieta cigars and a cigar cutter.

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In today's fast-paced world, technological advancements have driven the creation of innovative products that cater to various human needs. One such product is the AR Gun Cup Holder, a revolutionary invention that seamlessly combines the convenience of holding a standard-sized can with the elegance of storing Romeo y Julieta cigars and a cigar cutter. This essay explores the process of prototyping, building, and applying for patents for this cutting-edge cup holder, highlighting its unique blend of human factors, form, and function.

The first step in developing the AR Gun Cup Holder was creating a prototype that merged the disparate elements into a cohesive and user-friendly design. The primary focus was on human factors, considering ergonomics, ease of use, and the overall user experience. The first step was designing a snug fit for the can, cigars, and cigar cutter. Once those dimensions were perfected the holders were designed based on the customer’s interests, guns.

The cup holder needed to accommodate standard-sized cans securely while also providing a safe and compact storage solution for cigars and the cigar cutter. Fusion 360 was used to iteratively refine the design, ensuring the product's aesthetics matched its functionality. By incorporating user feedback throughout the process, they fine-tuned the cup holder's design to achieve an optimal balance between form and function.

Instead of conventional manufacturing methods, the AR Gun Cup Holder is 3D printed using PET-G material. This approach offers numerous advantages, including flexibility in design, rapid prototyping capabilities, and the ability to customize individual units easily. PET-G is an excellent choice due to its strength, durability, and resistance to impact and heat.

By combining the practicality of a standard cup holder with the sophistication of cigar storage and the excitement of augmented reality, the AR Gun Cup Holder holds great promise in redefining the way we enjoy our beverages and cigars. As this groundbreaking product enters the market, it undoubtedly opens doors for more inventive and imaginative creations that cater to diverse human needs with a harmonious blend of technology and design.

Stack Headphone Holders

The Stack Headphone Holder is a 3D-printed product designed specifically for submarine displays. It caters to the unique needs of submariners by securely holding headphones and doubling as a water bottle holder.

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In the realm of technological advancements, one cannot overlook the significance of human factors, form, and function criteria that shape the usability and practicality of any product. This essay showcases the journey of prototyping, building, and patent application for a groundbreaking technology product called the Stack Headphone Holder, tailor-made for submarine displays, also known as stacks. This ingenious device, 3D printed out of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), not only caters to the needs of submarine crew members but also serves as a versatile solution for on watch stowage of heavy water bottles. This essay sheds light on the design process, human factors considerations, form, function, and the crucial steps involved in seeking patent protection.

The Stack Headphone Holder concept arose from the need to address the ergonomic challenges submariners faced during their arduous duties. Working in a confined and unpredictable underwater environment, submariners rely heavily on stacks to monitor crucial data. Traditional headphone storage solutions failed to meet the unique requirements of submarine displays, leading to misplaced headphones, tangled wires, and overall discomfort.

The key human factors considered were comfort, durability, and accessibility. The Stack Headphone Holder was designed to securely hold headphones where the operators work, minimizing disruptions during critical operations. The design incorporated rounded edges and a textured surface for a comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. The inclusion of TPU material allowed for both strength and flexibility, enhancing the holder's durability and shock-absorption properties.

The form of the Stack Headphone Holder was inspired by the sleek aesthetics of submarine technology. Its compact, space-saving design ensured it could be installed on the displays with the original hardware, without hindering the crew's vision or mobility. The holder's dark color scheme blended seamlessly with the submarine's interior, maintaining a professional and unobtrusive appearance.

Beyond form, the primary function of the Stack Headphone Holder was to hold headphones securely while maintaining their accessibility. During testing at sea, it was found that they also are great for holding heavy water bottles securely during normal operations. This multi-functional aspect proved beneficial during long and demanding submarine missions, enabling submariners to stay hydrated and awake without compromising on workspace organization.

The Stack Headphone Holder exemplifies the power of innovation when it aligns human factors, form, and function criteria. Through meticulous prototyping, thoughtful design, and engineering excellence, the product successfully caters to the unique needs of submariners while enhancing their operational efficiency. Furthermore, its 3D printed TPU composition and ability to double as a water bottle holder showcase its adaptability in challenging environments.