This innovative idea demanded several stages
of trial and error to determine a way to create the articulated
arms that connect a baby stroller to a jogger's waist for "hands
free" running. We started off by creating a digital simulation
of a runner and determining which parts of the product would
need to move and in what directions. (download
movie here)
Initial prototypes were made from off-the-shelf parts such as
springs and rubber hoses.
Several generations of 3D CAD models were created
to produce files for Rapid Prototyping. This is a procedure
that uses one of several methods to create actual physical models
from the 3-dimensional computer data in a range of different
materials.
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These parts were used directly for testing and
were also used as master patterns for casting in silicone moulds
so parts replicas could be produced in different colours and appropriate
materials, such as flexible rubbers and hard plastics.
Full working prototypes were made from the final
CAD models to prove that all the parts fitted together correctly
and performed as required. A seamstress was employed to produce
professionally finished fabric parts and packaging was designed
for retail. Once the product was proven and tested a full set
of drawings were produced and patents were applied for.
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