CRATE.
E-commerce has emerged as the premiere method of transactions across the world. Tangible items are shipped and delivered to consumers’ destinations in an instant. With this vast increase in commerce, ulterior problems arise. This unmatched convenience is combated by a few fatal flaws, environmental impact, and theft.
I worked as a Hardware Engineer at Generate Product Development Studio to design a reusable shipping solution. The resulting product aimed to increase customer satisfaction, and eliminate single-use plastic and cardboard in the shipping process. This soft-shelled product collapses to a fraction of its original volume, minimizing its real-estate cost and incentivizing the elimination of waste.
Crate provides a voluminous duffle that collapses to a stackable 3”x8”x8” state upon storage. The RFID-compatible locking mechanism and mobile tracking prevent unwanted users from opening the package eradicating theft as a whole. Additionally, the nature of the design allows infrastructure for cloud-based shipping, getting rid of shipping labels with a dynamic QR code that changes upon each shipping process. Crate empowers customers by instilling a sense of security and allowing for consideration of environmental impact without compromising convenience.
Assembly Overview
Crate includes two distinct components, the double plate locking mechanism, and the soft-shell bag accompaniment. This design minimizes complex systems while maximizing function and efficiency. The double solid plate portion of the design provides housing and security for electronics as well as a stable state for the robust locking mechanism. Its duffle bag shape and double handle accessibility enable for easy carrying in delivery and a collapsing state to minimize volume. While consumers are focussed on ease and aesthetics, it is just as critical to prioritize back-end use. By utilizing user-tested feedback we were able to create a design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but equally functional.
This system includes all electronics and the physical lock of the duffle. This system was integrated into the bag to bridge the gap between the organic material of the duffle and the hard electronic components. Concealed in one portion of Crate, this structure houses all rigid components. It was designed in order to remove any need for glue, or other fasteners between the soft shell and rigid physical components. As the two plates screw together, the fabric sits between them and is clamped down. This secures the fabric between the plates in an easy-to-assemble, mess-free way.
Double Plate System
Zipper Inserts and Solenoid Lock
With the necessity to internally lock the zipper in place we were faced with the design challenge of robustly securing the zipper, so external force did not change the state of the lock. The zipper and custom bottom lead-in solved this issue, constraining the zipper from both vertical and horizontal forces.
Fabric Duffle
The bag needed to be user-friendly, theft deterrent, and weather resistant. Ottertex was found to be the most compatible fabric for our needs. Ottertex was water resistant, abrasion resistant, flexible, and compatible with an average consumer sewing machine. This fabric comes in multiple colors allowing for different designs and color combinations.
