Bachelorproef design sumary 2.0

MAKERCRATE

Contents
1 | Design Brief
| Eko! Low-tech & refugiés
| The problem & challenge
| Stakeholders
| Target group
2| Approach
| Functions
| Characteristics
| Strategies
| Tools
| Transport
3 | Iteration
| Evolution
| DIY design
4 | Makercrate
| Key features
| Components
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MAKERCRATE
A makerspace in a box
The Makercrate condenses a makerspace into a compact box. It is both a stand for power tools that
converts them into larger machine tools, as well as a toolbox and work surface. The crate is entirely
standardized to the Open Structures grid to automatically create modular parts. With a Makercrate
you can easily transport your makerspace to organize workshops in any location. All of it accessible,
open source and optimised for DIY fabrication.
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DESIGN BRIEF
4
INVENTONS NOTRE IDEAL !
Low-tech & Refugees aims to improve the
resilience and autonomy of exiles while contributing
to the sustainable development of the
community, through the spreading of low-tech
know-how for socio-professional integration
via ecological jobs.
The 6 actions of Low-tech & Refugees are :
• Workshops open to all to discover low-tech
systems and know-how (woodworking,
bicycle repair, etc.)
• Professional training (permaculture design,
welding, etc.)
• Socio-professional accompaniments (individual
follow-ups, group sessions, etc.)
• Low-tech Makerspaces, places to meet,
repair, make, learn, share around low-techs
and sustainable jobs.
• Support to the actors of the solidarity and
ecological transition of the territory
• Dissemination of low-tech systems via
workshops, tutorials, etc.

The Problem
Marseille
Organising workshops in other locations has
proven itself to be a successful tactic to lower
the barriers of entry for participants, reach new
audiences and establish partnerships with other
organisations.
But right now Eko is very limited in the type of
workshop they can organise on the move,
Because it is difficult to bring all of the needed
equipment to the workshop location. Especially
woodworking and metalworking workshops are
impossible because of the large variety, weight
and size of the needed tools.
It is the purpose of a makerspace to provide the
tools and organise workshops, but the non-profit
organisation has limited means in their own
way. This is where we arrive at our challenge.
The Challenge
How can you create a makerspace anywhere you want
to organise a wood and metal working workshop?
DESIGN BRIEF
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Stakeholders
DESIGN BRIEF
Mobile
Makerspace
Workshop
Workshop
Coordinator
Participant
Participant Participant Participant
Participant
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Target group
Primary user
Workshop Coordinators:
• Age 21-26
• Both male and female
• Experienced builder
• Civic servant at EKO
• Plans, organises and coordinates the
workshop
• Wants to help others learn low-tech knowhow
and metal/ woodworking
Secondary user
Workshop Participants:
• Age 20-50
• Both male and female
• Building amateur
• With migration background
• Does not have (m)any tools at home
• Interested in learning new building skills in
a safe work environment
DESIGN BRIEF
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Functions of a mobile makerspace
Approach
APPROACH
Transport Storage Power Tools Work surface
Product
Characteristics
A mobile makerspace has an extensive
list of demands who can be grouped in
the following 5 groups.
All of these functions should be condensed
in one all-encompassing product.
The 3 key desired characteristics are the
result of the non-profit, human centred
and functional context of the project
Transportable User-friendly Accessible
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Strategies
how can we obtain the desired characteristics?
Collective Use
Multi-functional
Collective use is the best strategy to make tools
more accessible. The makerspace serves both
as a material and knowledge sharing platform.
Multi-functionality reduces the amount of a
parts and makes it more transportable and
affordable.
Ass well as giving the user more freedom in its
use to adapt to the situation and location.
Adapter
DIY-design
Adapters take advantage of existing mass produced
power tools, which are incredibly cheap
and affordable, and especially lesser known
brands and cord models. DIY alternatives could
never compete in prize and quality.
THis project designs for a non profit, with no
means of industrial production. It is also a
makerspace with the DIY mentality who have
a natural connection with DIY-design.
The DIY-design guide will be used to optimise
the product for easy DIY-fabrication.
APPROACH
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APPROACH
Tools
Making a stand as an
adapter for power
tools that converts
them into larger machine
tools.
By using the existing power tools we
take advantage of the many safety tests
and requirements that are obligated
for the producer to follow, this ensures
safety for the user.
These larger machine tools are easier
and safer to use for the participants with
less building experience, because the
blade is fixed and constrained.
A big advantage of DIY-design is It’s
independance, the stand does not have
to be brand specific. This allows you to
mix and match the power tools that are
available.
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Transport
Because Eko and many
other makerspaces do
not have a car available
to them at this time, but
this could change in the
future.
Therefore a compact system was preferred over
a larger system on wheels or collapsible system
because of its flexibility in the mode of transportation.
A modular system of compact building blocks
makes it possible for the makerspace to grow
together with the organisation and the users
needs.
Flexibility in mode of transportation
On foot
Compact system
By bike
APPROACH
By car
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Re-purpose
angle grinder drill circular saw
Evolution
ITERATION
Power tool
attachment 1.0
Re-purpose
Clamp board
Satisfice
Satisfice
Stencil
Unistrud rail
Box 3.1
3-way clamp
Standardise
After determining the list of demands
of every different power tool they are
divided in different components.
• Stand
• Clamp
• Power tool attachment:
Then the DIY-ability of these components
is explored and perfected, using
the DIY-design guide.
From the use of store bought parts,
like Unistrud rails and wood mending
plates. Which was later abandoned for
an easy DIY wood construction.
The wood construction did however
maintain the concept of the Power tools
attachment that remained attached, to
ensure a quick and aligned connection
to the stand. The power tool attachment
does not limit it’s free handed use.
Power tool attachment 2.8
Power tool attachment 3.2
Box 3.3
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DIY-design
Optimizing for:
• Minimal and accessible materials
• Minimal and accessible tools
• Quick and easy fabrication
•
Using strategies like:
Re-purpose
Satisfice
Stencil
Standardise
Layer
For example:
Stencil:
To ensure precision and ease of production
• OS grid
• Build manual
• CAD file
• Materials:
• Plywood sheet 15/12 x 122 x 61
• Plywood sheet 5 x 122 x 61
• 4x M6 recessed bolt
• 4x M6 nut
• 12x Screw
Required tools:
• Drill
• See-saw/ Circular saw
Specifications
• Weight: 3 kg
• Volume: 36 x 36 x 31
• Price: € 35,00
Tool
accessibility
Material
accessibility
Cost
Workload
Required skill
ITERATION
Us value
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MAKERCRATE
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Open Structures
DIY-designed
Modular
Entirely standardized
to the Open structures
grid to automatically
create modular
parts when using
the grid as a guide
for cutting or drilling
parts.
Optimised and
designed for DIY
fabrication. Use of
minimal and accessible
materials and
tools. To ensure an
easy build process
Expandable according
to the users
needs.
Adjustable to its
location
Key Features
User-friendly
Collective use
A fixed tool is safer
for the user
It elevates the work
surface to the height
of the user, which
makes it more ergonomic
The Flexibility avoids
waiting lines when
all participants need
the same tools during
a workshop. This
greatly increases it’s
use efficiency
Portable
Plywood
Flexible
It is a lightweight,
compact and
portable unit.
This allows for a
flexible transportation
experience.
Plywood is a
lightweight,
strong, affordable
and widely
available material
Can be combined
with nearly all types
of power tools and is
not brand specific.
This offers the user
more freedom in it’s
use.
MAKERCRATE
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MAKERCRATE
Universal
clamp
To fix different power
tools,
Independent of brand
securely to the stand.
Pegboard
work surface
Which offers flexibility
and functions as an
Open Structure jig.
Side covers
Serves as protection
during transport and
storage for accessories
or tools.
Components
Power tool
Connector
That is fixed to the
power tool to quickly
attach to the makercrate,
without hindering.
Stand
Which raises the work
surface to an ergonomic
height and is
sturdy, lightweight
and compact.
Power tool
That can quickly
be secured on the
Stand or can be detached
and still used
free-handed
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