Capstone Project 2023
DUO DYNAMO
BRP Collaboration
8 Months
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About the Project
The objective of my project was to create a useful solution to the problems that come with overlanding. After developing a firm knowledge of the main aspects of overlanding, I chose to tackle the issues of comfort and storage. I created a tow-behind camper that can open at two pivot points with a removable cot.
It's a product that helps overlanders to be on the road longer without having to work about shelter and storage.
Research: Problem & Opportunity
PROBLEM: The main goal of overlanding is adventure, community, and a sense of self-reliance. Motorbike overlanding typically consists of a single rider per, the rider’s gear, as well as necessities for survival, safety, and repair. The biggest hurdle for overlanders is comfort and storage. In the case of Overlanding with a motorbike, trips are often shorter as you can only bring what you can fit in your bike saddle bags or onto a small trailer. Overlanders who use motorbikes typically stand for long periods while going through rough terrain which can cause physical strain and fatigue.
OPPORTUNITY: The best viable solution is to create a mini trailer that unfolds into a camper for sleeping. The trailer could provide storage for sleeping-related items while being easily accessible. The trailer/camper could be easy to set up and take down, creating a stress-free experience. It would also need to fit within the footprint of a motorbike and move along the same axis to make it feel as though the camper is not there.
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PARAMETERS
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A fold-out cot with foam mattress
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Storage sections stationary when in motion
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Strong hinge for opening in half, and opening bottom component
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Enough storage space for sleeping bags, rain flies, spare clothes, etc.
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Is comfortable moving around in and entering, breathable with space to sit upright
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Lightweight and well Balanced
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Adjustable for terrain
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Modifiable yet durible
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Concept Creation: Preliminary Designs
After creating miniature, 1/2 scale, and full-scale prototypes to user test my mechanisms and ease of use I was able to figure out the exact size and shape I would need for every component.
I then moved on to the aesthetics of the camper, and how to make it light weight.
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Mood Board
Sketches and Ideas
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Cantilever Suspension
Preliminary Function Design
Production Process
Frames would first be welded together, and hardware attached. Foam walls would be placed within the frame, and the outside fiberglassed. The tent would be cut out into sheets of fabric, and then sewn and attached to tent rods with an industrial sewing machine. The tent would then be attached to the camper with a service of bolts and zippers. The folded bed would be screwed in place.
Concept Refinement
-Reverted to the original tent-style
-Handle added at the top for opening.
-The back of the camper cannot be rounded
-Hing for Car door used
-Cantilever suspension
Definitive Design
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The definitive design was made to match the aestheics of BRP bikes. The camper opens and locks on two axis. One reveals the fold out bed, and the other allows the user to reach the lower storage. The top of the cot is able to fold up to access the storage while inside. The tent is pulled over the removable frame and zipped along the edges for a water tight seal.
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For an In-depth Look...
For a better understanding of the research and prototyping that led to my final design, you can read more about Duo Dynamo at:
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