DESIGN NAME: Exlicon Multi Shape
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Compass and Drawing Tool
INSPIRATION: Drawing compasses are used to draw circles. However, it is not desirable that the compass needle perforates the paper. Exlicon is created for drawing circles, ellipses, pentagrams, hexagons as well as geometry with a golden ratio. Exlicon can be fixed on the drawing material by a set of reusable nano stickers. It does not contain a needle, thus leaves no marking on the paper. Ellipse template drawing tools with preset shapes and fixed eccentricity dimensions are used to draw an ellipse.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The traditional compass has a sharp point that can punch a hole in the paper when drawing shapes. Exlicon doesn't have a sharp point so it won't damage paper. The tool also prevents the circle's center from slipping when used to draw. Exlicon consists of a base, long/short ruler, and water drop-shaped ruler. Magnets connect the wings and base for drawing geometries. The tool can precisely and accurately draw ellipses, circles in over 50 dimensions, and over 100 different sizes of arcs. Checked design markings for inches which is highly accurate and error-free drawings. Exlicon is designed to allow users to alter the eccentricity and the dimensions of the major and minor axis of the ellipse. It is a compact tool that allows users to draw ellipses in seconds. The drawing process is simple and easy.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Exlicon is easy to use and versatile drawing tool. The magnetic wings can be easily attached to the base and the arms can swing to draw different shapes smoothly and seamlessly. The wings can be combined to draw ellipses and other multi-shapes. The tool provides better results compared to conventional compasses, as it doesn't have a needle that can damage the drawing surface and it can draw more complex shapes effortlessly. Overall, Exlicon offers an intuitive and efficient way to create precise and intricate designs. The tool can precisely and accurately draw ellipses, circles in over 50 dimensions, and over 100 different sizes of arcs.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in Jan 2022 in Hong Kong and finished in Oct 2020 in Hong Kong,
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Exlicon is made from aerospace-grade aluminum and stainless, offering exceptional durability, strength, and lightweight characteristics. The magnetic wings are constructed with high-grade N58 neodymium magnets, providing a sturdy and secure connection to the base with effortless attachment and detachment features. The design incorporates advanced fluid dynamics principles, making it ideal for both left and right-handed users. To ensure precise alignment, we needed to calculate the eccentricity of the ellipse and carefully fit the base and wings to match. This required precise manufacturing techniques, including the use of high-precision CNC machines. Preheating was also necessary for certain applications, such as mass production where it was a challenge to maintain consistency and prevent cracking or distortion during manufacturing, especially for thinner and longer rulers. The final product is meticulously assembled and subjected to rigorous quality and performance testing to meet our standards.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Width 160mm x Depth 100mm x Height 20mm
TAGS: Compass, ruler, drawing tool, DIY tool, drawing template, Protractor
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The research conducted for Exlicon was aimed at designing an innovative drawing tool that could overcome the limitations of conventional compasses, which can puncture paper with their needle. The methodology involved designing prototypes using 3D printing and CNC machining, as well as testing the magnetism and size efficiency. Participants included key opinion leaders from various fields such as artists, mandala artists, graphic designers, architects, and fashion designers. The results showed that Exlicon is a needle-free tool that can draw circles, ellipses, and other shapes with ease. The research insights revealed that this product has the potential to improve the user experience of designers and artists, while also having practical applications in industries such as architecture and engineering.
CHALLENGE: One of the biggest challenges in designing Exlicon was creating a needle-free tool to draw precise and intricate shapes while avoiding damage to the drawing surface. Another challenge was ensuring the magnetic wings were easy to attach to the base. During the development process, we encountered several obstacles, including finding the tool's suitable materials, testing the wings' magnetic strength, and ensuring that the arms could swing smoothly and seamlessly. We so had to balance the need for precision with ease of use and accessibility for many users. Internal factors such as the historical perspective of traditional drawing tools and the social perspective of the need for more eco-friendly and sustainable options also played a role in the design process. Additionally, external factors such as the availability of 3D printing technology and the need to adhere to safety and quality standards were considered. Ultimately, we overcame these challenges through extensive research, prototyping, and testing and created a tool that offered a new and improved way of drawing precise shapes.
ADDED DATE: 2023-03-03 10:17:53
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Copyright: PAu 4-086-939 (Ddiin Concept Limited)
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Utility Patent in CN: ZL 2020 2 2329108.9
Design Patent in CN: ZL 2020 3 0621990.7
The patent in the US (Pending): #29757182
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