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Objective
To design a hand-held power tool that allows users to grind, polish, and cut while maintaining full control of tool by a power grip with both hands. I defined the problem through research and develop an understanding of the ergonomics, technology, environment and aesthetic elements in design. To make sure my design was visible I reached out to mechanical engineers at Makita while developing concepts and testing prototypes.
Testing Grinders and Polishers
Quality vs. Cost landscape is a clear representation of how quality drives the cost of the tool. The Makita 9005B is at the top right being a high quality and high cost.
Makita is in the correct market when using these two axis, but when using Quality vs. Multi Use Makita is in the top left corner. The Makita 9005B has been in the market for over 25 years and is still in production. There is a clear opportunity for the 9005B to be shifted to the right by allowing the user to do more than just grinding metal in a safe manner.
Observed user grind, but, and polish and discovered that a lot of the current grinders and polishers put users in awkward positions, caused strain on wrist, safety locks were not visible, and users were not able to maintain a power grip.
Market Landscape
Understanding Components
Reached out to Dan Lewis, a Mechanical Engineer at Makita to fully understand the inner components of the Makita 9000B.
Understanding Makita's Design Language
Form Exporation
Started ideation phase focusing on ergonomics, function, assembly, and comfort. The highlights from initial ideation phase are the clamp shell to assemble the tool, rotating back handle, ergonomic back handle, rotating side handle, hidden screws, and side triggers.
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The concept on top right is based on the current handle but allows the user to rotate handle.
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The knob concept allows the users to rotate grinder in a safe way.
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The concept on the bottom allows user to rotate, elevate, and lock the handle. This allows the users to grind, polish, and cut while maintaing full control of the grinder.
Refinements
Prototype Development
By allowing the user to rotate and adjust the angle of the handle the user is able to maintain full control of the tool while simulating grinding, cutting, and polishing.
Refinement
Design Features
The user was able to maintain a power grip while simulating the task of cutting metal. He was also able to hold the grinder in a comfortable position while polishing areas that would usually be uncomfortable to polish.
Israel Del Toro
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