The project
As UJ second year students, we were tasked to design a rotomoulded product under the theme of outdoor sports and recreation for the ARMSA (Association of Rotational Moulders South Africa) student competition project. I decided I'd like to look at something to do with fishing and, in specific, the transportation of fishing rods. Fishing rods can be extremely expensive and thus a suitable and effective way of transporting them safely is needed.
Research
Ideation and concept development
Initially I considered allowing room for the fishing rods to pass through the Tackle-Box, this would have made the form much larger in size to prevent the rods from bouncing up and down. However, I decided to structure my Tackle-box so that the rods need to be folded in half to fit as this provides more protection for the fishing rods and stops them from bouncing. I also considered the aerodynamics of my form as air would need to pass smoothly under and over the Tackle-box when it is secured atop a car.
I explored different forms and features using cardboard, clay, foam and ABS plastic which I heated and moulded around a clay form. I looked at different ways of making my form more aerodynamic by including grooves on the top of the lid as well as in the base of the form. The oval-almond shape allows for wind to flow around the structure with ease and the gradually curved lid allows air to flow over the top.
Final prototype
Posters
Engineering drawing