2024

sponge sander

Client:
SUSAG (Stichting Uitvoeringsregelingen Schilders, Afwerking en Glaszetbedrijf)
SUSAG is the Foundation for the Implementation of Regulations for Painters and Glazing Companies, supporting employers and employees in sustainable employability, compliance, accident insurance, and organizational leave.

Goal:
Develop an innovative smart tool, wearable, or exoskeleton to address the repetitive, physically demanding nature of painting work, improving health and attracting new workers.

Prototype

3D visualisation

Results:

The process resulted in the development of an add-on for the mouse sander, designed to enhance its adaptability to various surfaces.

  • The add-on incorporates 3M flexible sanding paper, which can stretch without tearing. Combined with a sponge, this allows the tool to conform to corners, rounded surfaces, and varying heights.

  • Springs and clamps securely hold the sanding paper and sponge in place during use, ensuring stability and effectiveness.

  • The mechanism also enables quick replacement of sanding paper when it loses grip or when a different grit is required.

  • Due to client confidentiality, 2D drawings and exact specifications of the design cannot be disclosed.

  • Design Alignment

    • Revisited the core objective: addressing the repetitive, physically demanding nature of sanding to improve health and attract new workers.

    • Concluded that a sander capable of adapting to curved surfaces would best align with both the Design Vision and the goals of SUSAG.

  • Reverse Engineering & Prototyping

    • Disassembled a commonly used sander in the painting industry to explore opportunities for improvement.

    • Researched ways to enhance sanding efficiency for corners, rounded surfaces, and varying heights.

    • Developed and iterated prototypes to test different solutions.

  • Final Concept Development

    • Designed an add-on prototype for a mouse sander using 3D modeling and printing.

    • Assembled and tested the final prototype to validate its effectiveness.

Process:

  • Research & Insights

    • Conducted interviews with painters to understand ergonomics and craftsmanship.

    • Identified key challenges: dissatisfaction with surface preparation and openness of younger painters to new tools.

    • Formulated a Design Vision: reducing physical strain, improving efficiency, and making the profession more appealing to new generations.

  • Concept Exploration

    • Investigated various methods to smoothen surfaces.

    • Clustered the advantages of different techniques into initial ideas.

    • Created a Lotus Diagram to expand and refine these ideas.