Nordic Trainer
The brief from the customer based in Germany
Most often a product development starts with taking an existing product and improving it. Customer in Germany requested a new take and evolution on an existing product. The existing product was the XCO trainer, a weight used during running or walking. The request was to make the design more similar to a nordic ski pole and incorporate the same type of throwing motion, reducing the large diameter of the grip. Creating a Nordic Trainer that could be used during the off season.
Main Concept: Introduce a pivot and the strap integrated that will allow easy rotation and return
The concept was to have a strap and a pivoting handle that would allow the weighted core to be “thrown” behind the user as a nordic ski pole.
Refinements, styling of the body
The swinging handle was good, but the overall diameter and the tubular look detracted from the concept. Various form explorations were done to get a better feel.
Clay Model, form development
With the general shape direction defined, the next step is to build a real model and hold it in the hand. We believe that getting to a real stage as quickly as possible is key to a real product evolution. Clay is the ideal medium for such explorations. Easy to shape and rework, flexible and can be accurately judged by the participants in the process.
CAD model, volume and section color breaks.
With the 3D form arrived at, next comes the step of building the 3D CAD surfaces, and determining the correct volume for the weight. At this point the color variations can be explored as well in the renderings.
Prototype, working model machined from ABS plastic
A working prototype was built and function tested with steel shot inside a machined, matched set of ABS hollow shells.
