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Satellite Cunca Illada by Richie Ma

Satellite Cunca Illada by Richie Ma is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award de Ferro in Deseño de Utensilios para Forno, Vaixela, Cristalería e Utensilios de Cociña Competition Category.


FerroUtensilios de Cociña· 2024

Satellite Cunca Illada

by Richie Ma

Client: Shanghai Grand Trade Co.,Ltd.

A' Design Award de Ferro Winner in Utensilios de Cociña Category

Colors

The Design

About Satellite Cunca Illada

Satellite é unha cunca illada deseñada para o seu uso en vehículos. A tapa ábrese e péchase mediante un sistema de atracción magnética alterna, polo que a cunca pode xirarse no sentido horario ou antihorario. Unha lixeira presión mantén a peza de bloqueo da auga no estado aberto ou pechado. A saída de auga e a entrada de aire comparten un mesmo eixe, polo que ambas partes se abren e pechan simultaneamente. A tapa e o tapón están feitos de polipropileno de grao alimentario, e o vaso está feito de aceiro inoxidable de grao alimentario. O mecanismo sinxelo permite aos condutores usar a cunca sen apartar a vista da estrada.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Ferro

Satellite Cunca Illada gañou o A' Design Award de Ferro, un recoñecemento prestixioso outorgado a bos deseños que cumpren os requisitos profesionais e industriais esperados de creacións ben deseñadas. Os gañadores Ferro demostran a gran habilidade, a alta especialización, a comprensión experta e a capacidade creativa dos seus creadores. Espérase que Satellite Cunca Illada sexa unha creación moi apreciada, admirada e querida que é práctica e innovadora. Este deseño gañador do A' Design Award de Ferro integra as mellores prácticas do sector e ten características técnicas competentes ligadas ao saber facer e ao talento. Satellite Cunca Illada é respectado pola súa minuciosidade e está deseñado para proporcionar melloras na calidade de vida que axudan a facer do mundo un lugar mellor.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
The Satellite Cup employs an alternating magnetic attraction system that enables it to open and close freely, regardless of the direction in which it is manipulated. Furthermore, the dual-function water-blocking component is made possible by our design, aligning the water outlet and air inlet on the same axis. When the water-blocking piece is closed, it automatically seals the air inlet, and conversely, when it is opened, the air inlet corresponds by opening. Maintaining the desired open or closed state is effortlessly achieved with just a gentle push.
Dimensions & Packaging
Dimension:82*82*133mm;82*82*161mm;
Capacity: 380ml;470ml;
Tags
Vacuum insulated tumbler, Drinkware, Water bottle, Cup, Product design
Production Technology
Lid & Stopper:Food-grade PP; Tumbler:Food-grade Stainless Steel
Design Challenge
Initially, the team attempted to achieve unrestricted rotation using complex structures, but these early attempts resulted in bulky and inflexible designs.
The concept of employing magnetic positioning emerged as an inspiring solution, as it promised a smoother realization of the desired user experience. Nevertheless, the challenge resided in the meticulous concealment of magnets within both the cup lid and water-blocking piece, ensuring they remained isolated from the beverage and eliminating any risk of detachment. Following a series of exhaustive tests and verifications, the decision was made to embrace the formidable method of rotational fusion welding. This method was selected to uphold the concealment and reliability of the magnets.
Research
The data indicates that a significant portion of traffic accidents each year result from driver distraction during driving. Through interviews with numerous experienced drivers, it was discovered that some water cups are challenging to open while driving. Therefore, by simulating the driving process, measuring car cup holders, making subtle angle adjustments, and conducting multiple 3D printing tests, retrieving and placing the cup have become much easier. This allows users to operate the cup even without direct visual contact, thus minimizing driving hazards to the greatest extent.
Inspiration
In the market, car cup holders generally utilize a unidirectional opening structure, which necessitates that users confirm the opening direction while in use. This presents specific safety risks for drivers. Consequently, Objective is to design a cup with a straightforward opening and closing mechanism to diminish driver distraction and the potential for accidents while operating a vehicle.
Project Duration
The project started in May 2022 and finished in March 2023 in Shanghai.
Operation Flow
-By utilizing alternating magnetic attraction, the opening and closing states can be seamlessly switched without any directional limitations. It can be rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise.
-The water-blocking component can function at either end, and when switching states, there is no need to distinguish the direction. Simply give it a gentle flick, and it will reliably maintain the desired open or closed state.
-The water inlet and air vent are designed on the same axis, so when the water-blocking piece is closed, the air vent synchronously closes as well, and vice versa when opened.
Patents
Utility model patent: ZL 202222762628.8
Appearance patent: ZL 202230684959.7
Team Members
Designer: Richie Ma
Jikai Bao
Director: Sharlene Tai
Image Credits
Image #all: Designer MACHUANQI, Rendering, 2022.

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