Updated Design
After my first mockup, I decided to make a newer version that would feel more complete. I created the model using Solidworks and rendered in Keyshot. I added smooth corners to the rectangle frame and went with 3 rows of each size battery compared to 4 rows of AA batteries and 2 rows of AAA batteries on the previous model.
When deciding on which material the new model would be made of, I started off with a simple plastic as opposed to the foam. I believe that it will last longer, be more solid, and allow each battery to be placed and removed with ease. For future concepts I could imagine higher quality materials such as brushed aluminum, wood, or even a concrete base that could be established in the future as part of the Anchor collection.
Using Keyshot, I was able to make a few mock ups for possible materials that could be used including brushed aluminum, wood and concrete.
Specs
5 in x 1.75 in x 1 in
Multiple Materials
Fits AA and AAA Batteries
3D Modeled in Solidworks
Rendered in Keyshot
Here is a 3D printed mockup of the updated battery cradle.
Programs
Problem
Spending lots of time online, I can go through a lot of batteries through controllers, remotes, mice, and keyboards. In order to find the best solution to my problem, I turned to rechargeable batteries. While these are a great solution for my power issue, it is often hard to tell which batteries are charged and ready to go. Instead of testing each battery I decided to create an organized way to keep track of my charged batteries. This was the beginning of Anchor.
Initial Design
I came up with many possible solutions that would make my issue easy to solve. From round to square designs, I decided that the best solution was to keep the batteries in pairs since that was the way they were charged. A simple rectangle arranged in pairs would be my initial design.
Proof of Concept
To prove that my idea could be plausible, I decided to make a mock up. Using a piece of foam, I cut out a row of pairs in an ordered line. When I placed the batteries inside, they fit snuggly and were easy to distinguish which were charged and which were not. Charged batteries started from the left and the empty slots in the back would be replaced with newly charged batteries. The cradle worked well but I wanted to make a more finished product that would work better in the long run. Along with this simple prototype, it opens the door to other designs for different uses.
Anchor is a concept that I designed in order to find a better solution to organize essentials.
Branding
When coming up with a name for my concept, I wanted something that stood for a strong base that keeps its contents grounded. That's when I thought of an anchor. Similar to the battery cradle, its purpose is to keep a vessel still and in order. The combination of mass and functionality is a perfect representation of what the cradle represents.
Using Adobe Illustrator, I wanted to create a bold logo that would properly represent the cradle. Sticking to the Anchor theme, I tried to use colors that would set a tone of strength such as grays and black. From there I made many designs and decided to stick with the A format. To make the logo more product specific, I also integrated the cradle within the A to make it easy to identify as an Anchor product.
A
Packaging
After creating a logo and a few mockups of what an Anchor cradle might look like, I decided to go on to design what the packaging might look like as well. Using Solidworks, Illustrator and Keyshot, I designed custom packaging for the typical Anchor battery cradle.
