DESIGN NAME: Olaf Business
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Carry-On Kickscooter
INSPIRATION: It started 3 years ago when the lead developer Bostjan Zagar wanted to make a sturdy carry-on suitcase solution for his traveling needs. As a learned PhD and machine engineer, he knew he can't do it alone. He was joined by his father, himself a tool maker. Together in a home garage they started resolving problems one step at a time.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: OLAF Business is a 3-in-1 hybrid of a carry-on airline-approved suitcase, a trolley, and a kick-scooter.
With an instant pedal transformation system it can be transformed from a carry-on suitcase to a trolley or a three-wheeled kick scooter within seconds.
The twin telescopic handlebar allows Olaf Business to be folded into a 1-inch thick platform, keeping its weight and volume to a minimum and maximizing the space for belongings (up to 35 litres).
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: With an instant pedal transformation system Olaf Business can be easily transformed from a carry-on suitcase to a trolley or a three-wheeled kick scooter within seconds. The steering system is very responsive and easy to navigate even in crowded locations. The scooter has a sturdy, high-quality aluminum-welded chassis that is durable and strong. It strikes the perfect balance between being unbreakable and lightweight. It is by far the lightest such platform on the market.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started 3 years ago in Ljubljana, Slovenia. It was exhibited at ISPO fair, Germany, in February 2014. The crowdfunding campaign for collecting funds at the biggest platform Kickstarter started in September 2014, the project was successfully funded a month later.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Both chassis and double telescopic handles are made of aluminum tubes. Scooter also has one cast aluminum part (rear wheel fixture). A powder coating was chosen instead of aluminum anodizing due to a better surface protection. There are 9 separate springs installed, 5 of them are installed into telescopic handle, the remaining 4 into steering and folding system. All springs are made out of high quality steel wire (stainless steel) and are additionally either galvanized or powder coated.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Dimensions: 55 cm x 34 cm x 23 cm,
Volume (luggage space): 35l,
Mass (luggage & kick scooter): 4.3kg,
Max load: 100kg,
Carry-on luggage certified,
Laptop space: up to 17inch,
Wheels: PU based; front: 110mm, ABEC 7 bearings; rear: twin 54mm; ABEC
7 bearings (double)
TAGS: kick-scooter, sustainability, urban mobility, carry-on, suitcase, trolley, multifunctional, innovative, pedal transformation system
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: By working according to Dieter Rams design principles, we implemented several years of development into our kick-scooter. The development was a 2 year lasting process that had over 25 iterations of computer design accompanying with 25 prototype iterations. Each iteration was tested both in our lab and on the road that resulted in several final modifications. A lot of effort was invested into production technology in such a way that our product can be manufactured in EU with high labor costs.
CHALLENGE: There was a problem (challenge) of trying to implement too many ideas, functions or concepts into a single product. We developed a folding mechanism that is so unique that we patented it. The folding mechanism is extremely rigid, light and does not take any volume from a suitcase. It is foot operated. A complete platform folds into less that 1 inch thick structure. Another clever idea is adjustable steering mechanism that allows user to adjust how sharp corners one wants to take.
ADDED DATE: 2015-01-05 14:23:23
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Olaf board designer: Jaka Benedik
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Janez Marolt, Olaf Business, 2014.
Image #2: Photographer Janez Marolt, Olaf Business, 2014.
Image #3: Photographer Janez Marolt, Olaf Business, 2014.
Image #4: Photographer Janez Marolt, Olaf Business, 2014.
Image #5: Photographer Janez Marolt, Olaf Business, 2014.
Video Credits: Jure Plesec.
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