DESIGN NAME: Eclipse
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Jewelry Box
INSPIRATION: This ring box was inspired by the fact that despite there being an unlimited number of custom designs for engagement rings, there was a limited number of options for the boxes they come in. And when proposing the first thing the recipient will see is the box that the ring comes in.
The design itself was inspired by the mechanical iris in a camera lens and the helical design of a lipstick container's inner workings.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Eclipse Ring Box is a new and innovative way to present an engagement ring. Designed to evoke a reaction of surprise and awe, a simple twist both opens the stainless steel mechanical iris, and elevates the ring out of the box. The beveled opening ensures ease-of-access and maximum light exposure for the ring's setting. Despite complex inner workings, the size was minimized to be easily carried and hidden. Clean lines and heirloom-quality construction ensure the timelessness of the design.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: This object is operated with a simple twist. Turning the base and the upper shell in opposite directions results in both the mechanical iris opening and closing, as well as the box's contents be raised and lowered.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: This project began and finished in 2016 in Calgary Alberta.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Packaging Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: 0.1mm thick stainless steel blades are laser-welded.
Base is CNC milled aluminum that has been bead blasted and anodized with a natural finish to resist scratches.
Outer shell is CNC milled aluminum, bead blasted and anodized black.
A industrial strength ball-bearing ensures a lifetime of smooth operation.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Ring boxes are 66.7mm in diameter and 45mm tall.
TAGS: Engagement Ring Box, Mechanical Iris Box, Aperture Box, Ring Box, Engagement Ring Container
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Research began with an investigation into a mechanical iris design to allow for the smallest possible aperture opening, while being durable and aesthetically pleasing. After testing bushings and rotational joints, ball-bearings were selected to aid movement as they accommodate an opening large enough to hold jewelry while keeping the overall size of the design small enough to be unobtrusive. Multiple opening designs were tested, a bevel was chosen as it allows for easier grasping of the contents and more penetration of light to better display the box's contents.
CHALLENGE: There were several challenges including finding a material strong enough and yet flexible enough to act as the aperture blades. In order to ensure that the opening be as small as possible the blades needed to be as thin as possible. Stainless steel was the only material with both the strength and flexibility qualities necessary.
Another challenge was designing all the parts in a way which from the outside appeared as clean as possible, while being able to accommodate a large degree of complexity, and designing each internal part with the production process in mind.
ADDED DATE: 2018-11-04 00:13:47
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Allisha Sims, Untitled, 2018
Image #2: Photographer Allisha Sims, Untitled, 2018
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Patent Pending. 15/788,317 & 2,983,262. Matt Zabloski. 2017. United States & Canada
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