MyPitboard™ SmartBar
As a mechanical designer for MyPITBOARD’s next generation product, I was tasked with producing a low cost Bluetooth enabled informatics device for motocross racing. In its second generation, it developed into the MyPITBOARD SmartBar, a product suite that aimed to integrate the informatics device to the motocross bike.
This project required a low cost solution for the electronic device casing, a motocross handlebar, and mounting systems to integrate the device with the bar. Meeting the design criteria made this product ready to go to manufacture.
Process ⫻ Device
To develop the casing for the electronic device, I began with quick sketches to develop potential shapes, and quickly transitioned to CAD modeling once the general size and dimensions of the device were agreed upon. To bring the CAD model towards its final design, numerous iterations were made. Once the casings outside shape was finalized, I began printing 3D prototypes, to check fit between the casings pieces and the electronic components within.
Process ⫻ Handlebar
Once the dimensions of the device casing was finalized, work could begin on the handlebar system. First, I had to determine the method of affixation. The device affixation had to be low cost, have a sleek design and be unobstructed for GPS reception. I decided to embed the device within uniquely designed foam handlebar pads. For this solution, two bar pads had to be designed, one for each type of motocross handlebar.
Work began with CAD iterations, which were presented to a team for feedback to select a final shape. Prototyping began through the use of inhouse customized polyurethane molds I 3D printed. After a few iterations, we outsourced the molding of prototypes to a manufacturing company, and refined the designs.
At midpoint, it was decided to include a proprietary handlebar in the product. Motocross users were polled to identify the most popular handlebar dimensions. With this feedback, I designed 4 different bars. The final step included modifying the company brand, using illustrator, and applying it to these bars.
Product
The final product includes a small electronic device, two unique foam bar pads for the device to nestle in, four branded handlebars, and branded cardboard packaging for the whole system.
The electronic device is small and sleek, and can fit in the palm of your hand. It is actioned with a single silicone button on its top surface, and charged through a port on its side. Device state and feedback is communicated through a ring light that encircles the device.
The foam bar pads are shock absorbing, hold the device securely, and are secure on most motocross handlebars on the market.
The handlebars are standard light and durable motocross bars, and are branded with the companies logo and art.
