Groundwork
A wheel swap kit for road trips.
Duration
6 weeks
Type
Studio Project
Skillset
Research, Solidworks, Shop tools
A flat tire can be a major disruption to a long journey.
Safety Necessities
Cars with spare tires come with the bare minimum of a jack and a wrench. This kit supplements the necessary safety measures, including a flatboard, chocks, warning triangles, and gloves.
Chocks
Prevent unwanted rolling for extra security.
Flat board
Stabilize the jack and prevent slipping on uneven ground.
Warning Triangles
Warn oncoming cars and prevent collisions.
Compact Packing
Maximize trunk space on a trip.
Process
Understanding the Driver
With the magic box of the modern car, where can an everyday driver still take matters into their own hands?
Fixing and replacing a flat tire is an opportunity balanced between difficulty level and necessity for the driver to take ownership of their vehicle.
Observation and Learning
After watching others, I learned how to swap a wheel in person.
Identified Gap
The safety precautions suggested by car experts are rarely utilized by the everyday driver, especially in unplanned situations.
Opportunity
On roadtrips, where road conditions are variable, these safety steps are most vital.
Prototyping
Through sketches and prototypes, I worked through the details of efficient packing, integrating safety triangles, and cleanliness.
