Power A
Power A iPod Touch Rugged Protection
The design goal for this project was to create a weather-resistant enclosure for the iPod Touch that offers protection against rain, mud, snow, and other environmental factors. Additionally, the enclosure needed to be rugged and shock-resistant to endure drops during outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing. The primary objective was to transform the iPod Touch into a competitive GPS device with high-quality capabilities. The design revolved around the current iPod Touch form factor, with the flexibility to adapt to the upcoming next-generation model set to launch in September 2010.
To meet these objectives, the enclosure featured a small battery to power the MotionX GPS chipset within it, enabling reliable GPS functionality. The GPS system would then connect to the iPod Touch via a 30-pin connector, ensuring seamless integration. Access to essential device functionalities such as the home, sleep/wake, and volume up/down buttons were provided through carefully designed features on the protective case. The design prioritized weather resistance while ensuring access to the 3.5mm headphone jack through specialized sealing techniques. A thin and clear protective lens covering the iPod Touch's face was integrated using insert-molding, over-molding, or an external frame to maintain weather-resistant protection. The enclosure may also incorporate a carabiner or eyelet for convenient tethering.
In terms of design aesthetics, the goal was to seamlessly blend Apple's design language with a rugged and robust appearance. Exploring various methods to insert, extract, protect, and enclose the iPod Touch was crucial, considering the evolving form factors of both the current and next-generation models. Additionally, investigating the internal configuration's impact on the overall design was essential for achieving optimal performance and aesthetics. Ultimately, the design embodied both the technical requirements and the visual identity that aligns with PowerA’s brand while offering a highly functional and competitive GPS solution.
Concept Racetrack: An iconic rugged enclosure that protects iPod Touch from the outdoor elements. A removable top cap allows iPod Touch to easily drop into the cradle housing and engage with the 30-pin connector. It is secured in place with the snap-fit top cap and seal that keeps iPod Touch in direct contact with the 0.5mm protective lens. This top cap has a large integrated D-ring that affords tethering from a backpack or lanyard. An overmolded TPE bumper surrounds the entire enclosure for shock + impact protection.
Concept Rubberband: This concept echos the classic iPod Touch form for brand emphasis. iPod Touch slides into place in the back housing, engaging the 30-pin connector, before being sandwiched by the top cover housing. This concept provides two levels of protection for iPod Touch; the first level is simply a ruggedized press-fit enclosure, with further weather resistance and impact protection provided by wrapping the optional “rubberband” around the perimeter of the housing to both seal the enclosure and to act as a bumper.
With diverse experience in industries ranging from consumer electronics, high-end audio, medical and life sciences, housewares and cycling, Anvil Studios is a product design company committed to bringing a broad range of solutions to the table.
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