Rabaconda SIDEKICK by Tommy

grabcad

Rabaconda, thank you for sponsoring this rewarding challenge! Please review the available renderings, mechanical drawings, and project description. We've made sure everything is thorough and to your liking. If you have any feedback or notice anything missing, feel free to let us know with just a click. Note for Rabaconda & GrabCAD Jury: I've uploaded specific 3D models for GrabCAD's 3D viewer, named accordingly. The Solidworks assembly file contains all the data for this project entry, and STEP/IGES files are also available for download. This design is entirely made of aluminum with a few exceptions. It boasts high configurability: it can be mounted on the wall, used at a kneeling level, standing level, as an open desk with a lid (4 legs), or as an open-faced table (6 legs). It also folds up, making it portable and easy to carry. The design is durable, upgradable, and functional. The stowage consists of two main compartments: the base box (lower section) and the lid box (upper section). These are sheet metal pieces that create the portable desk's enclosure. Inside each compartment are Velcro straps to secure gear, cases, totes, tools, parts, and accessories. All hardware, including legs and extras, fit inside the desk along with the rest of the gear. The strength of this design lies in its four or six-leg configurations, which are extremely rigid and reliable. Within the sheet metal enclosure are welded square tubes that accept the legs through a sleeving action. A one-inch square aluminum tube with an ⅛" wall thickness fits perfectly into a 1¼" square aluminum tube with the same wall thickness for structural aluminum sleeving. The cost of manufacturing involves basic materials like sheet metal, tubing, and rod. Using waterjet or laser, a chop saw, CNC bender, and TIG welder, along with other common tools in a job shop, I managed to stay within budget. A medium batch order can reach the $80-100 manufacturing cost. I have prepared a spreadsheet and design notes that will show my cost analysis based on this design and lean manufacturing principles before the challenge ends. For those using the SolidWorks files, I recommend having "semi-advanced" knowledge of assemblies. The upload includes the entire feature tree for easy access to all used elements in building the creation. STEP or IGES files are also available but offer less functionality compared to using SolidWorks software. Please show your support by hitting the "❤" button!