GEK1523T Assignment 1 2011

by

WU QIONG TAN CHIN TECK YU YI

A0066096X A0066047 A0066158Y

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

INNOVATIVE WATER BOTTLE

PROBLEM IDENTIFIED

IDEA GENERATION

DETAILED DESIGN

CONCLUSION

APPENDIX

INTRODUCTION By and large, there were numerous products from all walk of categories that deal with innovation design. It took a while for our team to deliberate and decide on one of many waste recycling products. Our team felt that by recycling plastic bottle not only saves anywhere from 100 to 1000 years in the landfill, but also saves the environment from the emissions in producing new bottles as well as the oil used to produce that bottle. VAPUR is a company well known for its foldable, reusable water bottle, it is also known as the Anti-Bottle. VAPUR has introduced the single 0.5L, as well as the two- pack 0.4L fun size version products. The 0.5L and 0.4L VAPUR Anti-Bottles stand tall when it is fully top-up and fold when it is empty, resulting in an end state of easily fit into the smallest possible spaces. All the VAPUR Anti-Bottles are made in the USA, FDA - approved and BPA-free. They serve as a healthy way to hydrate user and the environment. The product has a variety of vibrant colors Black, Green, Pink, Blue and Purple, which is ideal for sports, school as well as leisure. INNOVATIVE WATER BOTTLE

The VAPUR anti-bottles product was available in the market since 2009 and was distributed
outside of the United States. In Singapore, there are some outlets promoting the VAPUR antibottles as well. One of the prominent places selling this product is FORUM BOOKSTORE just below the Central Library.

We will be looking at some of the innovative features in details for the VAPUR anti-bottles product.

REUSABLE AND SAFE VAPUR Anti-Bottles are completely BPA-free and are constructed of three layers of ultradurable plastic. BPA stands for Bisphenol A which is an organic compound used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins along with other applications. Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor which can mimic the bodys own hormones and may lead to negative health effects. BPA has an effect on fetal and infant brain development and behavior. As such, one of the innovative features is to use ultra durable plastic polymer material that is BPA-free and ecofriendly. The innermost layer is made from Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved polyethythene, which is then bonded to two layers of nylon for strength and durability. Every Anti-Bottle is designed to withstand everyday use and regular cleaning. The inner layer is odor, taste and stain resistant, so it can safely be reused again and again. FOLDABLE The Anti-Bottle is designed to stand when full and can be rolled, folded or flattened when empty, making it easy to use and carry everywhere you go. Unlike rigid water bottles, that are bulky when empty, the Anti-Bottle can be easily tucked away, conveniently fitting into pockets, purses and packs. The VAPUR Anti-Bottle is quite simply the most portable, reusable water bottle on the planet. The innovative idea of being foldable in the design has a competitive edge over its competitors. WASHABLE We often being asked, what is the best way to clean an Anti-Bottle? Well, the VAPUR AntiBottle is dishwasher safe and cleans easily on the top rack of most dishwashers. First, remove the cap and carabiner, blow a little air into the bottle to inflate, then simply turn upside down and insert the spout over the prongs on the top rack of your dishwasher. It's that easy. It is recommended that you hand wash, using a few drops of dish soap and a bottle brush to completely remove any residue will do. FREEZABLE You can also freeze the Anti-Bottle for nice cold water or use it as an ice-pack. Fill your AntiBottle half-way, place it in the freezer over-night and then fill it the rest of the way with water in the morning. You'll have an icy-cold beverage for hours. Wow! That was wonderful especially when you are outing in a hot sunny day and the need to quench your thirst. ATTACHABLE It comes with a convenient colored carabiner, making it easy to clip to your purse, belt-loop or pack. VAPUR Anti-Bottles also do not crack or dent, so there's not as much worry as with traditional rigid bottles. You can just clip it and go.

IDENTIFIABLE It is possible to flip the bottle over and write your name in permanent ink on the white space on the back of the bottle. If you have multiple bottles, this is a perfect way to keep track of them or even just to personalize your own with the 480ml character design. AFFORDABLE In United States, the 0.5L single bottle is priced at US$9.99 and the 0.4L Fun Size two packs at US$15.99. As for FORUM bookstore in NUS, the store is selling two packs of 0.5L anti-bottle at a price of S$29.90. PROBLEM IDENTIFIED AND NEEDS A brainstorming session was carried out by our team on the VAPUR anti-bottle product. We had identified a few issues with regard to the current product. A. Pricing. The usual price for one piece of VAPUR anti-bottle costs S$21.50 is expensive. During the promotion period, the offer is S$29.90 for two pieces of antibottle. B. Capacity. An average 70 kg adult will need 2.3L of water a day. There is a need to do a couple of top-up in a day for a 0.5L bottle which can be very inconvenient. C. Intangible forms. The innovative ideas involving reusable, foldable, washable, BPA-free, sturdier and stand firmly are not attractive enough to command a high price at this point of time as the product is not that saleable. IDEA GENERATION Our team took a step further to explore new idea to enhance the design. We target to come up with some add-on features to make the product more attractive and command the same price, if needed. Enhance Features A. Bottle - Cap B. Filter System C. Hand Strap Existing Design Thread based Nil Too rigid Require Carabiner Nil Proposed Design Tap based Yes Flexible Adjustable Faster & Easier No external aids Yes

D. Foldable E. Temp Indicator

DETAILED DESIGN OVERVIEW OF NEW DESIGN This below picture illustrates how different add-on features are combined to create the desired outcome for the final product.

The bottle cap is using plastic

hinge design; the idea is from shampoo bottle.

The hand strap idea is from

retractable mouse, the length of the hand strap can be easily adjusted and the extra wire is neatly coiled inside a spool.

The build-in filter idea is from

Tap water filter, which consist multiple layer of filters to ensure the water purity.

The shape of bottle follows the

geometry of drink straw, which can collapse and expand easily. When the bottle collapsed, it only occupies small space, which is convenience to carry along.

The over-molded temperature

indicator idea is from Pizza hut Hot sticker, which turns red when water inside the bottle is hot.

COLLAPSIBLE APPROACH

When the bottle is collapsed, the height is small enough to put in to pocket, which is very convenience to carry along.

User can also bend the bottle and use it as a neck rest during travel or flight.

CHOICE OF COLORS: There is a variety of color cater for this new design.

FEASIBILTY STUDY Proposed manufacturing method: The cap can be manufactured by Injection molding process. Active carbon filter: customized packaging machine Hand strap ring: Injection molding. Bottle: Injection moldingAir blow mold. Hand strap: Outsource or purchase from supplier.

O ring: thermal compress molding.

CONCLUSION VAPUR anti-bottle has a couple of innovated features such as reusable, foldable, washable and command slightly a high price in local market which make the product not really in demand and sellable. Our team had brainstormed and come up with some add-on innovative design to the existing product so as to make the anti-bottle more attractive and value for money to the customers.

APPENDIX A: DESIGN DRAWING

APPENDIX A: DESIGN DRAWING

APPENDIX A: DESIGN DRAWING

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APPENDIX A: DESIGN DRAWING

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