Industrial - Bachelors

WorkMate

WorkMate is a lifting aid for the retail floor, it aims to remove the requirement for lifting during the movement of heavy and/or bulky stock items onto the display. It achieved this through the usage of a raising bed which uses a scissor lift mechanism operated via a linear actuator to raise to shelf height.

Michael Libby

Branding

WorkMate branding is used to promote the usage in the environment. The idea behind the WorkMate branding is to provide the worker with a mate in the work environment to act as something that is looking out for them. The bright branding matches the functional design, doubling as high visibility markers for the trolley. The idea is that the trolley acts as a mate and provides aid for the user in the lifting use case. The trolley also effectively provides protection to the user whilst lifting items. The status feedback provided to the user allows for safety to always be perceived whilst using the trolley.

Brake Mechanism

The brake release mechanism is designed to be robust and hardy, whilst easy to operate. With the inbuilt safety switch, the brake must be activated prior to the lifting action occurring. This ensures the user’s safety; the kick release allows for the brake to be easily disengaged.

Core Frame

The robust core frame that houses the scissor mechanism is designed to bear loads of lifting, thus allowing for the rest of the trolley to remain lightweight.

Michael Libby

Michael is an industrial designer and mechanical engineer with a passion for function, aiming to provide fundamental designs, and rethought to provide better aid in industries. Michael found this passion through his engineering looking at the world with the approach of "How can I Improve this".