Industrial - Bachelors

Temp-Guard – A Travel Proof Personal Perishables Storage

The Temp-Guard Hiking Cooler is a lightweight, chest mounted, wearable cooling solution designed to keep perishable foods & medications fresh during extended hikes. With advanced insulation, modular storage, and efficient cooling powered by a thermoelectric system, it provides hikers with practical, portable refrigeration for multi-day adventures.

Lucas Miller

The Problem —

Understanding the diverse behaviours, needs, and challenges faced by different hikers on trails. By studying how various groups use the trail, take breaks, manage physical needs (like food intake), and respond to terrain difficulty, you’re can identify patterns that can influence the design entirely, or simply aim to improve hiking equipment, food storage solutions, and other resources that cater to specific needs of hikers based on their experience level, activity type, and personal habits.

Key Areas:
Insufficient trail preparedness: Identifying what different types of hikers need in terms of supplies and support.
Physical strain and nutrition: Understanding when and why hikers need breaks and how they refuel, which could help in designing products that better support stamina and energy.
Enhanced trail experience: Tailoring recommendations for trail use, rest areas, and scenic spots based on how different groups respond to trail difficulty and take breaks.

How it Works?

The Temp-Guard features an advanced electronic cooling system that employs a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), a fan, and a heatsink, all monitored by a precision thermistor sensor for optimal temperature regulation. This active cooling technology works alongside highly efficient insulation and phase change materials (PCMs) built into the cooler, providing passive cooling to maintain food freshness. Additionally, the durable, aesthetically pleasing Cordura Nylon fabric cover adds another layer of insulation, enhancing overall performance. With cooler walls being made of simple yet highly effective High-density polyethylene. This innovative blend of active and passive cooling methods ensures perishable items stay safe and delicious throughout any outdoor adventures, allowing you to focus on the journey ahead, additionally, by using PCMs instead of regular cooling bricks/gel packs we can eliminate the issue of moisture build up.

Hidden insulation layers underneath cooler body cover.
Electronic cooling components.

The research –

Name
Hiker Nutrition Research Report. Exploring data taken from real experience hikers, giving their feedback and thoughts on the topic.
File Type
application
File Size
3 MB
Download File

Initial concepts

The initial ideas provided revolved primarily around exploring unique forms and ease of use, resulting in the development of a combination of multiple concepts, utilising the best parts of each, creating a modular container that would be placed underneath a hiking backpack. Unfortunately, the form was deemed in practical and their was assumed risk involving weight distribution, as well as comfort concerns.

numerous redesigns later – the temp guard

Final model

An exploded view displaying the final model –

Context in use

Feature list

Prototyping –

The prototyping process for this project was excessive, I determined it to be a appropriate to create a 1:1 scale model with representation of all the features the Temp-Guard will have.

Final Prototype
Storyboard process. Giving a brief glimpse on how the Temp-Guard will be used in a real life situation.

Storyboard

The process of use for the Temp-Guard. Demonstrating the process of loading up the cooler, to attaching it to your person, ensuring the cooler is secure as well as utilising its main function. The cooling modes!
Name
Express Version Of The Temp-Guard Design Development Record!
File Type
application
File Size
8 MB
Download File

Lucas Miller

Lucas is a Brisbane-based Industrial Designer, bringing with him a passion for innovation and practicality. With expertise in manufacturing, construction, and building design, he combines a hands-on approach with a creative vision to develop functional, user-focused solutions. Whether working on a complex design project or collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, Lucas focuses on creating meaningful, lasting designs that meet real-world needs.