Industrial - Bachelors

OMNI

With the ever-growing issues surrounding electronic waste, the need to design products to be reusable, recyclable and more environmentally conscious is unprecedented. Currently users purchase these '3 in 1' phone stands as they are convenient and compact, but these products are made for only a single generation forcing the user to upgrade upon purchasing a new device. While smartphone charging is now universal, the same cannot be said about Smartwatches, OMNI proves to change that and bridge the gap between now and the universal charging technology of the future.

Benjamin Davis

A large amount of smartphone frames and other electronic devices smashed up in a pile.

The Current Issue

With smartwatches becoming more popular with a variety of users there is no wonder why this market is a near $40 billion industry. With these devices come all the accessories that are typically purchased. One of the many accessories that people buy being stands, typically ‘3 in 1’ stands that can hold and charge the phone, watch and earbuds. Currently these types of stands are designed specifically for one brand and typically for a single generation, requiring users once they decide to upgrade their watch, to have to either buy a new stand and waste their old one or use the charger included with the watch, which will eventually result in them wasting the stand as there is no need for a large 3 in 1 charger that only charges one item. Currently there are no universal chargers on the market for smartwatches, and trying to get these profit hungry companies to develop a universal charger will take time leaving a large gap in the market for a more universal and functional stand.

The OMNI

The OMNI blends form with function. The simple style of the frame allows it to blend with any environment that it is placed in. The quick-release mechanism is what really makes it stand out from the competition. The removeable Smartwatch Charging heads allow the users to purchase the stand with their specific watch charger, and once they upgrade watch or change brand they are able to buy a new charging puck without having to buy an entirely new stand. With powerful wireless charging up to 25W, any compatible phone will be charged in minutes. A neatly concealed USB port built into the OMNI’s frame allows a charging cable to be attached in case you are charging a device that is too large for the stand or that is unable to wirelessly charge.
A image of the quick release mechanism and the inner workings.

Quick Release Mechanism

The quick release mechanism is the star of the design, allowing the different watch charging pucks to be quickly swapped out. The case of the mechanism being made from aluminium reduces the wear on the part while adding a premium feel to the product. The two spring loaded bearings roll against the charging puck once inserted before locking into a groove cut into the charging puck, this ensure a secure fit and a strong connection with the charging pins.

Charging Pucks

Glasses Holder

Sometimes you want to have everything in one place. This little glasses holder folds out to hold the arms of a single pair of glasses. This leaves the workspace neat and keeps the glasses in a known location. When not in use the glasses holder can be folded up, flipped upside down and returned to a small sleek phone bumper that stops your phone sliding away.
An exploded view of the OMNI displaying the frame of the product in a spread out manner.

Frame

The OMNI is designed to be made from recycled materials, primarily from old electronic device frames. The ABS frame (Black Parts) being made from 90% recycled ABS from the cases and hard-shell frames of phones, laptops, cases and other electronic accessories. Having the plastic ground up and injection moulded creates new parts that would be impossible to tell that the plastic used was recycled.

The Aluminium parts (Silver Parts) are made from 100% recycled phone frames, and other aluminium base electronic parts. Having the parts cast and then machined into the final form will keep the parts both strong and cheap.

Initial Development

Prototypes

In Context Shots

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Research Report
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application
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Name
Development Record
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Benjamin Davis

As a developing designer, I try to combine innovation with sustainability, ensuring high-quality results in every project. My creativity fuels unique and unconventional ideas, and my expertise in SolidWorks and Fusion 360 gives me an advantage when working with any CAD program. I aim to inspire change, blending creativity with environmental responsibility.