Re-imagined Carabiner to improve speed and safety when clipping.
Enhancing a traditional design is a challenging task. These ideas were created to promote innovation and provoke ideas within the climbing industry.
User-centric, fully manufacturable concept design used to promote innovation and spark creativity within the climbing industry.
An R&D venture aimed at enhancing the performance of sports and competition climbing equipment. In addition to the typical goals of reducing weight and enhancing durability, we delved into improving user interaction within the sports climbing realm. Our innovation includes the creation of a groundbreaking ‘open-normal’ quickdraw that automatically secures when in position. Enlarging the gate opening for easier access to ropes and gear enables quicker clipping, while the auto-locking feature provides peace of mind, allowing athletes to concentrate on their next move rather than constantly verifying their equipment. Carefully refined profiles effectively prevent cross-loading, automatically aligning into the strongest position for optimal safety.
By observing climbers’ interactions with gear, our initial emphasis was on eradicating user errors and enhancing safety. Subsequently, we explored methods to speed up the clipping process. We began with rough sketches, progressing to complex 3D CAD models. This was then used to run Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tests with the aim of striking the ideal balance between strength and weight. Ultimately, 3D prints were produced to assess ergonomics.
