Covering, Containing, and Protecting

Covering, Containing, and Protecting Electronics and Mechanics

Summer 2022

cover Electronics fire masts Mechanic plastic redesign VBL Adobe Portfolio

This project was assigned to me while I was an intern at the Will-Burt Company in Orrville, Ohio during the summer of 2022.

I was tasked with redesigning the plastic covers for this product line, nightscan.

This picture shows the current designs of the covers.

A unique thing about the Will-Burt company is that they consist of mechanical, application, and design engineers. My role as an industrial designer was unique to the company.

You can find more about the Will-Burt company on their website: Will-Burt

The Will-Burt Company is the world's premier manufacturer of mobile telescoping masts, towers, trailer systems, and pan and tilt positioners. We offer virtually every mobile payload elevation solution and full integration services for defense, government, first responders, telecommunications, energy production and other markets.

This image shows one of the many ways that a Will-Burt mast can help save lives.

This product line consist of a base cover and an RCP cover. Both cover, contain, and protect the inside electronics and mechanics that are pertinent to the mast's functionality.

The current design is utilitarian and focuses on function over form. Most of the mast market and competition follows suit. I saw the opportunity for Will-Burt to adopt a new design concept to set them apart.

Below you can find my process.

3D modeled using Fusion 360 and rendered using Keyshot.

The second solution Raw and Durable was chosen.

I then developed it further modeling it to size and including fastener holes and other manufacturing details.

The RCP covers house the electronics that control the light bars and other accessories at the top of the mast.

My new concept allows for the cover to be one piece. This improves the process in many ways. Not only allowing for more marketing real estate but also making it easier for assembly and having less inventory.

This new sleek and simple design was taken further and developed to be more manufacturable and functional.

I spent time working with workers who assemble the masts and RCPs to make this piece as functional as possible.

This first concept would not allow for cameras on the top of the mast to be mounted to the inner aluminum housing. The flat face of this cover also would not allow for enough space for all the inner components of the RCP.