TPR is a universal tape dispenser with a sleek, modern design that creates an artistic vision for a workspace
An optimized workspace is a necessity for optimal work
Process
Initial Concept Sketches
Initial concept prototype
Initial CAD Models
Later CAD Models
Physical Model
The model worked as intended, however when pulling the tape, the arm would move up and down, causing the roll to slip through the wheels.
Refined Physical Model
Further Refined Physical Model
Initial Problem Statement
How might we design a tape dispenser that has enhances the user experience while creating an artistic vision for the rest of the work space.
Refined problem statement
How might we design a tape dispenser that has an adaptable system for tape size, while creating an artistic vision for the rest of the workspace?
The initial sketch model shown has a simple system of using a rubber band to put downward pressure between 3 spinning wheels.
The dispenser was specialized to adjust its size to accommodate different sizes of tape rolls.
The initial CAD models were derived from the first prototype, having supports on both faces of all the wheels to securely hold a roll of tape.
The issue with this design was that it was the two walls keeping the top wheel in place were limiting accessibility and ease of use.
Wall and Backside Ideation
Even Later CAD Models
After looking at a plastic tape dispenser, I realized that it is possible to have the suspension system on a single side wall of the dispenser.
I realized that the arm was not necessary, and removing it would allow the form to become much smaller, slimmer and more efficient in its function
I refined the idea of a wall between the cutting column and wheels from left to right as well as the design of the backside for the smoothest rolling
The next iteration of CAD models explored the relationship between wall designs and backside designs to hold the tape in place.
After finding a favorite, I brought the CAD model into the physical space to realize the issues.
There were a lot of issues.
After all the CAD, it hit me that the most effective way to refine form was with physical modeling, which allowed me to test for function as I went.
With the unnecessary components removed, the form was able to be refined from its simplest parts.
The backside ramp was introduced to allow smoother rolling and a more streamlined form.
With the form finished, a CAD model was built to experiment what combination of materials to build the final out of.
The final material choice was to have the base, cutting column, cylinder, and tube out of metal, and the back plate supporting arm out of wood.
From there, the final renders were created in Keyshot
Final Model Process
Aluminum Stock
Metal Lathe used to clean cylindrical stock
Mill used to face edges of create cuts in rectangular stock
rectangular stock after milling
cylindrical stock after lathe
wet sanding stock on 100 grit to remove labels
sanding stock at 400 grit to create uniform finish
components fit together
Burl Walnut wood stock
Side wall cut and sanded
longer piece of stock was turned on wood lathe to insert into metal tube
checking fit of insertion
gluing wood insert to the back wall to lock in the cylinder
2 part epoxy was used for metal-metal and metal-wood attatchments
highest quality tape cutting blade
Branding Process
Initial Sketches
In the digital space, I explored more precise variations of proportions, spacing, thicknesses, and typefaces.
The Universal Tape Dispenser
I started with pen and paper to ideate variations of how TPR could look, experimenting with different styles, lines, proportions, and letter case
Once I found a theme I liked, I did more refinements of it until I found something to push in the digital space.
The final type was created by hand to ensure everything was evenly shaped and mathematically proportional
