Tanmay J.
Industrial Designer
Academic Project | Housewares Product Redesign
2014 | 3 Months
Kitchen Dough Extruder
SUGRAN. A battery powered, hassle-free, easy-to-use dough press.
Sugran is a big step forward for the ordinary household product that helps you in the process of making sweet and savoury, baked and fried foods. Its highly efficient, compact driving mechanism, convenient storage for auxiliaries, hassle-free cleaning provisions and ergonomic design make it an ideal assistant in the tedious task of dough extrusion.
Design Objective
To redesign an offbeat kitchen artifact with considerations for the Indian Market, with the sole focus on Aesthetic Development and User Experience.
THE PROBLEM.
The dough press chosen for redesign, is the one typically used in India for making a a variety of savoury fried and baked snacks - an important tradition during the major Hindu festival of Diwali (festival of lights).
Existing Products
Researching the existing products used in the Indian market, led to a connection with similar products in different parts of the globe, essentially used for the exact same purpose - extruding dough out of the hole(s) with chosen pattern.
The most obvious connections - Indian Chakali or Murukku Maker, Cookie Press as well as Churro Maker.
Common Issues
For problem identity and full description, CLICK AND HOVER.
The Users. The Food.
Preliminary research findings | Usage Scenario: Home kitchens, Small-scale food industry, Commercial Kitchens, Boutique Food-shops, Festive food services.
Further research findings | Urban Indian Context: Two key, diverse user groups need to be targeted for the solution, namely, older/aging women, and young independent, career-oriented women.
Festive food has pre-dominantly (and traditionally) been cooked by women in India. With the passing years, older and aging women find themselves unable to contribute to this family activity. In addition to the discomfort of using the product, they lack the stamina and sometimes even the strength to continue for longer periods.
The younger independent women, often have their hands full with their homes and careers. With the task of using the dough press being so strenuous and tedious, several women rely on buying this food pre-made. This choice of convenience, could potentially drift the younger generations away from tradition and the joy of festive family bonding.
THE INSPIRATION. THE IDEAS.
Image Board | Aesthetics
Ideation | Thumbnail Sketches
Exploratory Sketches
THE SOLUTION.
The inspiration board, the ideation and concept sketches and study models (for scale and ergonomic reference) helped arrive at the final solution. Based on this, a 3D CAD model was developed to inform the decisions of form refinement as well as concept viability.
Component Breakdown | Exploded View
The final concept resolution is well illustrated through this exploded view animation.
[Luxion KeyShot 5 and Adobe After Effects CC]
Multi-Purpose Base
DISC STORAGE
It acts as a tidy way to store the extra discs in a push-to-open sliding disc tray.
BATTERY COMPARTMENT
The base also houses an easy to replace, compact 18V Li-Ion battery to power the driving mechanism.
UPRIGHT STAND
The flat surface provides a base to rest on during usage, while the working end stays clean and also offers an alternate way to store the product.
Actuation Mechanism
It primarily comprises of a Hybrid Linear Actuator and a couple of Limit Switches controlled via a PCB. Along with a good range of speed and linear force, it's compact size allows for a compact housing design.
The range of the non-rotational, linear motion of the lead screw is defined by the limit switches, which are programmed for power cut-off on both ends as well as auto-retraction when the range of the pusher is reached.
Progressive Switch
The rocking progressive switch allows for finer control over the speed and torque of the motor, to the degree to which the switch is depressed.
Lead Screw Cleaner
The lead screw cleaner attachment rotates, as the screw translates, mating with its threads and cleaning them from any dirt or food in the process. It is mounted onto a bearing housed in the main body of the press.
Colours+Materials
Three primary colour options of Black, White and Wheat are available for the glossy polymer housing.
Also features Polished Steel rims, Co-molded soft polymer grips as well as Brushed Aluminium thumb rest and actuation switch.