Product Development
With the help of early mockups, many issues were addressed to reach the final design.
Technical drawings helped a lot in finalizing the teapot. By doing this, I came across and was able to address several issues I would not have realized through quick sketches. It also made creating the final 3D mode much easier.
This first CAD model created using Solidworks show how the cups slide out of the teapot from the main handle. The teapot can either lie flat on a surface with the square panels that raise the body and keep it from rolling or stand upright like a typical thermos. The spout also serves as a lid that is turn facing up for pouring and down to keep it sealed. The major problem with this early iteration is that the main handle that holds the cups together is useless while in use.
Prototyping
As part of the project’s requirements, I made a final model of the teapot. With a main stainless steel body and silicone rubber handles and bases, I thought the best way to represent it was by using urethane foam. I printed out the working drawings in full scale and taped them into precisely squared off blocks of foam. I carefully carved out each side until I was able to complete the body’s compound curves/surfaces. The spout was 3D printed to create a more accurate representation. I finished it off by masking certain parts and spraying metallic paint on the body and matte paint on the handles and cup bases. See images below.
Overview of model making
Body, spout and cup
Following drawings accurately
Foam body with 3D Printed Spout and Base
Overview of finishing
Masking the teapot for finished look
Metallic finish