The Heelverines

A 24H challenge to build the best gadget for a fictional character, MDL man to escape. Organized by the McMaster Design League on 18-19 January, 2025.

Date

Category

Project

Reading time

5 min

Collaborators

Madhav Parekh, Darshan Shah, Rasesh Patel

Skills

3D modeling using Inventor, 3D rendering using Blender

Software used

  • Autodesk Inventor

  • Blender

  • Solidworks

Inspiration

Our idea stemmed from the movie Kingsmen where something similar was utilized to free the kingsmen from a bind. We specialize our design to be sleek, fashionable, and concealed to make sure MDL man is always ready.

What it does

This design allows a blade to protrude out from the heel of the MDL man's boot. It can be easily utilized by a simple push and spin mechanism. It also holds tools to break free from his prison.

How we built it

We first brainstormed with various concept sketches, then moved on to designing using CAD software. This included measuring various components to ensure a robust and seamless assembly. This was followed by utilizing the 3D printers to prototype our design and work out any minor flaws. We then went into Blender and created various product animations to display the capabilities and features of our mechanism. In the end, we had a working model of our mechanism and a beautiful animation.

My Contribution

  • Overcoming a challenges where we had to incorporate a rack and pin mechanism inside a small space the size of a heel to avoid accidental activation of the blade; utilizing a spring-loaded locking mechanism.

  • Complete concept design of internal mechanisms

  • CAD of the spring loaded mechanism

  • Slicing all parts to 3D printer

  • Complete rendering video using Blender.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Successfully developing a fully functional prototype in under 24 hours and the seamless and minimal form factor of our design achieves discretion.

Fully assembled PLA parts

Fully assembled PLA parts


What we learned

Designing for manufacturability under certain constraints, collaborating in a cross-functional team, and learning the respective skills of mechanical design, constraint systems, and CAD.

Conclusion

What's next for Heelverine

In the future, we hope to develop personalization for different shoe sizes, making each Heelverine custom-fitted to the user. Researching industrial materials to develop the final design from a PLA prototype to a mass-manufactured product.

The Heelverines

The Heelverines

More...

Create a free website with Framer, the website builder loved by startups, designers and agencies.