KNAACK® PLANZBOARD™ design & development
KNAACK® products span beyond traditional worksite tool storage and security, and their team values innovation as being key to continuously improving jobsite asset security and theft prevention. The KNAACK® team set plans to develop a new jobsite table to review design and construction plans, and they retained Design Integrity, a design and engineering services firm based in Chicago, to assist with the development effort.
Challenge
The project started with a list of goals and product features, which included:
- work surface to accommodate up to 36” x 48” architectural drawings (E-size)
- table to be adjustable in angle from horizonal to vertical
- table to utilize existing components and subassemblies, where feasible
- 42 inch tabletop height for ergonomics
- cost optimized design
Solution
Our team began with an evaluation of samples of existing products, including a KNAACK® portable workbench. Analogous existing products in the marketplace were studied, as well. Next, multiple ideation sessions were run to develop a variety of concepts for key details including attachment methods, adjustments, materials and processes, product features, and aesthetics. The hinge mechanism from an existing Werner ladder was utilized for the application.
The leading concepts were reviewed with the KNAACK® team and refined, after which a proof-of-concept prototype was designed and fabricated. The prototype was reviewed in detail, and several design refinements were incorporated into the engineering design, including:
- Ability to mount the PLANZBOARD™ to a variety of carts used in the construction market (i.e. Rubbermaid, Uline, Luxor, Jet)
- User interface detail improvements for ease of use
- Improvements to setup, adjustability, and breakdown methods
CUSTOMER BENEFIT
By collaborating with Design Integrity, KNAACK® was able to launch an innovative new product in a rapid timeframe by pairing our talented staff with their experienced internal team. The PLANZBOARD™ has a multi-mode tabletop design (patent pending) that transforms a standard drawing review station into a collaborative meeting station, a mobile whiteboard, and a mobile signage station.
It can easily be changed from a horizontal work table into an angled drawing board or a vertical display board for a wide variety of jobsite applications. In addition, it works on any flat surface and mounts to most utility carts commonly used on jobsites.
Successful Launch
The new KNAACK® PLANZBOARD™ was launched successfully across the construction and jobsite marketplace. Customers appreciate the versatility of this first-of-its-kind planning and collaboration work surface.
To read more about this innovative new piece of equipment, visit KNAACK’s website via the link below:
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