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Design a belay device that embodies the spirit of the climb

CRUX

Belay Device

Design Brief:

   Clayton Skousen, Tyler Stewardsen

Design Team:

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Pros
- Great for rappelling
- Works with most rope diameters
Cons
- Twists rope, poor rope management

Pros
- Compact and easy to use
- Works with many rope diameters
Cons
- Not the best for ultralight climbers

Pros
- Auto locks during climber falls
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Not suitable in all weather

All belay devices on the market today are very mechanical in appearance, and generally unexpressive. 

Oversaturated aesthetics

Universal Con:

Unexpressive

Problem

Assisted Braking

Tubular

Figure 8

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*Logo designed by 
Tyler Stewardson

Sketches

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After settling on the ram, I explored a number of alternative aesthetics to express its rugged nature.    

Prototyping

Further Exploration

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Casting

Combining my modeling experience with Tyler’s shop skills, we made our final prototype in sand cast and hardened aluminum.  

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Final

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