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mars  
   

Project:
This was my major thesis project for the school of industrial design at Carleton University. My project was the design of a compact hygiene unit for use aboard a Martian rover.

background:
This project was conceived through a collaboration between Marc Cohen (NASA Ames Research Centre) and our project advisor Dr.Thomas Garvey. Marc Cohen was previously engaged in the reasearch pertaining to the feasibility of a Martian rover. However, his research was primarily concerned with structural feasibility. He therefore suggested a potential collaboration with the school of industrial design whereby we would design the internal living quarters. As industrial design is by nature user-centered our contribution to the project was obvious.

 
 
 
   
   
Design Solution:
The primary concern within the rover was the limited internal volume. It was necessary that my design occupied the smallest possible in and out-of-use spatial envelope. Other concerns were available resources, reduced gravity, privacy, ease of use and functional durability. Due to limited water resources the hygiene unit uses a wet towel method for cleansing. 		 
 
 
   
   
partition design:
The partition needed to provide full visual seperation from the surrounding rover environment yet occupy a very smalle out-of-use spatial envelope. In order to satisfy this requirement the partiton slides out along a rail that is integrated into the rail arm. Once deployed the arched ribs can be pivoted to create a larger internal volume. When the partition is collapsed the stiffening ribs nest into each other within the unit. 		 
 
 
   
   
space allocation :
This illustration shows the various compartments within the unit and also the allocated space with the rover. 		 
 
 
   
   

test & presentation model:
In order to evaluate the spatial constraints of the rover we built a full-scale skeleton. This allowed us to better understand the implications of the small space.

Presentation model was built using CNC'd MDF and Renshape.

 
 
 
   
   

presentation display:
Graduation exhibition at Carleton University.

 
 
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UPDATED: 03.20.08 		 
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