ORITREK
My senior capstone project – as a part of a team of six, we invented, designed, and built an entirely new product: A Collapsible Snowshoe with Detachable Independent-Use Crampon
Over two semesters, my team researched and prototyped consistently to develop a new product that could serve a wide variety of users, and culminated in the final build of a finished prototype used for validation testing and demos – here you can see our work
What is ORITREK?
Snow and ice co-exist in cold weather terrain yet require two separate sets of equipment: snowshoes and crampons. Currently, users such as recreational hikers, alpine adventurers, and search and rescue professionals must carry both pieces of gear or choose one and accept the disadvantage. Changing between the two pieces of equipment mid-hike is time consuming, uncomfortable and can be dangerous in treacherous conditions. Additionally, snowshoes are bulky to carry when not in use, typically being strapped to a pack. ORITREK presents the opportunity for an integrated collapsible snowshoe and crampon combination. Users will be able to switch between snowshoeing and using crampons with ease; allowing for a safer, more efficient, and more effective trek.
Final Prototype Photos
ORITREK is composed of a foldable snowshoe deck that can be attached to high performance crampons and folded for storage when not in use. The design incorporates cold weather fortified materials and optimizes portability without sacrificing strength. The bindings are composed of durable aluminum and polyurethane, increasing the support and security for the user while maintaining a low weight overall. The attachment mechanism between the snowshoe deck and crampon provides a quick-to-engage and strong connection that allows for the user to complete the switch without the need to sit down or take gloves off. ORITREK is the solution for anyone traversing cold weather climates.
Team ORITREK was composed of Natalie Aziz, Sophia Bowe, Natasha Dilamani, Daphnie Friedman, Joah Kim, and Celestina Saven and was advised by Professor Jordan Raney.
Final Renders
