LED Planter
This project entailed designing and prototyping a functional tabletop LED herb planter. The planter needs to be made from 1.5mm ABS plastic sheeting only. Our design needs to have a minimum of 3 planting areas with a minimum of 100mm x 100mm x 100mm volume. Our design is required to have at least 1 curve in it, as well as have functional drainage system, and an LED light which will act as a growth light.
Research
Ideation: Phase 1
Rough sketches
Ideation: Phase 2
Developed idea's
Final design options
I chose concept 4 as my final design solution, while exploring concept 1-3 in my carboard prototypes.
Throughout the ideation process I was inspired by organic forms and smooth flowing shapes. I kept soft curves in mind and was inspired to create a convenient self-watering planter that is both decorative and functional.
Development: Phase 1
Rough cardboard mockups and experimentation
Development: Phase 2
Carboard mock-up of final design solution
In my first 3 cardboard models I felt there was a lack of organic inspiration and smooth forms as well as a lack of coherency in my design and so I explored an alternative design. Making cardboard models gave me a good idea of the process i would follow when creating my final ABS model.
The process
Sourcing materials was the first step in the manufacturing of my LED planter. Secondly, I drew the size and shape of all the pieces I needed onto a piece of paper in order to plan and orientate myself around my design. I then drew these pieces on my ABS sheet and using a craft blade I cut them out. After cutting out all my pieces I started constructing the semi-cylinder draw (with drainage draw), holding the shape together using belts and clamps while the Methylene Chloride bonded the pieces together. Next, I rolled up an ABS piece, so that it was double walled, and I bonded and glued it into a fixed cylindrical tubule shape. Once these 2 main components of my design had bonded and set into their fixed shape, I continued constructing the 3 planter pots as well as the water canals. Using a rotary tool, I cut out the rectangular openings of the cylinder tube and I started sanding the edges smoothly. Using Methylene Chloride and ABS offcuts I made a plastic paste which I used as a filler for gaps, holes and imperfections, which I sanded over for a smooth and fine finish. I spent multiple hours sanding off the different pieces and edges of my design in order to achieve a smooth and seamless product. Finally, I added final touches such as the organic engravings on the top of the planter, I also added the LED light strip and made a stand for my planter so that it would not role. i then added my herb plants.
My final planter is a cylindrical tube withing another tube. This design allows for easy watering and harvesting of the herbs. The design has a slow self-watering system making the herbs low maintenance. The planter has engravings on top inspired by organic meandering forms.
In Situ photographs
Cylindrical herb planter in a kitchen
