Automotive A/C systems adhere to strict regulations regarding the use of refrigerants to prevent the release of harmful gases into the environment. Compliance with these regulations necessitates specialized equipment for recovering, recycling and recharging used refrigerant from vehicles.
Mastercool approached us to assist in updating their old machine design to meet the requirements of recently-updated refrigerant standards. They sought improvements in both functionality and aesthetics, aiming for a user-friendly and easy-to-maintain form factor that was compact, cost-effective, and simple to manufacture. Additionally, they desired a sleek and attractive design, reminiscent of a fast car, to differentiate it from the bulky and utilitarian appearance of previous models.
Taking a holistic and integrated approach, Creative focused on blending form and function in the Mastercool device. Rather than merely enclosing the internal components in a cosmetic shell or designing an arbitrary appearance and trying to fit numerous components within it, we focused on developing coherent iterations of each aspect of the design, aligning with the client's vision in an elegant manner.
This approach led us to create an "exoskeleton" consisting of three roto-molded parts: the top/handle, the front panel, and the chassis. Each of these parts served both structural and cosmetic purposes. Affordable steel channels were employed to connect the chassis to the handle, providing a sturdy frame capable of withstanding the demanding conditions of an auto shop.
Sheet metal brackets provided rigid mounting for internal components while offering convenient access for servicing. The frame itself provided mounting points for user-facing cosmetic elements, such as injection-molded side doors, a rear cover, and a swappable front cover that could be easily replaced for re-branding purposes.
To aid the client in marketing and user guides, we provided several high-quality renderings of our design, including transparent views that showcased the internal components. These renderings continue to be featured on Mastercool's website and brochures, providing a glimpse into the challenge of seamlessly integrating a complex mechanism with a visually appealing aesthetic.