This portion of the website is dedicated to the development and fabrication of the housing components of the pruner as well as a discussion on ergonomic choices made during the design phase of each part.  

It’s paramount that the housing be effective and inexpensive so the life span of the product can be at a maximum while costing the manufacturer the minimum price. The proper material choice and geometry will ensure the best housing for this pruner. Since this section only deals with the housing, choices in driving mechanisms and blade geometry won’t be discussed in much detail. Driving mechanisms and blade design choices are described in further detail in their own sections by Thomas Wilson and Daniel Gibson, respectively.

Requirements:

• Housing components can’t weigh more than 5 pounds

• Housing components (blade housing, central housing, and grip housing) must assemble and disassemble within 5 minutes

• Housing must prevent cutting mechanisms from unnecessary movement up to 1mm when fully assembled

• Housing material must withstand the necessary actions to generate the 600lb force to cut branches

• Grip housing must contain a trigger guard and safety switch (as per customer)

• Housing components can’t cost more than $200

• Grip and central housing diameters must fall in the size range of 1.2 inches – 1.8 inches

• Central housing must withstand a maximum bending load of 196 pounds