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Universal Lateral Trainer Casing Design Challenge

The goal of this industrial design challenge is to design the casings for two different Helix Lateral Trainers using as many common plastic injection parts as possible.

What is a Helix Lateral Trainer

3 years ago, Helix introduced the world to an exercise technique called Lateral Training with their Helix Lateral Trainer. The exercise machine uses a patented side-to-side motion that studies have shown provides a better aerobic workout than traditional cardio training. Thanks to extensive research and testing, this movement has also been found to be beneficial in the seated (recumbent) position. Given this, Helix intends to introduce a second recumbent lateral trainer and as well as a revised upright lateral trainer to complement it. The intent is to have the two models appear as a product family.

About this Challenge

The goal of the Universal Lateral Trainer Casing Design Challenge is to design casings for the two exercise machines (upright and recumbent) with as many common parts between them as possible. For example, if a casing has 4 parts in total, 2 of the parts may appear in both the upright and recumbent versions. To extend the analogy to automobiles, two cars may have the same fender and front bumper, but different hoods and grills in order to accommodate different features. Many of these parts will need to be readily removable so that the machines can be cleaned and otherwise serviced. Some of the casings do not need to be readily removable for service and this is highlighted in the instructions.

Please refer to the images of the current upright Helix to confirm what is considered the “casings”. IMPORTANT to note that the current design is just a representation of how the machines need to be “shrouded” and not necessarily a suggestion of design.

You can download STEP / IGES files of the trainers and additional instructions below.

Requirements

  • You must include:
    - STEP or IGES version
    - Rendering of your design

  • You are encouraged to include:
    - Solidworks CAD file
    - Why your design is unique and functional

  • Winning casing designs will be:
    - Smooth, aesthetic, simple, matching the trainers.
    - Designs with as many common parts that are used on both units as possible.
    - Specific parts of the casings will be easily removable for repair or service access.
    - Manufacturable with low costs and with common methods.
    - Durable.

  • Technical requirements:
    - The designs must be finalized and fit to the existing metal frame weldments and overall design. You can download Step / Iges file below.
    - Injection mold design is not required. However it is expected that in areas that are suspect to ribbing or otherwise to support the plastic, these additions will be included.
    - Material thickness of the plastic casings should be no less than 4mm.
    - All dimensions should use metric mm.

Download specification

Rules

  • ENTERING THE COMPETITION
    The Challenge is open to everyone except employees and families of GrabCAD and the Sponsor. Multiple entries are welcome. Team entries are welcome.
     
    By entering the Challenge you:
    1. Accept the official GrabCAD Challenges Terms & Conditions.
    2. Agree to be bound by the decisions of the judges (Jury).
    3. Warrant that you are eligible to participate.
    4. Warrant that the submission is your original work.
    5. Warrant, to the best of your knowledge, your work is not, and has not been in production or otherwise previously published or exhibited.
    6. Warrant neither the work nor its use infringes the intellectual property rights (whether a patent, utility model, functional design right, aesthetic design right, trademark, copyright or any other intellectual property right) of any other person.
    7. Warrant participation shall not constitute employment, assignment or offer of employment or assignment.
    8. Are not entitled to any compensation or reimbursement for any costs.
    9. Agree the Sponsor and GrabCAD have the right to promote all entries.
     
    If you think an entry may infringe on existing copyrighted materials, please email challenges@grabcad.com

  • SUBMITTING AN ENTRY
    Only entries uploaded to GrabCAD through the "Submit entry" button on this Challenge page will be considered an entry. Only public entries are eligible.
     
    We encourage teams to use GrabCAD Workbench for developing their entries.
     
    Entries are automatically given the tag "trainercasing" when uploading to GrabCAD. Please do not edit or delete this tag. Only entries with valid tag will participate in the Challenge.

  • AWARDING THE WINNERS
    The sum of the Awards is the total gross amount of the reward. The awarded participant is solely liable for the payment of all taxes, duties and other similar measures if imposed on the reward pursuant to the legislation of the country of his/her residence, domicile, citizenship, workplace, or any other criterion of similar nature. Only 1 award per person.
    All judging decisions are final.
     
    All winners will be contacted by the GrabCAD staff to get their contact information and any other information needed to get the prize to them. Payment of cash awards is made through PayPal. All team awards will be transferred to the member who entered the Challenge.
     
    We will release the finalists before the announcement of the winners to give the Community an opportunity to share their favorites in the comments, discuss concerns, and allow time for any testing or analysis by the Jury. The Jury will take the feedback into consideration when picking the winners.
     
    Winning designs will be chosen based on the Rules and Requirements.
    - Entry deadline is April 13, 2015 (11:59pm UTC).
    - Winners will be announced by May 11, 2015.
     
    Void where prohibited.

Prizes

$3,500 prize pool

1st Place

$2,000 cash

2nd Place

$1,000 cash

3rd Place

$500 cash

About Helix

Helix Company has developed The Helix Lateral Trainer, the most revolutionary cardio fitness machine since the elliptical. It targets & shapes your entire lower body - glutes, inner & outer thighs. As the only machine to work the lower body side to side, the Helix is a revolutionary breakthrough in fitness systems. The results -- strengthening & shaping of the entire lower body - are made-to-order for everyone from competitive athletes to women seeking to tone up exactly the areas Helix focuses upon. The patented "figure 8" motion allows users to tone and strengthen trouble areas, while getting a great cardio workout at the same time.

64 comments

  • Ivan Pankratov

    Ivan Pankratov about 9 years ago

    Hello and thanks for this new challenge!
    Maybe Helix can share what they like and dislike in their current casing design. I think it will be of great help to all designers.

    Ivan Pankratov has uploaded 4 CAD models & has left 21 comments.
  • Ridwan Sept

    Ridwan Sept about 9 years ago

    wow great challenge

    Ridwan Sept has uploaded 220 CAD models & has left 1677 comments.
  • lenny snyderman

    lenny snyderman about 9 years ago

    Hello and thanks for the tip. The casing design shown is not the current design. it is somewhat of a place holder to give the idea of what is needed. We're looking for an innovative solution to case both configurations with as few parts as possible. We'd like the casing design to be "Slick" and maybe somewhat "automotive". Not too racy but not "Prius" either. Hope that helps!

    lenny snyderman has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • Cadstorming

    Cadstorming about 9 years ago

    "- Material thickness of the plastic casings should be no less than 4mm" How is load distributed in the casing? Or can we just assume something more than 4 mm and design with that?

    Cadstorming has uploaded 38 CAD models & has left 102 comments.
  • lenny snyderman

    lenny snyderman about 9 years ago

    thanks for the note. There really isn't a load per se on the casing. They just need to withstand people leaning etc on them. Typical for any piece of exercise equipment. 4mm is the max thickness. nothing more is needed. But, ribs etc may be required at your discretion for certain areas. Hope that helps. If not, please let me know so I can help make it clearer.

    lenny snyderman has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • Jose L Perez

    Jose L Perez about 9 years ago

    The entire enclosure shall be plastic or we could use sheet metal?

    Jose L Perez has uploaded 47 CAD models & has left 26 comments.
  • lenny snyderman

    lenny snyderman about 9 years ago

    the larger main enclosure should be plastic. There could be the smaller or detail parts from sheet metal.

    lenny snyderman has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • kalyan bhavaraju

    kalyan bhavaraju about 9 years ago

    Hello, In the cad file I see 4 threaded studs with flat base (named proteus seat in the tilted cad file) these 4 of them can be actually adjusted as per the floor flatness. The question I have in my mind is what should be the ground clearance target depending upon the adjustment of these 4 studs. Are these 4 of them in CAD are in its max engagement condition?? or we have to consider the max engagement??

    kalyan bhavaraju has uploaded 2 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • kalyan bhavaraju

    kalyan bhavaraju about 9 years ago

    Hello, the second question is do we need to consider the vibration transmitted from the rotating mechanical components into the frame to design the plastic casing mountings?? If yes what is the level ?? Idea is do we need to provide vibration damping features for the casing when it is mounted on to the frame.

    kalyan bhavaraju has uploaded 2 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • lenny snyderman

    lenny snyderman about 9 years ago

    Hello, to your first question, the shrouds should be no lower than any steel member of the complete design. At all the times, the adjustable "4 studs" shall be visible from a side view. the second question regarding vibration is that the machine has very little vibration and dampening is not required. Thank you.

    lenny snyderman has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • kalyan bhavaraju

    kalyan bhavaraju about 9 years ago

    Thanks lenny.....

    kalyan bhavaraju has uploaded 2 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Ben Ewing

    Ben Ewing about 9 years ago

    Hi everyone! I hope all of your casing designs are going well. We can't wait to see them. If you have any questions about this challenge, be sure to ask them here!

    Ben Ewing has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 304 comments.
  • Mohamed Mnaouar

    Mohamed Mnaouar about 9 years ago

    Hello Mr Ben . what about CATIA V5 R20 files ?

    Mohamed Mnaouar has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • A D Lekhi

    A D Lekhi about 9 years ago

    Interesting one

    A D Lekhi has uploaded 36 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • Ármin Fendrik

    Ármin Fendrik about 9 years ago

    May I ask for a target group for the design?

    Ármin Fendrik has uploaded 49 CAD models & has left 105 comments.
  • lenny snyderman

    lenny snyderman about 9 years ago

    The target group is Health Club like 24 Hour Fitness, Gold's Gym, Equinox, LA Fitness etc. Thanks!

    lenny snyderman has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • Ben Ewing

    Ben Ewing about 9 years ago

    Hi Mohamed Mnaouar, sorry for the delay. You are more than welcome to include a native CATIA file but in order to be eligible to win, we ask that you also include a STEP or IGES version.

    Ben Ewing has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 304 comments.
  • Jonathan Brazeau

    Jonathan Brazeau about 9 years ago

    10 days left, 3 entries...eeeek. no traction...no pun intended.

    Jonathan Brazeau has uploaded 208 CAD models & has left 2147 comments.
  • Ben Ewing

    Ben Ewing about 9 years ago

    Hi everyone. Unfortunately, due to a lack of interest from the Community, we will be discontinuing this challenge.

    Those of you who entered this challenge should have received an email from me with more information. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at ben@grabcad.com.

    Ben Ewing has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 304 comments.
  • Jonathan Brazeau

    Jonathan Brazeau about 9 years ago

    that's too bad, was going to work on an entry..

    Jonathan Brazeau has uploaded 208 CAD models & has left 2147 comments.
  • Stefan Gales

    Stefan Gales about 9 years ago

    Me too .

    Stefan Gales has uploaded 74 CAD models & has left 162 comments.
  • Tommy Mueller

    Tommy Mueller about 9 years ago

    Same here... This challenge possibly got overshadowed by the other challenges here on GrabCAD; so many engineers, so little time.
    ...
    Please consider to relaunch the challenge, and the community will ante up!

    Tommy Mueller has uploaded 224 CAD models & has left 1893 comments.
  • Jonathan Brazeau

    Jonathan Brazeau about 9 years ago

    um, also, why does the grabcad library not work anymore?? I type in something and it pulls up like only a few results....

    Jonathan Brazeau has uploaded 208 CAD models & has left 2147 comments.
  • Ben Ewing

    Ben Ewing about 9 years ago

    Jonathan, I'm sorry to hear you're having this issue! I sent you an email.

    Ben Ewing has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 304 comments.
  • Ben Ewing

    Ben Ewing about 9 years ago

    In regards to the challenge, thank you all for your feedback. I will let you know what the final decision is shortly!

    Ben Ewing has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 304 comments.
  • ANOUAR BARODI

    ANOUAR BARODI about 9 years ago

    Maybe an extra time ....?

    ANOUAR BARODI has uploaded 98 CAD models & has left 1661 comments.
  • Ridwan Sept

    Ridwan Sept about 9 years ago

    I agree with ANOUAR BARODI

    Ridwan Sept has uploaded 220 CAD models & has left 1677 comments.
  • Flaviano Crespi

    Flaviano Crespi about 9 years ago

    Dear sirs, I am very disappointed with this decision, we all know that the best contributions occur in the last days!

    Flaviano Crespi has uploaded 339 CAD models & has left 1593 comments.
  • Flaviano Crespi

    Flaviano Crespi about 9 years ago

    I uploaded the pictures of my work in progress, I hope it can help to reopen the challenge. I'm sure more will come good works because as I said many expect the final steps.

    Flaviano Crespi has uploaded 339 CAD models & has left 1593 comments.
  • Svavar Konráðsson

    Svavar Konráðsson about 9 years ago

    I'm planning to enter as well, just haven't had time until now.

    Svavar Konráðsson has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 2 comments.
  • Jonathan Brazeau

    Jonathan Brazeau about 9 years ago

    I'd recommend an extension, I wouldn't close it...just a lot going on with other competitions, more to do with bad timing. Let the 7 days run out then add an extra 10-15 days.

    Jonathan Brazeau has uploaded 208 CAD models & has left 2147 comments.
  • Ridwan Sept

    Ridwan Sept about 9 years ago

    I think this challenge like https://grabcad.com/challenges/the-parcel-delivery-system-challenge

    Ridwan Sept has uploaded 220 CAD models & has left 1677 comments.
  • eric

    eric about 9 years ago

    too many missing components in the files

    eric has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Ridwan Sept

    Ridwan Sept about 9 years ago

    so what the decision? extend or end?

    Ridwan Sept has uploaded 220 CAD models & has left 1677 comments.
  • Ben Ewing

    Ben Ewing about 9 years ago

    Thanks everyone. Based on all of your feedback, we have decided to continue this challenge! I will keep your suggestions regarding the timeline in mind and will let you know if we decide to make any changes. Good luck on your entries and as always, feel free to ask any questions you have!

    Ben Ewing has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 304 comments.
  • Ben Ewing

    Ben Ewing about 9 years ago

    I also want to reiterate some important details that Lenny mentioned in the comments: "The casing design shown is not the current design. it is somewhat of a place holder to give the idea of what is needed. We're looking for an innovative solution to case both configurations with as few parts as possible. We'd like the casing design to be "Slick" and maybe somewhat "automotive". Not too racy but not "Prius" either. Hope that helps!"

    Ben Ewing has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 304 comments.
  • Flaviano Crespi

    Flaviano Crespi about 9 years ago

    Thanks for the new opportunity.

    Flaviano Crespi has uploaded 339 CAD models & has left 1593 comments.
  • Ben Ewing

    Ben Ewing about 9 years ago

    We have also decided to extend the challenge deadline by 4 days. The deadline for entries is now April 17th at 11:59 UTC!

    Ben Ewing has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 304 comments.
  • #David

    #David about 9 years ago

    I was hoping for an extension, thanks! Maybe now I can get something in...if only just to impress another pretty little lady ; )

    #David has uploaded 43 CAD models & has left 335 comments.
  • #David

    #David about 9 years ago

    I just looked at the comments above and it looks like we are going to have some heavy hitters here, but an extra 7 instead of 4 days would've probably been better. In any case, this should be quite a competition over the next 10 days, I best be getting my Xeon on...

    #David has uploaded 43 CAD models & has left 335 comments.
  • boukari marwa

    boukari marwa about 9 years ago

    we can do this 2 machine in one

    boukari marwa has uploaded 6 CAD models & has left 9 comments.
  • jesse strickland

    jesse strickland about 9 years ago

    are the mechanics behind the pedals of the machine all in the step file or are there other members of the machine not shown?

    jesse strickland has uploaded 4 CAD models & has left 4 comments.
  • lenny snyderman

    lenny snyderman about 9 years ago

    Yes, all the mechanics are included in form only but nothing else will be there.

    lenny snyderman has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • lenny snyderman

    lenny snyderman about 9 years ago

    Hello everyone....we have noticed that everyone is sticking to the use of our current electronic console that was mostly used ( like the current casing) as a place holder to show that it needs a console. You are free to offer an alternative solution; especially on the recumbent. I am sure a lot of you are frustrated by the look of your design being "muddled" by that boring computer console! JUST FYI

    lenny snyderman has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • Jonathan Brazeau

    Jonathan Brazeau about 9 years ago

    should have something coming out the pipe pretty soon...I think its looking pretty awesome...has nothing to do with your original CRAPPY design either :P

    Jonathan Brazeau has uploaded 208 CAD models & has left 2147 comments.
  • Jonathan Brazeau

    Jonathan Brazeau about 9 years ago

    the files provided for this project, although nice, are extremely corrupt and difficult to work with, I'm having a hell of a time trying to delete things, save bodies etc. Every-time I try to delete one of your surfaces, the whole thing crashes. That's probably one of the reasons you didn't get a lot of turn out. I'm not even sure I'll be able to do the upright version now that I can't save any of my modeled bodies...

    Jonathan Brazeau has uploaded 208 CAD models & has left 2147 comments.
  • Ridwan Sept

    Ridwan Sept about 9 years ago

    are the "center T stabilizer" allow to be modified?

    Ridwan Sept has uploaded 220 CAD models & has left 1677 comments.
  • Ridwan Sept

    Ridwan Sept about 9 years ago

    so the main chasing feature is sheet metal (die cast or stamping)? injection plastic are not recommended?

    Ridwan Sept has uploaded 220 CAD models & has left 1677 comments.
  • Ridwan Sept

    Ridwan Sept about 9 years ago

    are we must include the attachment method for chasing or just the chasing concept surface?

    Ridwan Sept has uploaded 220 CAD models & has left 1677 comments.
  • lenny snyderman

    lenny snyderman about 9 years ago

    The main casing is Plastic injection and the attachment method should be included.

    lenny snyderman has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • Ben Ewing

    Ben Ewing about 9 years ago

    We are really excited by all of the great entries we have received thus far! I just want to remind everyone that one of the judging criteria is how many common parts the two machine casings share. As such, I strongly recommend adding a rendering to your entry that highlights which parts are shared between the two and mentioning the shared parts in your descriptions. This will help the judging process and highlight your awesome work. Good luck everyone!

    Ben Ewing has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 304 comments.
  • #David

    #David about 9 years ago

    I uploaded some updated images which will give a better idea of how my casing design entry fits onto, and secures to the 2 exercise machines...if anyone is interested that is.

    #David has uploaded 43 CAD models & has left 335 comments.
  • Ridwan Sept

    Ridwan Sept about 9 years ago

    when the finalists and winners are announced? There's listed winners at 11 May, but the deadline of this challenges are extended.

    Ridwan Sept has uploaded 220 CAD models & has left 1677 comments.
  • Ben Ewing

    Ben Ewing about 9 years ago

    Sounds great #David. The judges are definitely interested!

    Ridwan Septyawan, given the 4 day extension, we have decided to forgo announcing finalists early. That being said, we will be announcing the winners on time on May 11th!

    Thanks again for the awesome submissions, everyone.

    Ben Ewing has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 304 comments.
  • Ben Ewing

    Ben Ewing about 9 years ago

    The winners have been announced: https://grabcad.com/challenges/universal-lateral-trainer-casing-design-challenge/results. Congratulations to the winners! There were so many unique designs for this awesome challenge. To pick the winners, the judges took an in-depth look at how each entry stacked up in terms of aesthetic design, number of common parts, removability of parts for machine repair, cost of manufacturing and durability. Thank you to everyone who participated in this exciting challenge!

    Ben Ewing has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 304 comments.
  • ANOUAR BARODI

    ANOUAR BARODI about 9 years ago

    Thanks Helix & GrabCAD for this awesome challenge !!! Congrats to all the winners !!!

    ANOUAR BARODI has uploaded 98 CAD models & has left 1661 comments.
  • Ridwan Sept

    Ridwan Sept about 9 years ago

    thanks for this interesting challenge Helix & GrabCAD. Congrats #David and congrats to all winners

    Ridwan Sept has uploaded 220 CAD models & has left 1677 comments.
  • Winston Jennings

    Winston Jennings about 9 years ago

    This was an awesome challenge!!! Thank you Grabcad and Helix for my first win. Congrats to all winners and great job to all participants!

    Winston Jennings has uploaded 279 CAD models & has left 891 comments.
  • Stefan Gales

    Stefan Gales about 9 years ago

    Thank you Grabcad and Helix . Congrats to all the winners !

    Stefan Gales has uploaded 74 CAD models & has left 162 comments.
  • Cadstorming

    Cadstorming about 9 years ago

    Congrats to the winners! Thank you Grabcad and Helix for this challenge.

    Cadstorming has uploaded 38 CAD models & has left 102 comments.
  • Ali ZAHI

    Ali ZAHI about 9 years ago

    Congrats to all the winners !

    Ali ZAHI has uploaded 135 CAD models & has left 1600 comments.
  • #David

    #David about 9 years ago

    Awesome-freaking-sauce!!! Thanks Helix Co. for sponsoring the cool challenge and selecting my design as the winner. Myself and everyone else hope you've had a satisfying experience here that was well worth both your time and your money. Also best of luck with this business venture of yours and if you need anything else, please be sure to comeback to Grabcad and give us more work. Thanks again and congrats to all the winners!

    #David has uploaded 43 CAD models & has left 335 comments.
  • REDA DJABRI

    REDA DJABRI almost 9 years ago

    Congratulations to winners

    REDA DJABRI has uploaded 77 CAD models & has left 764 comments.

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  • Deadline Passed
  • Total entries 28
  • Who’s in the jury?
  • Andrew Grove
    Mechanical Engineer, Grove Mechanical Solutions
  • Lisey Good
    Director of Marketing, Helix Company
  • Ben Ewing
    Community Manager, GrabCAD
  • lenny snyderman
    CEO, Helix Company

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