Showcase: Exodus & CAT Machines
The Exodus MX447 and the Caterpillar MH3049 are prime examples of the transformative power of industrial design, particularly when applied from a project’s inception through the final stages of development.
Design Eye Q was approached by the leaders of Exodus Machines back in 2007. The Exodus team wanted to create a wheeled material handler with more style and substance than the industry’s standard machine. Inspired in part by the sophistication of Cadillac’s “Art & Science” design language, Ray, along with Exodus co-owner Bruce Bacon and two engineers, successfully designed the Exodus MX447.
Cadillac CTS-V. One of the first expressions of “Art & Science Design language”
There are three specific design features that Ray and his colleagues addressed:
How can we capture the Cadillac styling? The answer: use fiberglass. But how could one use fiberglass on a large material handler without shattering the body? To address this problem, Design EyeQ identified the areas of the machine most susceptible to damage. These areas were armored with metal, but much of the rest of the machine was built using fiberglass, a material that allowed for more design innovations.
How can we maximize their cooling efficiency? Material handlers move an enormous amount of air through their engines. Ray and the team assessed the airflow of industry-standard machines and found the intake design had machines inhaling all the dirt and dust being kicked up around the exhaust. The team’s design solution was extremely effective: they separated the two cooling elements by “poking a hole” in the counterweight for the exhaust and moving the intake to the front of the machine, specifically in the stair risers. Not only did the machine run much cooler, but much cleaner as well -- the air filter required less maintenance than the industry standard machine.
Visibility and comfort? The Exodus’s cab was given equal treatment in both styling and usability. The cab was expressively styled similarly to the body in fiberglass and armor where needed. A large forward hinging door allows for excellent entry and exit characteristics. A seamless windshield curved vertically allows for unobstructed views of the work area for safe are operation and efficient workflows.
After the Exodus MX447 was exhibited, Caterpillar became interested in a merger. Ray then worked with Exodus and Caterpillar to design the Caterpillar MH3049 using many of the same principles as the Exodus MX447.
After working with Design EyeQ on the Exodus MX447, co-owner Bruce Bacon has this to say:
“In this process, it was evident that Ray Mattison was a creative force, who listened, understood, and translated verbal and roughed ideas and intentions into a computer rendering and final product that achieved our goals. The timeline was held, and Ray contributed many insights and methods that our team had not considered.
As you likely know, this ability is very difficult to find. Let alone execute with an appreciation for budgets, manufacturing capabilities, and time restrictions all part of the success story. I cannot place any higher compliment than to say, they are ‘the best’ at what they do. Beautiful, well-thought-out design. They are a high value add and time saver for any project. If you have ever seen any of Ray’s designs, you know the exceptional quality and creative capability.”
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“Beautiful, well-thought-out design.” That is the work we do at Design EyeQ. Contact us to learn more about what we can do to help your company craft bespoke products.