A new breed : wired for success : redefining the possibilities of solar powered electric fence energizers.
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Date
2014
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
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The Author
Abstract
Gallagher, world renowned for their electric
fencing innovations, requested ways to
develop their solar powered energizer
range. The intent of this project was to
work with Gallagher product specialists
to identify key market gaps and use them
to develop a conceptual design proposal
for a new solar charged, battery powered
electric fence energizer.
Industrial design literature investigations
provided a foundation for this project and
specific methods were used to identify
and utilize key information from the
Gallagher product and energizer range
and Gallagher’s competition. Other
strategic research areas included; context
of energizer use, common energizer issues,
market gaps/opportunities, ergonomic
principles, safety aspects, manufacturing
guidelines and relevant state of the art
technologies. The core research methods
used to support the investigation and
consider industrial design and business
requirements were; market analysis,
ethnography, surveys, informal expert
interviews and focus group meetings
with Gallagher departmental managers.
Structured concept generation, test
rigs, mock-ups, models, iterated design
development and CAD renderings ensued.
A potential market gap was discovered
through these explorations where isolated
farm blocks needed electric fencing, but had
no mains power. The unit needed to be semiportable,
yet had to have the potential power
to supply the equivalent of mains powered
energizer capabilities. Solar powered
technology has widened the scope for design
to solve this scenario, which provided the
starting point for initial design concepts.
The product was required to solve issues and
objectives (functionality), be intuitive, easy
to use and practical (usability), and appeal
to the target market (desirability). The final
design proposal is a modular energizer unit
which allows the end user to customize the
system to suit their individual needs. This
investigation aimed to fulfil Gallagher’s brief
to expand their solar powered energizer
range, and uncover any other potential
product opportunities in the market.
Description
Keywords
Electric fences, Design and construction, Solar batteries, Animal management, Modular, Energizer, Solar, Desirability, Functionality, Form, Aesthetics, Usability, User experience, Branding, Ergonomics, Industrial design, Research Subject Categories::TECHNOLOGY::Electrical engineering, electronics and photonics::Other electrical engineering, electronics and photonics