The Root: Self-Burrowing Spike
Fall 2024: Student Project
Skills: CAD, Fabrication
Project Overview
In Fall 2024, our team was challenged to design a product inspired by the theme “Sand, Sea, and Sun.” Through extensive brainstorming and iteration, we created The Root — a self-burrowing spike that anchors securely into the sand and supports modular attachments, including a table surface and speaker mount.
Paint Point:
Keeping belongings out of sand while at the beach
Design Considerations:
Stability, portability, waterproof, sand resistant mechanisms
Self Burrowing sand spike with table and speaker attachments
Solution:
Automated Drilling
Effortlessly drill into sand with a motorized spike system that saves time and eliminates manual effort. Perfect for securely anchoring beach accessories in seconds.
Locking Mechanism
Easily attach and secure beach accessories such as umbrellas, tables, or speakers using our versatile mounting connector. Designed for a seamless beach experience.
App Controlled LEDs
Control LED lighting modes via a mobile app for different occasions: Party, Relax, UV Index, or Off. Set the mood or display critical beach information with a tap.
Ideation
Brainstorming + Design
The path to creating this product was incredibly circuitous. It began with a group brainstorming session in which we used a SPRINT method to come up with and vote on ideas. The sand spike was selected, and the team began to explore various form ideas. We filled up a LOT of whiteboards.
As the concept evolved, the design shifted from a cylindrical body that burrowed with the spike to a rectangular box that rested on the sand’s surface. After each prototype, the team gathered to evaluate results, recording what worked well and what needed to change. This cycle of prototyping and reflection guided us toward the final form.
Prototype
To get an idea of the shape and scale, I used a paper towel roll, a DC motor, and some other parts lying around the shop to create a concept model of the Root. The speed of the “spike” was controlled by a potentiometer and powered using a 9V battery.
The first prototype was built to scale and incorporated additional electronic components, including a light sensor near the top of the device to ensure the spike stopped digging once it reached the proper depth.
The second prototype began to resemble our final design. Acrylic panels were mounted to L-brackets, which also supported a large lithium-ion battery, a waterproof box of electronics, and a high-torque motor.
Concept
First Prototype
Second Prototype
Build
I created a 30+ piece CAD assembly of the Root. The sketches of the panels were exported to an Adobe Illustrator file and used to laser cut the panels, ensuring a perfect fit. The motor mount, battery holder, electronics holder, top piece, and difuser were 3D printed.
CAD
Fabrication
Mechanical Parts
The motor mount, electronics holder, battery holder, and top were printed on a Bambu printer at 80% infill.
Threaded inserts were heat sunk into the top piece and L brackets were used to attach the top to the aluminum 8020.
The wooden panels were laser cut and painted before they were mounted to the 8020.
The clear light diffusers were printed on a Bambu printer with 5% infill.
Electronics
10V DC motor was attached to the gearbox of a drill to provide the torque necessary to screw into the sand.
ESP32 microcontroller was used to connect the mobile app to Bluetooth.
Motor controller was used to regulate the speed of the screw.
LED matrix
Final Product
The Root is a self-burrowing spike that anchors securely into the sand, transforming into a stable base for modular attachments like a table surface and speaker. Its rectangular housing stabilizes the spike above ground while keeping accessories level, eliminating the frustration of wobbly beach setups. By combining simple mechanics with playful functionality, The Root delivers on the “Sand, Sea, and Sun” theme, making beach days more relaxed, social, and fun.
Features:
Self-burrowing sand anchor
Stable rectangular housing
Modular table and speaker attachments
* AI visualization tools were used to enhance rendered presentation images. All concepts, prototypes, and design intent are my own.