A novel, easy-to-clean protein shaker

Abstract

The goal on this thesis project was to develop a novel, easy-clean protein shaker. Protein shakers are used to contain and mix protein supplementation powder and water or liquid of the user's choice. Due to the nature of products within the fitness theme, shakers should be easy to use and low maintenance. Significant problems with current protein shakers are bacteria build-up in hard-to-reach places, low quality seals, mouthpiece caps separating from the shaker, and unsatisfactory mixing. Therefore, the goal of this project was to design and prototype a protein shaker that would be easy to clean, preventing unnecessary bacteria build-up in hard-to-reach locations in the shaker. In order to identify the needs of shaker users, an investigation into what current shaker users believed important in a product was conducted. A new design that eliminated all corners and crevasses was proposed and a prototype was constructed using rapid prototyping technology. The prototype provided further insight to additional improvements that could be made to the design. The goal of being easy to clean was successfully achieved.