My CAD Trimmer Organiser
This was one of my second independent CAD projects, in which I designed a trimmer organiser to solve a problem I encountered in my daily routine. My trimmer, guards, charging cable, and other accessories were often scattered across my desk or stored loosely in a drawer, making them difficult to find and easy to misplace. I wanted to create a dedicated organiser that would keep all components in one place while remaining compact and easy to use.
To begin the project, I gathered my trimmer, trimmer heads, guards, charging cable, cleaning brush, and oil bottle, and measured each item using a ruler. These measurements helped me determine the dimensions of every compartment so that each accessory would fit securely without wasting space. After planning the layout on paper, I recreated the design in SketchUp by first modelling the outer box and then adding internal partitions based on the measurements I had taken. I designed a long compartment for the trimmer, separate sections for the guards, and smaller compartments for the remaining accessories, ensuring that every item had its own designated place.
As this was one of my first CAD projects, I faced several challenges throughout the modelling process. Maintaining accurate dimensions, aligning the partitions, and keeping consistent wall thickness required multiple revisions. Some compartments were initially too small because I underestimated the space needed, so I had to resize and reposition them several times until all the accessories fit properly. These challenges taught me the importance of careful planning, precision, and iterative design.
Completing this project strengthened my understanding of CAD modelling, measurement-based design, and product development. More importantly, it showed me how a simple everyday problem can be solved through engineering by designing a practical and functional product.
1. Identified the Problem
I noticed that my trimmer, guards, charging cable, and other accessories were often scattered around my desk or inside a drawer. This made them difficult to organize and easy to misplace
2. Defined the Objective
I decided to design a compact organizer that could store all my trimmer accessories in one place while keeping them easily accessible.
3. Took Measurements
Before starting the CAD model, I measured the trimmer, trimmer guards, charging cable, cleaning brush, and oil bottle using a ruler. These measurements helped me determine the dimensions of each compartment.
4. Planned the Layout
I sketched a rough layout on paper and arranged the compartments according to the size and frequency of use of each accessory. My aim was to maximize storage while keeping the organizer compact.
5. Created the Base
In SketchUp, I first created the rectangular base of the organizer and set the overall dimensions based on my measurements.
6. Built the Outer Walls
I added the side walls around the base to form the main body of the organizer and established a consistent wall thickness.
7. Designed the Internal Compartments
Using the measurements I had taken, I added internal partitions to create separate compartments. I designed a long compartment for the trimmer, medium-sized compartments for the guards, and smaller sections for the charging cable, cleaning brush, and oil bottle.
8. Refined the Design
I adjusted the size and position of several compartments to improve the layout and make better use of the available space.
9. Overcame Design Challenges
As this was one of my first CAD projects, I found it difficult to keep all the partitions aligned and maintain accurate dimensions. Some compartments were initially too small, so I had to resize and remodel them several times until every accessory fit properly. This iterative process improved both the functionality and appearance of the organizer.
10. Completed the Final Model
After making the necessary adjustments, I reviewed the model from different angles, checked the proportions, and finalized the design. The finished organizer provides a dedicated space for every trimmer accessory, making storage more organized, efficient, and convenient.
