BOSCH KNOCKER
A rafter-finder for solar panel installers.
With solar energy becoming more available to the public, many contractors are switching from framing or typical electrical work to becoming solar panel installers. This is a very new field that has created an array of new challenges for users.
Design Opportunities.
Professional solar panel installers must bolt the solar panels into the rafters of a roof. In the beginning of a job, installers must map out and mark the rafters. There is currently no cost effective tool that can locate the rafters other then manually banging a hammer all over the roof.
The method is time consuming, taking 25% of total time in the entire install, and nothing can start on the roof until this task is complete.
Stud finders do not work on roofs.
There are many reasons stud finders do not work on roofs. For one, the amount of nails used will set off false reads across the whole roof. Stud Finders also need a flat surface to read correctly, there are no roofs that are perfectly flat. Lastly, roofs are comprised of many layers, which for most stud finders, are too much to handle. There are stud finders that use sonar and can see through walls, but they will set you back thousands of dollars.
The Brand.
Bosch develops many tools that are specific to a particular task or trade. The company has a strong portfolio of measuring and leveling devices that are both accurate and strong enough to deal with the abuse that comes with construction work. It is a brand that is trusted by professionals worldwide.
Ideation.
My tool will use a hammer to “knock” around and sense where the rafter is using sound. For my inspiration, I looked at oscillating tools, like a jigsaw.
Model Making.
I created foam models to get a better sense of scale and to develop the product both aesthetically and ergonomically.
A Rafter Finder.
For my final concept, I designed the tool to easily roll on a roof and mark the rafters using a standard spray chalk can.
