ANNA MATOSOVA

Challenge

Design of a series of small GPS trackers for different kinds of bikes, but also other vehicles and other precious objects, that work with an integrated SIM-card with long-lasting battery life (up to 6 months).

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The design research started with the careful analysis of conditions of use to identify potential problems.

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Reduced dimensions

The main difficulty for bike devices is the extremely reduced internal dimensions of bike components. As the GPS tracker should have been invisible from outside, it was installed inside the frame of the bike. In this way it is difficult to detect the presence of the device, and to dismount it. Another difficulty was finding a way to lock the device inside the bar.

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Antenna signals

Common materials of bike components, like metal or carbon, are not transparent for all kinds of antennas used, and electromagnetic radiation does not pass through the bike frame.

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Extreme conditions of use

The GPS tracker is supposed to be used in conditions like high vibration, high/low temperatures, humidity.

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Battery charging

How to place and hide the USB port without reducing usability, without removal of the tracker.

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Outcome

I worked closely with KMB’s engineers to hit their desired specifications for better performing products. I developed several fully functioning prototypes to test and validate their technology.

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3 different trackers were developed for specific use:

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Top cap

This device was designed for internal installation on mountain and road bikes. The device is mounted inside a front fork tube to hide and protect from external access. Antennas are located as close as possible to the bar end on the top. A USB port on the top allows charging of the device without removal. A fixation mechanism secures installation and makes it difficult to access the tracking device without a special tool. Once installed, the tracker is covered by a plastic cover similar to typical fork caps (stem cover).