snap-on heavy duty jump pack
Snap-on is a global company that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of automotive and industrial tools for professional mechanics and technicians. Snap-on was looking to expand their line of battery maintenance products, and they set their sites on the emerging portable jump starter category.
When a car battery loses its charge and does not have the power to start the vehicle, the battery can jump started a few different ways, such as with a charged battery alone or in another vehicle (with jumper cables) or a jump starter. Jump packs are convenient as they are relatively light weight and portable with no need to be plugged into a wall outlet if the batteries in the jump starter are charged.
Snap-on turned to Schumacher Corporation to collaborate on the project. Schumacher is a successful manufacturer with a broad line of battery charging and maintenance equipment. Snap-on looked to Schumacher to manufacture the new jump pack, and Design Integrity was retained to lead the industrial design effort along with the mechanical design-for-manufacturing aspects of the project.
Challenge
Snap-on has high standards for product quality, durability, and reliability, and their warranty periods set the standards, as well. Snap-on products are used in tough environments, and their product specifications demand products that last and satisfy their end customers.
The goals for the Snap-on Jump Pack included tough durability requirements, and the external housings needed to be rugged and impact resistant. The internal components had to withstand vibration, shock from drops, and a wide temperature range, as well. In addition, the user interface, controls, and cable mounting details had to be easy and intuitive to utilize.
Solution
Our team worked out an industrial design direction that included a durable, injection-molded plastic housing that provided the necessary strength and toughness for the application. The user interface was designed with simple controls with large icons and font sizes.
The cable wrapping and securing method was simple, easy for new users to figure out, and secure. A soft-touch, over-molded grip was added to the underside of the handle for comfort and security.
The aesthetic design reinforced Snap-on’s brand image and design language with a blend of ruggedness with modern stylistic elements. The outer surfaces were designed smooth for ease of cleaning in the rugged garage environment.
SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH
Snap-on was able to add an innovative, new product to their battery maintenance line in a relatively fast timeframe due to the extensive category knowledge and technologies available from their production supplier, Schumacher Corporation.
Our team at Design Integrity brought expansive knowledge of the automotive diagnostics and repair industry to the table, as well. The result of this three-way collaborative effort was a successful new product line that has performed outstandingly well in the marketplace.
Product Features
The Snap-on Jump Pack includes the following features and benefits:
- 4500 Peak / 500 Cranking Amps / 415 Cold Cranking Amps
- Two high-output AGM batteries
- Smart multi-function display indicates internal and vehicle battery status
- Audio warning if clamps are connected in reverse
- On/Off power switch disconnects clamps from internal battery to prevent accidental sparking
- Tough 2-gauge cables are 60” long for hard-to-reach batteries
- Corrosion-proof case that work in vertical or horizontal positions
- Protective side caps protect vehicle fenders when moving around vehicles
- 3-Amp automatic charging when plugged into an outlet or extension cord
- 12-Volt DC power outlet for 12 volt devices and for recharging in-vehicle
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