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  • Fixed price
  • Intermediate
  • Est. budget: $500.00

We are developing a V1 physical safety product for rear-loading garbage trucks and need an experienced mechanical / industrial product designer to help turn our concept into a functional, manufacturable prototype. This is a hardware product, not an AI, SaaS, or software project. The product is a manually deployable worker-zone safety arm that mounts to the rear side of a refuse truck. It folds flat against the truck while driving and swings out during collection to create a visible awareness zone around sanitation workers. The design should feel more like a rugged TV wall mount / tripod-style articulated arm than a heavy crash barrier. It needs to be lightweight, easy to deploy, easy to latch, repairable, and realistic to manufacture. Product Concept We are designing a truck-mounted safety arm with: Rear-side mounting bracket for a garbage truck Lightweight articulated arm system TV-mount / tripod-inspired geometry Manual deployment Folded / stowed position for driving Fully deployed worker-zone position Visible mechanical latches Lever / handle positions for easy use Large amber warning light Large double-sided convex mirror assembly Simple proximity sensor housing Yellow / black reflective safety panels Replaceable / sacrificial outer sections Rugged outdoor municipal-grade construction The product is not intended to stop a vehicle. It is a visibility, awareness, and warning device. Critical Mirror Requirement The mirror assembly is very important. At the end of the arm, we need a large double-sided convex mirror head. This means: Two full convex reflective mirror faces mounted back-to-back One convex mirror facing forward One convex mirror facing backward Both sides must be real reflective convex mirrors The rear side cannot be a solid back cover No flat yellow back panel No opaque plastic rear housing No one-sided mirror Each mirror face should be at least 12 inches diameter Ideally 14–18 inches diameter The side profile should show a biconvex shape, with curved mirror glass bulging outward on both sides Think of it as two round convex traffic mirrors physically mounted back-to-back inside one shared protective frame. The mirror head should be rugged, weather-resistant, replaceable, and compatible with the deployable arm. Core Mechanical Design Needs We need help designing the full mechanical system, especially: 1. Mounting System Bolt-on truck mounting bracket Rear or rear-side garbage truck mounting Reinforced but not overbuilt Designed for retrofit installation Serviceable by fleet maintenance workers 2. Articulated Arm Lightweight, rugged arm geometry TV-mount / tripod-style linkages Triangulated support members Multi-pivot layout L-shaped or wraparound deployed position Compact folded position Easy one-person manual deployment 3. Latching / Locking We need practical latch design for: Stowed position Partially opened / handling position, if useful Fully deployed position Pull-pin, spring pin, cam latch, lever latch, or similar mechanism Easy-to-see latch status Easy repair and replacement No complex electronics or motors 4. Lever / Handle Placement We need help thinking through: Where the worker grabs the product How the worker releases the stowed latch How the arm swings open How it locks into deployed position How it folds back How to avoid pinch points How to keep the motion intuitive and safe 5. End Module The end module should include: Double-sided convex mirror head Large amber warning light bar Simple proximity sensor housing Protective frame Weather-resistant wiring path for the light/sensor Replaceable parts where possible Deliverables We are looking for some or all of the following: Phase 1: Mechanical Concept Review our concept renders and requirements Propose 2–3 mechanical architecture options Recommend best arm geometry Recommend latch/lock approach Recommend lever/handle positions Identify major risks or design constraints Phase 2: CAD / Prototype Design 3D CAD assembly Individual part files Folded and deployed configurations Hinge and latch details Mirror-end module design STEP files STL files for prototype parts Basic drawings for fabricated parts Phase 3: Prototype / Manufacturing Plan Bill of materials Recommended off-the-shelf components What should be 3D printed What should be CNC’d What should be sheet metal, tube, extrusion, or welded Fastener recommendations Hinge / bushing / bearing recommendations Material recommendations Assembly notes Prototype sourcing guidance Prototype Direction We are open to a hybrid prototype using: 3D-printed housings Aluminum or steel arm members Off-the-shelf hinges, pins, latches, gas struts, or TV-mount-style components Fabricated mounting plate Off-the-shelf convex mirrors Off-the-shelf amber LED light bars Off-the-shelf proximity sensor housing or dummy housing for prototype The goal is to get to a credible functional demo prototype, not perfect mass production on day one. Design Priorities The product must be: Simple Mechanical Lightweight Durable Manually deployable Easy to latch open Easy to latch closed Easy to understand Easy to repair Rugged enough for municipal fleet use Reasonable to manufacture Compatible with rear-loading garbage trucks We want to avoid overengineering. What This Is Not This is not: An AI product A camera/computer vision system A software dashboard A robot arm A motorized arm A crash barrier A school bus stop sign copy A decorative concept only This needs to become a real, buildable prototype. Ideal Candidate You would be a strong fit if you have experience with: Mechanical product design Industrial design Vehicle-mounted hardware Articulated arms TV mounts Tripod mechanisms Latches and locking pins Hinges and pivot joints Gas struts / assisted deployment Outdoor equipment 3D printing for functional prototypes Sheet metal / CNC / welded assemblies Design for manufacturing SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, Inventor, or similar Bonus if you have designed: Truck accessories Municipal equipment Safety equipment Construction equipment Roadside work-zone products Rugged outdoor hardware What We Will Provide We can provide: Product concept renders Rough sketches Use-case explanation Desired folded/deployed behavior Truck mounting context Mirror requirement details Notes from field conversations with public works / sanitation workers First Milestone For the first milestone, we want: Review the concept and requirements Identify the best mechanical architecture Propose latch and lever placement Sketch or rough CAD the preferred direction Recommend the prototype build approach Identify off-the-shelf components we can use immediately Please include your recommended first milestone, timeline, and cost in your proposal. Screening Questions Have you designed an articulated arm, TV mount, tripod mechanism, latch system, or similar product before? Please share examples. What CAD software do you use? How would you approach a manually deployed arm that needs to lock in both stowed and deployed positions? What latch or locking mechanism would you initially consider? How would you design the double-sided convex mirror head so both sides are real mirrors? Would you recommend 3D printing, CNC, sheet metal, welded tube, aluminum extrusion, or a hybrid prototype? Can you help create files ready for prototype manufacturing? Do you have experience with outdoor, vehicle-mounted, or industrial hardware? Budget Open to hourly or fixed-price. We prefer starting with a focused mechanical design sprint, then moving into detailed CAD and prototype manufacturing support if the first milestone goes well.

  • Fixed price
  • Intermediate
  • Est. budget: $20.00

I am an inventor seeking a friendly, independent freelancer to create a hand-drawn product concept sketch for a children's support unit. The ideal candidate will have experience in product design and sketching, with a keen eye for detail and creativity. This part-time project requires intermediate proficiency and offers a flexible schedule.

  • Hourly
  • Intermediate
  • Est. time: 1 to 3 months, Hours to be determined

I'm looking for a mechanical engineer or CAD designer to assist with the development of a consumer product concept. The project involves a relatively simple mechanical product and does not require electronics, software, or electrical engineering. I'm seeking someone with experience in CAD modeling, mechanical design, and prototype development who can not only create CAD drawings but also provide design recommendations and engineering feedback throughout the process. The ideal candidate will have experience with SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar CAD software and be comfortable discussing design concepts through a video call. At this stage, I prefer not to publicly disclose specific details of the product, but I am happy to discuss the project further with qualified candidates. If you have experience designing physical products, mechanical assemblies, mounts, accessories, or similar consumer products, I would love to hear from you and review examples of your work.

  • Fixed price
  • Expert
  • Est. budget: $250.00

I am seeking a product designer with strong CAD experience to help develop a novel consumer accessory concept. The project involves evaluating product architecture, developing manufacturable design concepts, and creating initial CAD models suitable for prototyping and manufacturing discussions. The product concept will be shared only with shortlisted candidates. Ideal candidates have experience with consumer products, accessories, injection-molded products, and bringing new physical products from concept to prototype. Deliverables: - Product architecture recommendation - Mounting system recommendation - Folding mechanism recommendation - Rough manufacturing cost estimate - Initial CAD assembly - STEP files - Basic renders

  • Hourly
  • Intermediate
  • Est. time: 1 to 3 months, Less than 30 hrs/week

We are seeking a skilled packaging designer to create visually appealing and functional packaging for our new product launch. The ideal candidate will have experience in designing packaging that aligns with brand identity and enhances product appeal. Responsibilities include creating mockups, collaborating with our team, and ensuring designs meet production standards. If you have a passion for packaging design and a keen eye for detail, we would love to hear from you!

  • Hourly: $70.00 - $80.00
  • Intermediate
  • Est. time: 1 to 3 months, Less than 30 hrs/week

We are seeking a U.S. based product designer (UI/UX) to develop a comprehensive design system and primary screen mocks for an iOS app. Ideally, you have experience designing for iOS professionally, and/or have a portfolio containing mobile app concepts. In your proposal, please provide a link to your portfolio as well as any relevant context regarding any of the concepts you've created. Additionally, please provide your general availability for a Zoom call to chat and discuss the project. Thanks in advance for your time!

  • Fixed price
  • Intermediate
  • Est. budget: $600.00

**Title:** Packaging Engineering / Industrial Design Project I'm looking for a Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, or Product Design student (or recent graduate) to help prepare an existing packaging concept for manufacturing. The concept and overall design are already completed. I'm looking for someone to help with the engineering and structural design needed to make it production-ready. The project includes: * Reviewing the current design * Improving the structural design where needed * Creating 3D CAD models * Designing parts that can be manufactured * Preparing production drawings and manufacturer-ready files * Assisting with prototype development Ideal experience: * Structural packaging * Rigid box design * Product design * CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, ArtiosCAD, Rhino, or similar) This is a paid freelance project. An NDA and Independent Contractor Agreement must be signed before work begins. Please include: * Portfolio * Experience * Estimated project cost or hourly rate

  • Fixed price
  • Expert
  • Est. budget: $1,000.00

We are looking for an experienced Product Designer / CAD Engineer to develop a custom cup holder and utility table system for a vehicle interior. This is not a simple "copy an existing design" project. We are looking for someone who can bring ideas to the table, challenge assumptions, improve existing concepts, and help create a product that looks OEM-quality, functions exceptionally well, and is ready for manufacturing. ### What We're Looking For * Strong CAD and product design skills * Experience designing automotive, camper van, marine, or similar products * Knowledge of design for 3D printing, CNC machining, and production manufacturing * Strong understanding of ergonomics, usability, and real-world product development * Ability to develop original concepts, not just modify existing designs * Excellent communication skills and reliability are a MUST ### Communication & Responsibility Expectations Communication is extremely important for this project. In previous projects, we encountered delays caused by poor communication and a lack of progress updates. To avoid that situation, we are specifically looking for someone who is professional, responsive, and proactive throughout the entire design process. We are looking for someone who: * Provides regular progress updates * Communicates proactively when challenges arise * Meets agreed milestones and deadlines * Is responsive and professional throughout the project * Takes ownership of the design process and contributes ideas If you tend to disappear for days without updates or require constant follow-up, this project is probably not a good fit. ### Project Goals Potential features include: * Larger cup holders for Yeti-style bottles and Big Gulp cups * Modular tabletop solution * Complete replacement design or insert-style solution * Improved functionality, durability, and OEM-style appearance * Design optimized for 3D printing and production We welcome creative ideas and alternative design approaches if they result in a better final product. ### Deliverables * Concept sketches and/or renders * Production-ready CAD files * Prototype-ready files * Manufacturing recommendations * Design rationale explaining key design decisions ### To Apply Please include: * Portfolio of relevant projects * Examples of products you designed from concept to production * Estimated timeline and budget (project is ready to start immediately) * CAD software used (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, etc.) This project may lead to a long-term collaboration on additional automotive accessory products with the right designer, and potentially a full-time position.

  • Hourly: $33.00 - $60.00
  • Intermediate
  • Est. time: 1 to 3 months, Less than 30 hrs/week

I have drawings which specify product dimensions, as well as renderings (in photoshop and jpgs) of the product for you to work from. It's a complex device but I don't need a functioning prototype, only an aesthetic one. The prototype needs to be created by using 3D files to 3D print the device in pieces or sections, which will need to be assembled to create the finished product. The stretch goal is to build in some basic mechanical functionality (if possible) - details to be provided. I will be using this proto for presentations, so it will need to look like the real thing.

  • Hourly: $35.00 - $65.00
  • Intermediate
  • Est. time: 1 to 3 months, Less than 30 hrs/week

I'm looking for a mechanical design engineer to re-engineer a sealed electromechanical enclosure from a working prototype toward a manufacturable, low-rate production design. The unit is part of a portable, ruggedized product that operates in a wet/marine environment, so waterproofing, structural integrity, and design-for-manufacture are central to the work. The scope covers refining a retraction mechanism, a structural cover, a sealed seam, and the internal sealing scheme — with the goal of improving functionality and producibility while documenting how each part is made and assembled. Deliverables are an updated design package and a manufacturing methodology, including a sourced bill of materials. This is a focused, roughly one-month effort. The ideal candidate has: - Strong mechanical design experience taking products from prototype to production - Experience with sealing, gaskets, and ingress protection (IP ratings) for harsh or wet environments - Comfort with structural load analysis (hand calcs and/or FEA) - Working knowledge of design-for-manufacture and -assembly at low volumes - Proficiency in parametric CAD (we use OnShape)

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