Salvation from above: A new perspective on power supply in cafés

Cafés are more than just places for coffee and cake - they are also workplaces for mobile workers and students or the waiting area till the next train arrives. But what is often missing today is a reliable charging option for laptops, tablets and smartphones. In cooperation with PROTIQ, Lasse Kumm, Industrial Design student at the University of Wuppertal, has developed a solution that combines aesthetics and functionality: a stylish lamp that doubles as a power socket and bears the melodious name "Boon" (Dutch for coffee bean).

The use case: Innovative design meets practical application

Good design should not only be beautiful to look at, but also solve a problem. The aim of this project was therefore to develop an optimised power supply for cafés that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. "The greatest difficulty was to design the interior architecture in such a way that all the planned parts would fit in it, the assembly effort would be kept within limits, the product would be resistant to external influences, it would remain manufacturable and it would retain its simple character," explains Lasse Kumm. Instead of sockets on the walls or under the tables, the innovative design allows them to hang from the ceiling together with lamps as one unit.

Technical challenges

The design of this product was about more than just aesthetic design. The model consists of four main parts: Two hemispheres, a basic housing and a can insert. The first prototypes were made using the SLS process from PA 12, a material known for its robustness and durability. The parts were then sanded and painted to refine the appearance and apply lettering.

What is Selective Laser Sintering?

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a 3D printing process that is characterised by its precision and versatility. It enables the production of components with complex geometries and is therefore ideal for projects that place high demands on design and functionality.

Learn more about the SLS process here >

Exhibition and feedback

The model was presented at a two-day exhibition at the University of Wuppertal at the beginning of September and aroused great interest there. Kumm reports: "Already during the set-up, I was approached by someone who immediately realised how complex the construction of the product was. In the course of the exhibition, many people stopped in front of my project and were delighted by the simple pulley function."

And what happens next?

After the positive feedback and the successful presentation, "Boon" still faces some challenges, but above all exciting possibilities. Particularly interesting, for example, is the consideration of not only offering the model for cafés, but also adapting it for private use.

Photos, graphics and project: © Lasse Kumm