Rob Mohr Portfolio September 7

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Introduction Grab Your Favorite Cup of Coffee… After coming across a news article about coffee Critically, I knew reaching such a high level shop rickshaws I was surprised—but also of independence would involve a design with skeptical of their feasibility after having designed substantially more room below the counter, an in college a trailer to sell coffee. innovative coffee maker for the U.S market and a protective awning that was more than just for Annoyed with the news article, I began to pick aesthetics, etc. apart the rickshaws. The first thing I noticed was the lack of space and apparent health code Ultimately, I knew Velspresso’s key business violations that made these coffee shop rickshaws case should involve turnover of up to $600 in most impractical—if not illegal. However, I drink sales per day before needing support concluded there was no reason this had to be and replenishment—all on a build out budget the case and, newly motivated, sketched a of $3,500. number of improved designs. This is how Velspresso started… With coffee in hand… This portfolio showcases Velspresso’s design elements and key features I knew first-hand that for a coffee shop that meet the business requirements and real rickshaw to be successful it would require one- needs of a successful coffee shop rickshaw person operation and self-sufficiency for as business. I also share first-hand insight into long as possible before needing support and my design process as well as key projects that replenishment. helped me learn the skills needed to arrive with the Velspresso coffee rickshaw. Cheers!2

SPACE SAVINGDrive SystemCommercially Available Rickshaws Overall Drive SystemWaste Critical SpaceLarge 26’ wheels, center-axle-mounted disc brake A Offset Chain Drivetrain: Chainsassemblies and drive chains running down the travel along the sides rather thancenter a central axle leave the lowest storage point straight down the center to an axleat about 18” off the ground. freeing up the central space. C B Disk Brake: A brake on each wheel D frees up the central space where most rickshaws put the disk brake. B AE C 20” Wheel: A smaller wheel offers additional space for chill drawers and a lower maximum height. Wheel uses quick release for ease of change in case of a flat. D Single-Wheel Drive: Single wheel propulsion provides reduced drivetrain complexity, weight and footprint. E 8-Speed Derailer: Gear range maxes at approximately 10 mph at 100 rpm and approximately 1 mph at 60 rpm up inclines.44% Increase in Vertical Space with Drive System Re-designThis space saving and light weight drive system allowsfor a larger variety of offerings, a longer day beforeneeding support and, in the end—more profit potential.Velspresso Recaptures Integrated Power Assist Power assist integratedCritical Space to into the drivetrain using custom-milled bracketsBoost Its Competitive and tension system allows for a designed speed ofAdvantage 6 mph while fully loaded.An indirect drive systemand disc brake at the Lightweight Flooringwheel provide a 44% & Fendersincrease in vertical space Thin aluminum flooring andallowing Velspresso to fenders keep overall weighteasily support an ice down and the elementsbin, cold storage and a out.coffee maker—as well ashold more supplies thancompetitors. 3

FULLY AUTONOMOUSMobile Plumbing System Plumbing Self-Sufficiency With five sources drawing water and two drains, Velspresso operates with little difference from traditional coffee shops— just on the go! Fresh Water: Velspresso uses two 10-gallon fresh water tanks for 6 hour of operations and $600 in targeted drinks sales. Water pump: A 12-volt RV water pump supplies water on demand. Wastewater is collected in a 16-gallon tank— enough for a whole day and to meet typical health code requirements.MULTIPLE ONBOARDPower SystemsVelspresso Runs in Any PowerConstraintSEPERATE ..UNDER Whetherpowering off the mains, just with batteries, runningwhile charging batteries or just batteries alone—Velspresso is designed to accommodate nearly anyvending situation for almost any length of time.9 Electrical Power SystemsHot Swappable Batteries: Velspresso’s batteriescan be changed without interrupting service and cancharge while in operation or while on the mains.24-Volt Power Assist: Runs on two 12-volt batteriesin series.110-Voltage AC: Powers the coffee grinder, coffeemaker and other systems; it comes from a pure signinverter running off of two 12-volt batteries in parallel.4

ERGONOMICChilled Drawers Chilled Drawers Save Space, Time & Energy Common practice is to store milk in an under-the-counter cooler or cabinet. This is less ergonomic and requires lifting further distances. Additionally, most food carts place the ice bin on the counter taking up valuable space. To save space, hasten drink preparation and reduce fatigue, Velspresso uses well-placed and efficient chilled drawers for milk and Ice.HEAT EXCHANGERHot Water HeaterHeat Exchanger Hot Water The first attempt placed theHeater: Captures excess tubing between the burnerheat escaping the pressure and pressure vessel; how-vessel/burner. Provides hot ever, this created too muchwater for the hand wash sink. pressure in the line causing leaks at the fittings. MovingSave Space, Time, Money the tubing into the exhaust& Weight: 20 feet of 1⁄4-inch created balanced resultsdiameter copper tubing is while still meeting healthused to absorb excess heat codes.from the espresso machine. 5

FIRST OF ITS KIND Optional Electric / Propane orPropane Coffee Maker Hybrid -Powered Coffee Maker A Off-mains Flexibility Provides DripB Coffee, Hot Water & Tea A Remote Electric Ignition: Allows coffee maker to be at temperature prior to start of day. B Customized Propane Burner: Outputs approximately 7,000 BTUs and is equal to the approximate net heat output. C Pulsating Brew Cycle: Uses an Arduino to control the brew cycle as a necessary change to be mobile. D Customized Gaskets: Prevent spillage of hot water when moving. Water levels required lowering and a custom laser cut gasket was made from premade gasket material. E Exhaust Flue: Transfers heat as the flame and exhaust gasses travel the length of the water chamber. A one-inch diameter was chosen matching the required energy output and maxi- mizing energy absorption and efficiency.This one-of-a-kind coffee maker con- Everted from an electric unit maintains Dfull functionality with the conversion topropane provides on-demand hot water Cfor coffee and tea from a mobile plat-form.The process to convert the unit startedwith research of propane applianceslike water heaters, pressure washers,stoves, etc.Two key ideas surfaced on where to po-sition the burner to heat the reservoir:1. Position the burner directly under thewater reservoir (similar to a pot on a stovetop), or2. Direct the burner vertically up a steeltube (flue) running through the water res-ervoir (similar to a water heater). 6

PROPANE CONVERTEDEspresso MachineAdditionally, knowing a regulator from a propane With a prototype burner ready, testing began onRV heater would be used and the need to come the simpler of the two ideas, e.g. positioning theclose to the existing 1,800-watt output (about burner directly under the water reservoir; however,6,000 BTUs), research was stared on pipe burners this resulted in too much waste heat.including the size of orifices, shafts, etc. as well asventre design. Subsequent testing used the later idea, e.g. di- rect the burner vertically up a steel tube runningThe need to move the controls out of heat’s way through the water reservoir, with a 1-inch stainlessand in some cases insulate them also became ap- tube welded through the water reservoir and outparent. Subsequently, the burner mount, controls the top allowing the flame to burn through.mount, and gas and water inputs to the machinewere designed with their controls moved out of With multiple revisions to the burner design—in-heat’s way or insulated. cluding a new orifice size putting out a maximum of 9,000 BTUs as well as an adjustable ventre and a narrow flange, the burner burned efficiently through the flue and heated the water nearly as fast as the electric version. Volumetric Controls Maintained for That Perfect Pull of Espresso Velspresso’s espresso machine maintains all the characteristics and features of a modern machine through heating with propane and operation of controls through the VAC system. 7

LIGHT WEIGHTProtective Extendable Awning Awning for Any Weather, Location or Storage Environment Extendable Awning: Expands on the customer and service ends by almost three feet. Tall Customer Side: Covers people of almost any height—no more ducking under an awning to talk with the barista. Shaded Menus: Positioned under the awning enjoy reduced glare when reading. Accent Lighting: Illuminates the awning for working after dark. A-symmetric Awning: Invites and welcomes customers with its clear customer side and more open inviting shape. Corrugated Roofing: Provides a rustic look and is light in weight. Aluminum Frame: Light enough for one operator to raise or lower the awning. Vertical Collapse: Allows the whole awning to move down in case of high wind, to move inside of buildings or for compact storage. Most rickshaw or food cart awnings cover little more than the actual cart surface. Velspresso’s awning extends far for protection from the elements for both the customer and the barista. It is lightweight and collapses for compact storage.8

Other Projects Wine Rack Unique & Simple Design/Compact & Versatile in Size Though deceptive at first, wracked-wine bottles still have their corks fully covered proving for a very traditional look.Work BenchThe King of WorkbenchesVelspresso’s 3-piece design features an adjustable lower shelf,adjustable feet for ease of leveling and a single large storagedrawer. It also comes apart completely for transporting and ease20-Amp Service: Outlets are positioned on both sides of thebench.Reinforced Top-Front Corner: A vice can be mounted to the fullframe -not just the top board.Cargo Bicycle Trailer 25% Lighter Than Cargo Trailers of Comparable SizeBelow-the-Bed Wheels Eliminate a Key Competitor Constraint Adjustable Tongue:Competitor designs typically have wheels protruding above the bed and/or Adjusts 1.5 feet.from the sides. Consequently, loads must fit between the wheels potentially Adjustable Wheel Base:reducing cargo capacity. Moves one foot each direction.Velspresso’s design maximizes cargo capacity by freeing up the entire inside 9dimension of the bed for cargo—enough to carry a couch or even a fridge!Trailer Stays Level Regardless of Bicycle SizeThe trailer stays level with a swivel of the hitch—up for road bikesand down for mountain bikes.

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Looking back, my entire life has revolvedaround my passion for design as it impactsproblem solving, functionality, aestheticsand most importantly—the bottom line.From my architectural forays designing a three-levelfort as a child, to my mobile bicycle repair service asa teenager, to starting a window cleaning service andfinally designing a mobile coffee shop rickshaw—I am an entrepreneur who has design at his core.Velspresso, my bicycle-transported coffee shopremains my largest project to date to enter theMilwaukee Makerspace—and one still referenced ontours years later. That experience helped me realizeI have more than a passion, but a true ability for realworld design.Although my career path has been non-traditional,it has led me to realize my true strength is helpingbusinesses arrive at the best blend of form andfunction—a blend that positively and robustlyimpacts clients and their bottom line. 11

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