IMLP Studio

2025-04-12

Tibetan Smacker — Smart Tibetan Bowl Striker

Ancient ritual, modern consistency — calm on tap without screens or fuss.

Smart striker prototype with Tibetan bowl

ROLE

Needfinding → storyboards → electronics (ESP32) → mechanism → CAD/DFM.

Product Design / Engineering / CAD / Firmware / PM

NEEDFINDING

People want a sensory, ritual-based practice—without screens—yet struggle to keep it consistent. Bowls sound beautiful, but require technique and habit.

User interviews & notes
FIG. 1 Interviews → desire for ritual & consistency.
Bowl resonance mapping
FIG. 2 Mapping attack/dwell/decay for tone repeatability.

IDEATION

Explored pendulum vs. rotary strikers, offset mass for effortless tone, and a sensor/haptic pod for cadence guidance without screens.

Mechanism sketches
FIG. 3 Mechanism sketches.
Offset mass studies
FIG. 4 Offset mass studies.
Sensor + haptics packaging
FIG. 5 Sensor + haptics packaging.

STORYBOARDING

Set time → device strikes/spins → bowl sings → habit forms. Haptics cue cadence; LEDs confirm tone quality.

Ritual storyboard

ELECTRONICS

ESP32 core; LiPo + TP4057 charging; motor/driver for strike/rotation; IMU + force sensing; BLE logging; haptics for feedback.

PCB & wiringHaptic driver tests

MECHANICAL

Compact housing, striker arm geometry for clear attack; interchangeable tips (felt/wood) for tone tuning.

Mechanical assembly

PROTOTYPING

3D prints → bench rigs → bowl sessions. Iterated on striker velocity, noise, and resonance quality.

Prototype lineup

BOM

ESP32, motor+gearbox, driver IC, LiPo (150–500 mAh), TP4057 charger, PLA housing, fasteners, striker tips. Target: <$40 prototype / <$20 scaled.

MANUFACTURING

Snap-fit + minimal screws; off-the-shelf electronics; path to injection molding for enclosure.

RELIABILITY

Motor life/battery cycles tested; enclosure designed for easy cell replacement and heat dissipation.

BUSINESS

Segment: wellness/meditation/yoga. Positioning: “Ancient ritual, modern consistency.” GTM: crowdfunding, studio partnerships, influencer storytelling.

OUTCOMES

Working prototype that reliably strikes/spins; balanced desirability with feasibility; clear path to a manufacturable unit.

NEXT STEPS

Quieter drive + smoother resonance; user testing for ritual adoption; crowdfunding kit with visuals, BOM, and plan.