From idea to product: The TEMO·450 prototype

Once the design draft for the TEMO·450, the new-generation dinghy motor, was initiated, it was necessary to evaluate the feasibility of the concept. Several studies and models were created to arrive at a prototype - also known as a demonstrator.

For this entire research and development phase, Alexandre SEUX, the founder of TEMO, called upon a mechatronics design office - CIMTECH in Rennes - and one of its chief engineers, Pierre Degremont.

Hello Pierre, how would you define your profession?

As a design office engineer, my role in the TEMO adventure was primarily to help TEMO validate the initial idea, then turn it into a functional and reliable product.

When you want to bring a new product to market, you need both technical, methodological, and functional skills to find the most suitable solutions for its design. A design office allows for this global vision and validates the product's development step by step.

What were the main phases of prototype manufacturing?

For its development, the TEMO·450 required the creation of several very well-developed models, with precise study phases.

The goal was to learn from each of them and gradually define all the specific features of the electro-portable thruster.

Premier test de prototype du moteur électrique TEMO·450

The year of research and development was divided into several phases.

The concept validation, with the manufacturing of several models testing essential principles and components
The design and manufacturing of a complete functional prototype replicating the design in real size. It integrates technical functions: waterproofing, choice of motor, battery, and electronic board
The optimization with very precise studies concerning thrust, the most suitable materials, hydrodynamics, autonomy, and manufacturing constraints

Test de fonctionnement du prototype TEMO·450

While the exterior design of TEMO seems simple, it integrates numerous functions and significant power in a confined volume.

Throughout the project, we regularly communicated with industrial designer Christophe Chedal Anglay, asking him to modify certain areas according to technical needs. He is a valuable ally to the mechanical designer on a project like TEMO's, capable of translating the project owner's ideas and the mechanical designer's needs into aesthetic forms.

The most obvious example is the propeller guard, which evolved significantly throughout the testing.

All the parts that make up the thruster - as well as their impact on use - were studied and optimized to deliver a final prototype in October 2019.

9 months of intensive R&D to achieve the TEMO·450!

Premier prototype du TEMO·450 blanc

How does collaboration with the project owner work?

The project owner must obviously be involved in this research and development phase. They will play several roles throughout the process. Initially, it is they who must set the technical constraints.

For example, when Alexandre approached us, he came with his project but also with his requirements: it was essential for him and the success of the project that the TEMO·450 weigh less than 5kg, have propulsive power equivalent to a small combustion engine of about 1.5hp, an autonomy of 1h30 at half-throttle, and of course, be waterproof.

These characteristics constitute TEMO's innovative nature, and the whole challenge of our work was therefore to verify that it was feasible.

Even if adjustments need to be made as studies and their results progress, the initial specifications must be as precise as possible to provide direction and the guiding thread for development.

Next, the project owner also acts as a beta-tester. They must be able to test the models: ergonomics, use, thrust, and thus ensure that each step performed on the prototype aligns with the initial direction given. Finally, when compromises need to be made and technical choices validated, the project owner is again called upon to decide.

Even if our role as a design office is to support, give our opinion and advise, it is often the project owner who has a true knowledge of the product, its environment and its use, and who remains the most capable of deciding.

Alexandre Seux, co-fondateur de TEMO et le premier TEMO·450

Does it cost a lot to make a prototype?

It all depends on the project and the prototype, of course. But beyond the question of price, it should be seen primarily as an essential investment in product development.

The more complete a prototype is, the more likely the subsequent production phase will be a success.

Today, we are fortunate to have techniques available that limit the cost of a prototype. Like 3D printing, for example, which offers the possibility of making all sorts of parts at a lower cost. A very wide manufacturing freedom to be able to test. Then, the parts and processes are optimized to improve resistance and aesthetics while limiting costs, for example by investing in injection molds.

Not to mention that, like most companies offering an innovative product, the demonstrator also played a fundamental role beyond technical development.

The prototype allowed for the initiation of the startup's marketing with demonstrations at trade shows, and the creation of photos and videos. It helped convince the general public and industry professionals, conduct market studies, persuade investors, and create all the accessories around the TEMO·450. It is therefore the cornerstone of the company's development.

Does your mission end there, with the prototype?

Not yet. Once the prototype is completed, we can then move on to the industrialization phase.

In TEMO's case, which is a French manufacturing, Alexandre invited a third party into the development process: the industrial accelerator AXANDUS, located in Nantes.

With them, we initiated the implementation of the industrial process. We work together to ensure that the TEMO prototype we delivered becomes an easily industrializable product and can be manufactured in large quantities thereafter.

Thank you, Pierre!

Pierre Degremont - Ingénieur bureau d'étude chez CIMTECH