We are seeking CAD designs for a next-generation backcountry gambrel that redefines portability and performance. This is just for the bar to connect the animal and does NOT include the pulley / tree attachment component as there are some really good ones on the market - eg wiser precision pynch pulleys.
PROBLEM: Existing gambrels are too big and heavy to take deep back country. This means people either butcher animals on the ground, or make a makeshift out out of a stick which is not ideal if it breaks and drops your meat etc. I am trying to solve this problem with something people are enthusiastic about carrying in their pack!
The gambrel must:
Width: Provide a 40 cm spread to effectively hold hind legs apart.
Materials: Be optimized for 3D printing in COR Alpha or ULTEM for maximum strength and minimal weight. Open to alternative material suggestions if they offer superior performance.
Collapsibility: Feature a collapsing mechanism (folding, telescopic, etc.) to minimize packed size, but only if it maintains simplicity and reliability.
Simplicity: Prioritize a simple design—avoid springs, pop pins, or unnecessary moving parts.
Compactness: Be as small as possible when stowed, taking up minimal space in a pack.
Weight: Be as light as possible—skeletonize or optimize parts to reduce weight without compromising strength.
Strength: Withstand a dynamic load of 250 kg across the top attachment and each hind quarter attachment. The design must handle the force of pulling a hide from a 100 kg animal, not just static load.
Hook Design: Hooks must have an undercut to prevent accidental release of quarters, even when only one is loaded.
Assembly: Quick assembly/disassembly is a plus, but not at the expense of weight and size.
Attachment Point: Include a robust hole for rope or pulley attachment (no integrated hook), maximizing versatility.
Safety: No sharp edges—must not risk cutting animal tissue or damaging gear in a backpack.
Aesthetics: The design should look innovative and clever—something that impresses at first glance.
Bonus Features:
Multi-functionality that adds no weight or size (e.g., integrated measurement marks, secondary uses).
Stress analysis in CAD software to verify load rating and reinforce weak points.
---------------
Deliverables:
3D CAD files (STL, STEP, or similar)
Brief description of the design and its features
(Optional) Stress analysis or FEA results
Any sketches or renderings to illustrate assembly and use
We look forward to seeing your innovative solutions—show us something that makes people say, “Wow, that’s clever!”
------------------------
Intellectual Property Ownership:
By submitting an entry to this competition, you agree that, if your design is selected as the winner and you receive the stated prize or compensation, all rights, title, and interest in and to the submitted design—including all intellectual property and proprietary rights—are irrevocably assigned and transferred to me. You retain no rights to use, reproduce, or commercialize the winning design, except with express written consent from me.
All non-winning entries remain the property of their respective creators. By entering, you also grant [Your Name/Company] a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display your submission for the purposes of judging, promotion, and documentation of this competition.
By participating, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these terms in addition to those set forth by CAD Crowd.
Designs will be judged on the following:
Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Must safely support 250 kg dynamic load with minimum weight.
Compactness: Smallest possible packed size without sacrificing function.
Simplicity: Fewer parts, intuitive assembly, no unnecessary mechanisms.
Material Optimization: Effective use of COR Alpha, ULTEM, or superior alternatives.
Hook Security: Reliable undercut design for safe quarter retention.
Safety: All edges radiused or chamfered to avoid injury or gear damage.
Aesthetics: Sleek, innovative appearance.
Bonus Points:
Multi-functionality that does not add size or weight.
Submission of stress test results or FEA screenshots.
Any clever features that enhance user experience without compromising primary requirements.
Overly complicated mechanisms (no springs, pop pins, or intricate moving parts).
Heavy or bulky designs.
Sharp edges or unfinished surfaces.
Integrated hooks for rope/pulley (just a hole is required).
Designs that cannot be 3D printed in COR Alpha, ULTEM, or a similarly strong, lightweight material.
Designs that do not clearly address the 250 kg load requirement.
Update June 30th
Size - I want this really small... Eg think 150-200mm maximum length when compacted.
Weight - I want this really light... Eg 200 grams of less.
Materials - if struggling to hit size and weight with COR Alpha, open to other material size as titanium rod and dyneema cord (eg 3mm) to aid hitting requirements.
Please submit with 2x images. 1x assembled and 1x compacted, both showing the dimensions.
Get creative!!!
THANK YOU!!!
kashif_changez
Designer