Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering and prototyping for a portable sparkling water bottle
ROAM SodaTop | Developing a compact sparkling water maker
Startup ROAM’s SodaTop is a portable carbonator that lets users carbonate water directly in their bottle. By integrating the carbonation system into the lid, SodaTop brings sparkling water on the go while taking up minimal countertop space.
Users load a COâ‚‚ canister into the lid and turn an actuator to puncture it, releasing gas into the water.
Working closely with ROAM’s team, I developed and tested mechanical and UX concepts for the carbonation system, from CO₂ activation and sealing to pressure release systems.
Developing a compact, safe and intuitive carbonation system
A COâ‚‚ canister contains gas at high pressure. In a portable carbonator, that gas needs to be released into the bottle in a controlled manner while the system remains compact and easy to operate.
The challenge was to develop the mechanical functions and user interaction together: from activating the canister and sealing the system to releasing pressure safely and achieving consistent carbonation. This meant considering both technical feasibility and ease of use throughout development.
Bridging the gap between mechanical engineering, industrial design and user experience
I supported SodaTop’s early development from the proof-of-concept stage through to functional prototyping, working closely with ROAM’s design and engineering teams.
I developed and tested concepts for the activation, safety and pressure-release systems, while exploring how users interact with the actuator and handle. I translated these concepts into CAD models and physical prototypes to evaluate their function and usability.
I also supported ROAM’s design team in developing concepts that balanced aesthetics and usability with the functional requirements of the surrounding mechanisms.
My contributions included:
Activation, safety and pressure-release systems
Handle design and prototyping
Carbonation and actuator user experience
Sealing interfaces
Detailed CAD for prototype production
Looks-like and works-like prototyping
My work focused on the lid and carbonation system. The bottle itself was outside the scope.
Systematic prototyping and testing
The development process was hands-on and iterative. I translated selected product requirements into mechanical concepts, detailed CAD models and physical prototypes.
Using FDM and SLA 3D printing, CNC machining and silicone moulding, I developed prototypes to evaluate mechanical behaviour, sealing and user interaction. Silicone components were produced using squish moulds, allowing flexible parts to be made and evaluated throughout development.
From proof of concept to functional prototypes
The project produced a series of working prototypes that helped evaluate the activation, pressure-release, sealing and user-interaction principles. These prototypes supported the development of an integrated functional product architecture aligned with the product requirements.
ROAM launched SodaTop on Kickstarter, raising over $400,000. Following my involvement, ROAM continued development through final industrial design, DFM, CMF and production preparation.
Developing a drinkware product or mechanism?
I help companies turn product ideas into tested mechanical designs and functional prototypes. Whether you are developing a drinking bottle, dispensing system or mechanism, I can support from early concepts to production-ready design.