This project originated from a practical, everyday problem. For sports and training, I wanted to use a drinking bottle without exposing myself to microplastics. As a result, I regularly reused glass smoothie bottles, which are hygienic and sustainable, but unfortunately highly fragile during physical activity. The goal was to design a protective solution that preserves the benefits of glass while making it suitable for daily use in a sports environment.
Bottle Sleeve
The result is a custom-designed, 3D-printed protective sleeve that closely follows the geometry of the bottle. By using a basket-weave–inspired structure with thin, wave-like extrusions, material usage is reduced to a minimum. At the same time, this structure provides flexibility, allowing the sleeve to deform under impact and absorb shocks effectively, significantly reducing the risk of breakage.
The sleeve is closed using a precisely engineered snap-fit mechanism that relies solely on tolerance control and friction. No additional components are required, keeping the design simple, robust, and material-efficient. An optional hook for a carrying strap is integrated directly into the structure, increasing usability without compromising the minimalist design.
Throughout the development process, multiple prototypes were produced to iteratively test material behavior, wall thickness, flexibility, and tolerances. The final version has been in continuous use ever since and has proven to be reliable and durable in everyday training scenarios.