About this project
External USB Battery Pack- Limefuel IP66 Rugged 15000mAh
$160,504
1,596
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During our first, successful Kickstarter campaign for the Blast battery pack, some supporters asked for a more tough and durable battery design. Starting with that suggestion, and trying to improve upon other rugged battery packs available on the market, we've developed the Limefuel Rugged L150XR.
By combining Limefuel’s signature ultra-high capacity battery power with an IP66 rated outer enclosure, the Limefuel L150XR takes a beating while packing a punch. With an Ingress Protection rating of IP66, the Rugged has the highest IP rating in the external battery market. It is totally dust proof, water proof (when the top cover is closed), and shock, crush and vibration proof. We’ve even run over it with a car!
The Limefuel Rugged comes equipped with a 5V/2A(max) input for faster charging, dual 5V/2.4A(max) outputs to charge multiple devices at the same time, a touch activated power indicator, pass-through charging enabled, auto-on and auto-off functionality as well as a slot for a strap or clip so you can take the Rugged anywhere.
We developed the Limefuel Rugged to go anywhere you can go, even some places that leave others shaking their heads! This unit can withstand the rigors of your active life, including the bumps along the way and still have the power to keep your devices going.
Some of our favorite uses:
- Outdoor Sports: Even when you get wet camping, hiking, fishing, hunting or canoeing the Limefuel Rugged has you covered. Strap the L150XR to your pack and head to the lake or out on a trail.
- Adrenaline Junkies: This unit can take all the impact and vibration you can dish out whether mountain biking, skiing, motorcycling, climbing or skateboarding.
- Work: IP rated as dust proof, the Limefuel Rugged is just as content on the job site as on the commute to the office.
- Urban Adventures: Whether trekking, traveling, commuting or sightseeing this unit can power your devices from point A to point B and beyond. Don’t worry about damaging the battery if it’s dropped on the sidewalk or in a puddle.
- Emergency Ready: A trusted power source, this unit can hold its charge for up to one year and is designed to withstand the elements when you need it most.
- Daily Life: Sometimes the ‘everyday’ is anything but and can present the most damaging situations for your devices.
Where will you take it?
The Rugged is able to charge most electronic devices meant to be charged with a USB power source including but not limited to Android phones, tablets, iPads, iPhones, MP3 players and iPods, smartphones, GPS units, Kindles and other eReaders, portable speakers, bluetooth devices, digital point-n-shoot cameras, camcorders, and GoPro cameras. Don’t see your device listed? Ask us, we’re happy to help! Due to voltage variations, the Rugged L150XR can not charge laptop computers.
Share your Limefuel experience with us! Keep in touch and let us know how you’re using your Rugged battery, ask questions and post suggestions. We'll post news and updates too!
Limefuel (previously Limeade) was established in early 2013 in Boulder, Colorado. In May 2013 we launched the Kickstarter campaign for the Blast battery pack. The Blast combined stylish design with boundary pushing high-capacity technology to create a product that is necessary for today’s modern, mobile lifestyle.
During this first Kickstarter funding campaign, some supporters asked for a more tough and rugged battery design. Beginning with that suggestion, we set out to develop a robust and durable battery pack with the highest capacity in the market. We’ve come back to the incredible Kickstarter community for help in making this project a reality!
We didn’t just want to design another tough but unattractive and clunky battery pack. From the beginning, we worked to design the Rugged to be the external battery with the highest IP rating available. Together with our manufacturing partners, we tested various design configurations and different materials until we developed some enclosure prototypes we were satisfied with. We added some ridges for better grip and decided to give this battery a rubberized texture to further aid grip - and it feels great!
We also worked hard with our engineers to design an IC board that would still safely combine a 2A input, two 2.4A (max) outputs, and pass through charging ability without overheating. We worked in auto-on and auto-off functionality. Additionally, we wanted to include the touch activated power indicator so there were no other buttons on the unit, allowing us to create a watertight seal. It took some work and puzzle solving to get all board components in a configuration that would work physically as well as aesthetically for the outward design.
Our original samples were tested extensively by the Limefuel staff. These batteries have been beaten with a hammer, dropped from our second story office, thrown against brick walls - we have even driven over the Rugged with a car! Multiple times. After each of these tests, the battery showed some battle scars but we were still able to charge all of our devices and charge the battery itself with no issues. We also put the Rugged through more likely tests like dropping it into the snow, in streams and down some rocky trails while hiking.
We submitted the L150XR to a lab for official Ingress Protection certification. So far, we have received an IP66 rating. Providing the protective top cover is closed, the Rugged is completely dust proof and water protected against powerful jets of water. To go even further, we are currently applying for the IP67 rating.
It’s been quite a journey for all of Team Limefuel to get to this point. We hope with your support, we will be able to produce and bring the Rugged to market so you can fuel all your journeys too!
Video direction and production by Notion Productions.
Throughout the process of making the Rugged, we have been able to build on our experience gained from the creation of other Limefuel products. In addition to the development of industry leading components, our partnerships in engineering and manufacturing have allowed us to truly focus on the functionality of this unit.
Risks and challenges
Design: We've worked through concept to final prototype, performed rigorous testing and obtained a significant rating of IP66 for Ingress Protection from dust and water. All of the revisions throughout the process have been integrated and the result is an adventure ready product, worthy of the Limefuel name.
Manufacturing and Supply: The Rugged shares technology and supply used in our existing products. We have been working in concert with our partners in engineering and manufacturing daily over the previous year to remove any hurdles in the process. Logistic methods and providers have also been tried, tested and re-tested during this period.
Conclusion: During the design, manufacturing and launch of the original Blast series here on Kickstarter, we learned a great deal about the process of creating and building our products, areas which create concern or delay and how to overcome them. While there can always be unforeseen occurrences, we are confident we can deliver the Rugged to our customer’s high standard and on schedule.
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Funding period
- (29 days)