Black and white logo with stylized, angular text spelling 'Thrasher' and a lightning bolt underneath.

M18 Inflator

A close-up view of a large vehicle tire with a digital device attached, likely for measuring tire pressure or weight, on a construction site with excavators in the background and a clear blue sky.

The M12 Inflator is great for a consumer,
but pro users need a pro tool to pick up the slack.

Design Goals

An abstract black silhouette of a person in a fetal position with their head bowed and arms wrapped around their knees.

Offer more features geared toward plumbers while ensuring focus on the original automotive and inflatable markets.

Versatile

A black-and-white illustration of a girl sitting on books in front of a chalkboard, with a shelf filled with books in the background.

Allow easy carry off the ground and allow inflation while the unit is carried. It should also store the hose and various tips on-board.

Portable

Black silhouette of a woman on a skateboard with a cityscape background at sunset

Enlarge the current product to accept the current more powerful internals, larger M18 battery platform and give the product a more “Premium” and “Pro” look and feel.

Upgrade to Pro Level

Users

A mechanic working on a car in an auto repair shop, with another car on a lift in the background.

Must not obstruct the space around the tire to prevent a tripping hazard.

Commercial Automotive

A person working under a kitchen sink, using tools to repair or install plumbing pipes, with a toolbox nearby.

Must fit within small areas with other tools in close proximity.

Residential Plumber

Current M12 Inflator

A digital tire pressure gauge with a red and black body, displaying pressure readings of 1.20 BAR and 12.00 PSI on its screen.

Simple UI

Anti Vibration Feet

Digital tire pressure gauge with a red and black body, displaying 120 PSI, and controls for power, plus, minus, and a hose for air connection.

Compact Overall Footprint

Easy Access to Battery

Milwaukee compact air compressor with black hoses and power cord attached

Easy Carry Handle

Integrated Hose Wrap

Initial Architecture Sketching

Branded Styling

Collection of Milwaukee power tools including drills, saws, and accessories in red and black.

2D Direction

CAD Process

Final 3D Direction

M18 Inflator

Integrated tip storage

Integrated and emphasized hose wrap

UI standard from M12 inflater
(slightly compacted)

UI standard from M12 inflater
(slightly compacted)

Hose Capture

Anti Vibration Feet

Battery Removal Shrinks Footprint

Air & Power Flow

Family View

M18 Inflator

Line drawing of a hand holding a camera, with the thumb on a screen and fingers grasping the camera handle.

1.

Power on and set pressure

A digital illustration shows a person using an ultrasound device on their neck, with the probe placed on the front of the neck just above the collarbone.

2.

Unwrap hose

Hand holding a medical device or instrument, possibly an insulin pump or a similar handheld medical device.
Drawing of a person using a tire inflator to inflate a car tire.

3.

Attach nozzle to target & inflate

4.

Turn off power & rewrap cord

Final Model

Black silhouette of a python snake coiled around a tree branch.
A black and white illustration of a space shuttle in flight with exhaust flames at the bottom.
Black-and-white illustration of a woman at a podium speaking to an audience, with some seating in front and background elements like a table and plants.

LBM

A large black arrow symbol pointing to the right on a white background.

AIG

All Work

Black background with five white intersecting lines forming a star pattern in the center.