Hydra Clip system Carryology + Orbitkey

Size: 113mm x 35mm x 12mm
Materials: AL 6063 / SS 304H / Glass filled Nylon / Hypalon / Nylon Thread / N45 neodydium magents
Manufacturing: CNC / Polymer injection Moulding / metal bending / hand assembly / laser etching / silk screen print
Company: Orbitkey / Carryology
Year: 2020
Images: Martin Maraz

The Hydra system was a collaboration between Orbitkey and the carry gods Carryology. Together, we set out on a journey to create the optimum key carry system. 

The underlying ideologies of the system were to enhance the user, how they carry, with a strong focus on adaptivity. The system is made up of a Clip, belt hook, and a Fidlock magnetic anchoring system allowing the user to move their keys effortlessly from their bag to their body or to anywhere else they pleased. This versatility was the core focus of the design and played a pivotal role in how the final design was realised.

The Individual forms were created to represent Orbitkey’s restrained form language and material palette embodying the perfect balance of high precision manufacturing with hand assembly processes. Creating simple honest geometry that was pleasant to use and provided purposeful functionality.

The custom Clip design infused minimal forms with high functionality. The logo area of the clip was added to not only add a unique design element but also to add vital stiffness to the hinge of the Clip. This stiffened area increases the overlap area between the clip outer and the clip gate. This overlap plays a vital role in increasing the stability of the gate, significantly reducing the dreaded gate side-to-side movement. 

The Clip is attached to the Fidlock magnetic catch system via a Hypalon loop. This loop incorporates important component flexibility ensuring forces applied to the assembly are muted and are not transferred directly to the attachment area or the custom magnetic locking closure

The Fidlock magnetic quick release anchoring system is the heart of the system. This anchoring system is highly secure, yet allows the user to remove and attach their keys just by pulling the Hypalon tab. The Fidlock backing plate is a custom CNC Aluminium part, reducing the overall size and weight of the assembly. 

The hydra system was a limited release collaboration of 500 units. This project didn't come without its challenges.  ie: CNC machining a perfectly smooth rounded profile carabiner and creating custom robotic machines to inject just the right amount of fast dying epoxy to perfectly cover the magnet fused into the back of the Fidlock backing plate. 

It's great to think back on the hours of design, discussions, and unique problem solving shared with the manufacturers and talented team at Carryology. This made this project truly rewarding.