Case Study
Neatgrip
Climbing hold sanitisation system
Neatgrip introduces an integrated on-wall sanitation system based on pressurised steam and mechanical brushing, transforming climbing hold maintenance into a scalable competitive asset for gym owners.
When: 2021
Course: Politecnico di Milano, Final Synthesis Design Studio
Team: Akanksha Gupta, Marco Rossini, Giacomo Maria Tomesani
Hygiene
Chalk, sweat and dead skin create a perfect cesspool for pathogens.
Experience
A nasty gym envrionment is off-putting to new potential climbers.
Performance
Slippery, dirty holds: a main cause of frustration for expert climbers.
Flexibility
Gym operators need ladders and tools for cleaning and route setting.
Addressing the problem
In indoor gyms, chalk, sweat, dead skin, and saliva accumulate on climbing holds, creating an ideal breeding ground for pathogens.
This affects both experience and performance: dirty holds discourage new users from returning, while contaminated surfaces become slippery, reducing grip and increasing frustration on more experienced ones.
Experimenting solutions
Today, when routes are reset, gym operators must unscrew the climbing holds one by one and clean them using compressed water. The process is labor intensive and time consuming. A solution is needed that is quick, flexible, and easily integrated into the gym’s regular maintenance routine.
Pressurized steam and hold brushing proved to be highly effective for sanitization. Holds dried completely within 5 to 10 minutes after cleaning tests. The approach complies with AFNOR NF T72-110, a standard of steam disinfection against bacteria, viruses, and pathogens.
Heating
Steaming
Brushing
Finding a way to keep holds clean while they're still on the wall.
Rapid Start
Steam is ready to be delivered in less than 10 minutes, ensuring minimal setup time during maintenance tasks.
Extended Autonomy
A minimum 2L tank capacity supports continuous operation throughout standard cleaning sessions.
Routine Integration
Fits naturally into existing gym routines, using only water and requiring no chemicals or complex preparation.
Lightweight and easy to carry, allowing operators to move across surfaces like mats, ladders or platform.
Flexibility
Backpack archetype
Trolley archetype
From sketch to phisical
Initial concept iterations explored automated solutions, but these were quickly set aside due to the complexity and variability of climbing wall geometries. The most effective approach proved to be the simplest: a steam cleaning system designed for comfortable and ergonomic use by gym staff.
Most stressed areas for the backpack are the kyphotic curve and the shoulders. For this reason, the centre of mass must be carefully simulated and positioned.
The hand tool was designed having in mind all the different grips the user might adopt while trying to clean different holds.
Too high!
Ok
Provide more natural movement
COM backpack
Water Inlet
Load straps (optional) angled at 45°
Sternum strap around 2-3 cm below collarbones
Hip belt centered over iliac crest
Shoulder straps anchored 3 to 5 cm below top of shoulders
Hips should be carrying most of the weight
Adapt to floors
Why a backpack?
Move freely
Suited for gym environment
A wearable system allows operators to move freely and work across different heights without constraints, carrying the steam unit directly on the body for a more flexible and efficient cleaning process.
Mats
Ladders
Platforms
Wider Straps
Ensuring upper torso stability and providing holsters for brushes
Belt Strap
The belt anchors a tool holster and a rag clip, besides stabilizing the lower body
Easy top access to water tank.Refill with a hose or a dispenser.
Water Inlet
Turn on and off. Simple as that.Light stops blinking when the steam is ready.
Power and Pressure
Quick setup
An easy fit in the routine
Essential interactions
Empty space and an elastic mesh layer insulate from heat
Mesh layer
Different brush geometries suited for many hold morphologies.
Brush heads
Handle other tools
Leaving your hands free
Improved safety
Water tank
Pressure switch
Water pump
Safety valve
Solenoid valve
Steam hose
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Robust and serviceable assembly
The architecture is simple and designed for durability. Electronic and hydraulic components are reduced to the essentials, ensuring low weight for a wearable system. All parts are easily accessible for quick maintenance and replacement, extending product lifespan in demanding gym environments.
Netgrip.
Built for climbing.
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Backstage
In the end, isn’t it all about having some fun?
facciotto.edoardo98@gmail.com
+46 70-149 04 19
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