Author - ASHOK KUMAR VALLABHANENI, School of Technology and the Built Environment, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SB, UK.
1. Introduction:
Product design is a process of idea generation, concept development, testing and manufacturing or implementation of a physical object or service. It is more than discipline name - Industrial Design. Product Designers conceptualize and evaluate ideas and make them tangible through products in a more systematic approach. The role of a product design includes many features of marketing, product management, industrial designer and builder.
The designers have a lot of talent in converting their ideas into implementation and take the product effectively into the market. The designers should be able to manage their projects to other sector of industries also.
Engineering Drawing is the main basic code language for Design Engineers. Engineering drawing is the technical drawing which is created within the drawing borders and it is used to create the clear idea of the requirements. The steps of Design Process:
- Recognition of a need
- Definition of a problem
- Gathering information
- conceptualisation
- evaluation
- communication of the design
1.1 Recognition of a need:
Needs can be found in many part of the business. Almost all companies conduct research and develop components and their main theme is to create and develop new ideas which can satisfy the needs of the company or business. Needs can be of various types. They may come from within the industry or from the customer in the form of sales or the marketing representatives. Needs generally come when the situation is dissatisfactory. The situation can be cleared by reducing the cost and increasing the reliability of the product.
1.2 Definition of Problem:
The most important and complex phase is defining a problem. It will be better if the problem is explained as elaborately as possible. If the problem is defined elaborately one can understand the problem so easily and the solution can be found. The objective and problem definition are the two key factors that should be clear and in an elaborate way such that the design can be so easy to make within the time limit.
1.3 Gathering Information:
Gathering different types of information like the technical data, background, history, theoretical calculations and previous designs everything comes under Information. The information required for the design process is quite different from other works.
1.4 Conceptualisation:
Conceptualisation means to prepare the concepts. Preparing the concepts is the key factor which is the most important step in the design process. The success or failure of the product depends upon the way the designer makes the design. Most of the times concept phase involves the formulation of model, which may be analytical or experimental.
1.5 Evaluation:
Evaluation is the phase where analysis is done. The term evaluation is used more in the sense of weighing and judging than in the sense of grading. Evaluation can be of any type of analytical calculations, computer based calculations and sometimes with the proto type of the design also.
1.6 Communication of the Design:
Once completing every task successfully, the final task is to present the design in a right way. Otherwise if there is any communication gap there may be a failure of the product.
2. Concrete Mixture:
Concrete mixture is used to mix concrete with sand, cement and water which is used for the construction purpose. There are a variety of concrete mixtures. The size and capacity of the concrete mixture depends upon the size of the construction being done. For a small scale construction, portable concrete mixtures are used. For medium scale construction, medium sized concrete mixtures are used. For huge constructions, the mixture which is fixed to a truck is used for reducing the waste of time. The critical functional aspects, specifications, parts, designs are presented below. The design of the portable concrete mixture has been done in CATIA.
2.1 Critical Functional Aspects:
Ø Light weight
Ø Ease of Maintenance
Ø Design for Manufacturing
Ø Design for Assembly
Ø Suitable for Mixing Concrete, Nylon Powder, Resins and Tarmac Mixes
Ø Flexible dual power sources-operated by either Electrical Motor or Petrol Engine
Ø Easy to operate
Ø Good Aesthetic look
Ø Three steel mixing blades
2.2 Specifications:
Power: 370 Watts
Voltage: 110 Volts
Mass: 70Kg
Drum Capacity: 0.16m3
Batch Output: 0.08m3
Drum Diameter: 0.61m
Cable Length: 3m
2.3 Parts and Designs:
The Main Frame:
Frame is the main base of the component that carries the drum and the drive mechanism.
Fig. 1 Main Frame
Specifications for Frame:
Material chosen: Stainless Steel
The handle height from the ground is 450mm (Estimated).
The frame should be light weighted for the ease of use and for moving it from one place to another. The frame should have maximum strength and stiffness with minimum amount of material.
Drum:
Drum is the part which contains blades in it for mixing the concrete, cement, water and sand. The drum gets the power supply from the motor which is connected to the power supply. Drum is the essential and important part of the concrete mixture. Drum gets the rotator motion when the electric energy is converted into rotation energy. The rotator motion of the drum along with the blades inside the drum helps the ingredients to mix in a right and required manner. The drum must be corrosion resistant because of the use of water, cement, concrete and sand.
Fig.2 Drum with Blades inside it
Specifications for Drum:
Material: Galvanised Iron Sheet which is nitrided to resist corrosion and also for various materials like cement, Nylon Powder, Resins and Tarmac Mixes.
The drum is a welded spun steel base and cone which has 3 heavy duty mixing blades bolted base and cone. Drum is supported on plain bearing with shaft and screws.
Driving Mechanism:
Driving Mechanism is the main part of the concrete mixture which helps the drum to rotate and mix the mixture properly. The driving mechanism takes the energy from the electric motor and converts it to the rotational energy and help the drum to rotate.
Fig.3 Driving Mechanism
The motor provides the electric energy for the driving mechanism which is drive by the pulley or the belts.
Final Assembly:
Fig.4 Final Assembly of the Concrete Mixture
3. Functional Analysis System Technique (FAST):
Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) is not the final product or outcome, but rather the beginning. It lays close at hand the subject in the study as the basis for many subsequent learning methods and techniques of analysis.
Developed by Charles W. Bytheway, in 1964, first presented as a paper at the Society of American Engineers Conference value in 1965, FAST has largely contributed to the methodology may not be the most important quality (VM) - an analysis of the function.
VM discipline includes features with a verb and a noun is still intact. The distinction between primary and secondary functions and their sub-groups were also in most process. The FAST dramatic differences in the use of intuitive logic "test” function and graphically represent them in a pattern or model. FAST is a common language, crossing all technologies. It makes multidisciplinary team members contribute equally and communicate with each other, while the problem objectively, without bias or preconceived conclusions.
This presentation, the issue of FAST investigated by a program instead of the more common application of the existing material. In fact it can quickly expose beginners by examples showing the material and the disappointing outcome and the FAST diagram cannot be the "obvious" structure of the product. The tendency is then to "force fit" the FAST model of the product, rather than challenging the connection between the parties. The fact that the material itself can be the best way to achieve the requested information is not considered a choice for beginners, causing him to lose confidence and pull back from the most effective discipline.
As an effective management tool, FAST can be used in any situation can be described functionally. However, FAST is not a panacea; is a tool that has limitations that must be understood if it is the correct and effective use.
FAST is a dimensionless system: So, it will display works in a logical sequence, prioritize and control the addiction; but do not tell you how well a function should be performed, when, by whom, or how.
There is no 'right' FAST model as in comparing the text with a solution, but there is a "valid" model FAST. The degree of validity depends on the talents of the participating team members, and the scope of industries that can bring to the problem. The most significant production of multi-disciplined team involved in an exercise FAST is the consensus. There can be no minority report. FAST is not complete until the model has the consent of the participating team members and adequately reflects their contribution.
The FAST model has a horizontal direction and orientation described by the dimension of the HOW-WHY. This dimension is described in this way because of HOW and WHY questions are asked about the structure of the logic of the system. Starting with a function, we ask that the POS operation is performed to develop a more specific approach. This line of reflection and thought is read from left to right. For a summary of the problem to a higher level, we ask why it that the function does is. This line of logic is read from right to left.
There is substantial logic associated with the FAST BECAUSE HOW-directional orientation. First, in conducting its work, it is best to start with the objectives of the project, then explore methods for achieving goals. In examining each function on the model quickly to the question why the function is left of the goal of this function. The question is HOW, answered by the operation on the right, and a method to perform that function are examined. A diagram system starts at the beginning of the system and ends with the target. A model of FAST, reading from left to right, starting with the target, and ends at the beginning of the "system” that would achieve this goal.
Secondly, the change in the connection with the HOW-WHY course effects all functions of the right function. This is a domino effect that only goes one way, from left to right. Starting with any part of the model FAST, if a function has changed the objectives remains valid, but the method for performing these functions, and affects all other functions on the right.
Finally, a model towards POS or justification feature will focus on the group at any point of operation model. That reversing the FAST model and building on the orientation of the system will lead the team to jump over their operation and focus on the system, leaving the service gaps in the system. A good rule to remember when constructing FAST model is to build towards POS and try to sense the direction WHY.
The vertical orientation of the model described in the FAST WHEN direction. This is not a part of the intuitive logic, but complements intuitive thinking. When there is an orientation of time, but also to show cause and effect.
FAST Diagram for Portable Concrete Mixture:
The FAST diagram for the concrete mixture is presented below which has the functions WHEN, WHY AND HOW.
Fig. 5 FAST diagram of Portable Concrete Mixture
Advantages:
1. Decrease in the cost.
2. Increase in profits.
3. Improved quality.
4. Market shares can be expanded.
5. Solving problems with ease.
6. Utilisation of resources is more effective.
4. Conclusion:
The principle parts of the portable concrete mixture and their designs are presented and explained. FAST diagram for portable concrete mixture is presented and a detailed explanation and the advantages regarding the FAST model had also been explained.
5. Individual Critique:
The group consists of only two members namely Ashok Kumar Vallabhaneni (1022983) and Sudhakar Sandacoumar (1019768). The group work has been excellent and I learned a lot things. Sudhakar supported the work and gave me suggestions in improving my work. All the data required for the designs and for the FAST model are equally collected and used by both us. The designing of the parts of the concrete mixture is done using CATIA software. FAST diagram is prepared using Microsoft Visio 2010. The use of the software helped us to do the required work with ease and within the time. The details of the assessment are presented in a website by creating a group website.
6. References:
Ø Cross, N. (1998). Engineering Design: Methods-strategies for Product Design. 2nd ed, Chichester: John wiley &Sons.
Ø Dieter, G. E. (2001). Engineering Design: A material and processing Approach. 2nd ed. Tata McGrawHill.
Ø Hawkes, B. & Abinett, R. (1993). The engineering Design Process. Singapore: Longman Publishers pvt Ltd.
Ø Ulrich, K. T. & Eppinger, D. S. (2000). Product Design and Development. Boston: McGraw hill Publications.