AIMS
In order to solve a real world design problem, the student is expected to embark upon the design process, from the early stages of defining the problem statement to developing a chosen concept through to building a final product.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completing the following assignment, you should be able to:
- Follow a systematic approach to solving engineering design problems
- Identify the steps to be followed to move from problem to desired solution(s)
- Brainstorm and generate solutions (concepts) to solve the problem
- Evaluate concepts and select the most suitable one(s)
- Produce a set of engineering drawings, with enough detail to enable manufacturing of components
- Understand and implement safe workshop practice along with knowledge of operating various tools and machines
- Communicate your final design in a detailed written technical report with supporting technical drawings
PROBLEM STATEMENT
You have been tasked with the design of a laptop stand. The client has outlined that the design of the laptop stand should be suitable for a range of different sizes of laptops. The design of the stand must be portable enough that it can be folded into a flat packed state and easily transported in the same bag/case as the laptop.
CONSTRAINTS
The following constraints further refine the above aims and problem statement of this project and must be taken into account during the design process:
- There are two target user markets which the design of this project can be aimed at,
- Only one of the above target markets can be chosen, with the final design taking into considerations the appropriate and relative factors within the target market they have chosen
- The laptop stand must be able to accommodate a range of size of laptops, from small netbooks to 15" laptops, (with each of their weight issues taken into account).
- The design of the laptop stand must allow for a folding mechanism which allows it to be collapsible into a flat-packed state
- The flat-packed state of the laptop stand must not exceed the footprint size of a standard 15" laptop, such that it is easily portable within the same case/bag as the laptop
- With the exception of fixtures, (bolts and screws) the majority of materials used should be modelling wood.
DELIVERABLES AND ASSESSMENT
In order for the brief and assignment to be fulfilled, you must complete and hand in each of the following:
TECHNICAL REPORT
A final report, documenting the progress of the design from concept definition through to the engineering drawings. This should include:
- A short design assessment which includes a brief analysis of the design problem by including:
- A clear chosen user market, with subsequent research and underlying constraints
- Develop a set of user requirements with an accompanying objectives tree
- A set of design specifications outlining the product functions.
- In addition to this document, you should also include a set of concept sketches which address the design problem. There should be no less than three distinct and separate design concepts.
- A final concept should then be chosen, with a set of neatly annotated sketches that develop the concept further
- Any changes that were made to the final design due to overlooking certain factors, including any altered designs or technical drawings of components
ENGINEERING TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
This deliverable must include a set of detailed technical drawings of each of the components within your chosen design concept. Based on your preference, you are free to submit either hand-drawn or 2D CAD drawings. Included with this hand in must also be:
- A bill of materials, BOM, in the form of a parts tree, listing all components, assemblies and sub-assemblies
- Engineering drawings which comply with the relevant British standards