A method has been created at the University of Auckland to systematically create new product designs by combining CAD parts and features from existing variants. This task would normally require prior expertise about the products at hand.
The method reduces the need for product expertise by decomposing the redesign/combination task into a sequence of systematic steps based on modelling and analysing the way the parts interact to provide functions. The steps can be done by hand and have also been automated.
In this project you will apply the existing method to the redesign of some existing consumer products. You will critically assess the method's strengths and limitations and where possible, propose improvements to address some limitations.
The project will require CAD work and the disassembly/analysis/modelling of existing mechanical products or mechatronic products having a significant mechanical basis (examples include toothbrushes, power tools, etc). This could potentially be done from home if you have access to simple hand tools (screwdrivers, etc).
Undergraduate
Enhanced method to systematically create new product designs by combining CAD parts and features from existing variants, building on the existing work.
None
Mechatronics Research (405.822, Lab)