Challenge: We were approached by Tectrax to assist with the mechanical aspects of their proposed drive system for amphibious boats. In particular the retractable legs that raised and lowered the wheels. The brief given was specific and clear that the preferred design of the front arm would be in a vertical motion. They also had an initial concept of how that would work. 3DM Design’s Initial investigation of this concept revealed the action of the link arms could not create enough vertical movement to raise and lower a boat the required distance. 3DM Design then proposed a different concept of a double scissor arm linkage that could raise and lower a boat the required distance and still retract into a small envelop when not in use. This required double hydraulic rams that worked to drive a top and lower hinged leg system but ensured the movement of the wheel was in still in a vertical motion.The rear wheel legs were to be a single leg driven by a single hydraulic cylinder. Requirements:
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Client: North Kiteboarding
Challenge: Norths Kiteboarding wanted to start from scratch to develop their all new control system.
Successes:
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Challenge: Assist Aeronavics with the development of an all new range of UAVs and control stations. Directed by Aeronavics' in house design team, we were to provided assistance with the conceptual design, as well as the majority of the detailed mechanical design, CAD modelling, FEA analysis and preperation for prototype and production.
Successes:
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Challenge: To develop our own product utilising our experiences from working with multiple other product companies and implementing our own strategies to design-develop-market and sell to the customer.
Successes:
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Client: Cabrinha Kites
Challenge: Assist with the development of Cabrinhas new Quickloop and Control systems. The quickloop system is a safety device, which allows the user to de-power their kite in an emergency situation. The existing system was complicated to reload, and it was desireable to minimise release loads. In addition to the quickloop, improvements for untwisting kite lines, adjusting kite power, and improving flotation were implemented.
Successes:
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Challenge: Help Heyrex develop a smaller bowl for small animals (cats, small dogs etc...) with a new modern look and smaller valve and fitration system. The TORUS™ design is comprised of a water storage area and a drinking well. The bulk of the pet’s water is stored and protected inside the hollow walls of TORUS™. Each time your pet takes a drink, replacement water automatically flows from the storage area into the drinking well.
Successes:
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Challenge: To assist with the realisation of Wishbones highly adjustable, recycled plastic balance bike.
Successes: We were able to recreate the organic, handmade prototypes as an engineering CAD model, enabling us to design the rotating height adjustment (Rotafix) mechanism. We were able to predict material suitability and part performance using FEA, as well as providing high quality animations for marketing purposes. See the results at http://www.wishbonedesign.com/#!/products/bike/recycled-edition/
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Challenge: Design and build a full suspension mountain bike, using a high single pivot suspension platform, progressive geometry and a gearbox drivetrain. The bike should prioritize downhill performance
Successes:
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Client: Aeronavics/Droidworx Ltd.
Challenge: Design a new range of Airframes with improved performance, usability and aesthetics.
Successes: Within 9 months, the targets were achieved and droidworx were able to release a complete new range of product, consisting of around 10 unique airframes & hundreds of new parts. See the results at www.aeronavics.com |
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Client: Downing Innovations
Challenge: Develop a consumer device for burping a child
Successes: The worlds first electronic baby burping device. The project was taken from a intial simple sketch right throught to a manufactured product you can currently buy online (www.babyburpa.com)
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Client: MonitorBMChallenge: A plastic enclosure to house electronic components that required:
Successes: The combinations of uniquely styled design with simple assembly features took this design quickly to market and meet the customer’s tight timelines. Multiple concept drawings were narrowed down to one elegant design. Smart tooling inserts meant multiple USB connection options could be run in production.
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Client: Jacking Systems Ltd
Challenge: Develop a customised steel structure to support formwork for elevator shaft construction on high rise development projects.
Successes: The worlds most advanced method for forming elevator wall shafts that outperforms other form work systems.
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Client: Assa Abloy New Zealand
Challenge: Design a wedgeless venting window fastener which included:
Successes: The Aria Venting Wedgeless Fastener is both unique and innovative. Created with opposing tongues, the fastener allows controlled ventilation especially in windy conditions. Its wedgeless and concealed fixing design was developed with the end user and thr fabricator in mind, as it enables easy installation, product operation and improves aesthetics.
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Client: Tallon Marine
Challenge: Design and develop a flexiible accessory system for marine craft that left clean lines once removed. This required:
Successes: The final Tallon receiver design with its unique patented connecting system. Incorporates a number of different styles and applications for all marine craft and provide an abundance of options for the customer.
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Client: Dux IndustriesChallenge: Design and develop a crimp tool that will provide a trouble free, watertight crimp everytime including:
Successes: The Dux Magnum is a new compact crimping tool for use with 15mm and 20mm Dux Secura Gold Plumbing systems. Constructed of high tensile stainless steel held together with spun riveted laminations and a ergonomic rubberised ergonomic grip handle theDux Magnum is truly a smart "plumbers mate"
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Client: Winchway Music
Challenge: Design a secure guitar grip to clamp to a mic stand and a horizontal shelf including: Successes: A sleek looking guitar grip that can clamp onto a multitude of surfaces and stands. The soft neoprene arms ensure the neck of the guitar will stay in one place. The arms can rotate 360 degrees for multiangle positions of retainment.
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Client: Private EntrepreneurChallenge: Design a suspension upright and spindle for a high performance vehicle. Details included
Successes: Through 3D modelling and FEA analysis the design of the upright and spindle was maximised to optimum strength and weight before the manufacture of the development part proceeded. This eliminated the customary trial and error testing of different designs.
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