PROJECT EXAMPLES
Product Design and Development

Design of a Hand-Held Measuring Instrument

Situation:
The customer had an existing measuring instrument that had evolved little within the last several years. It was heavy, clumsy to handle, not very aesthetically appealing, and was beginning to decline in sales. The product needed a boost or it was going to go bust.

Project:
After building the initial relationship with the customer, the PTC engaged in the following scope of work:

• Conceptual Design - phase of the project in which all design criteria was determined and customer's wants listened to - outcome was that several conceptual designs were sketched for review and further discussion
• 3D Solid Modeling - after selecting one concept to focus on, the PTC began to model the concept using SolidWorks 3D solid modeling software
• Review / Engineering Changes - the 3D solid model was continually reviewed and changes were made to accommodate other components, etc. as the design progressed
• Vendor Sourcing / Requests for Quotation - phase in which the PTC selected a number of appropriate vendors and requested quotations for prototypes and prototype tooling
• Prototypes - this phase consisted of stereolithography prototypes being produced and evaluated
• Final Engineering Changes to the 3D Solid Model before the prototype tooling phase began
• Final Approval of 3D Solid Model - customer gave the final approval on the model components
• 3D Solid Models were transferred to the selected prototype tooling vendor - communication was open between the PTC, the vendor, and the customer so that everyone was aware of the progress, etc.

Project Outcome:
The customer had several sets of prototype parts produced in urethane from silicone rubber tooling. Field trials began and minor changes were incorporated based on the feedback received. The final hand-held measuring unit is now available to the public. It is very light weight since it is plastic rather than metal now, is aesthetically appealing due to the use of colors and graphics, has more functionality than the original unit ever had due to the latest in electronic design, and is easy to handle because of the compact size and integration of components.

For a look at the final product, visit the following web site: www.agrintl.com/products/productpages/hhtp2000.html and click the Hand Held Thickness Probe 2000 (HHTP 2000).