Surface Modeling

This week I have been revisiting some Solidworks exercises that use surface modeling techniques. Some of the tools that I have been experimenting with include surface lofts and indents. Using these techniques allows more organic, form based shapes to be created in software that is often used within the confines of geometric shapes. 

Bicycle Retail Audio

 I have been researching how different types of music can affect purchasing behavior in retail stores but so far, my research has been inconclusive. What I have discovered though is that retail audio should be tied into the brand and perhaps more importantly, the customers. I think that this is pretty basic approach.

One of the ideas I have been thinking over is that small stores or departments have the ability to tune their music inline with a much smaller customer base. Most often is that case that in a bike store, there are one, two or maybe three customers in the store at any one time. This allows the audio to be tuned specifically with these people in mind.

But how can you direct your playlist towards these people?

Often, customers are middle aged, so may have grown up in a similar period i.e. 1970s. Calling upon audio from when people are growing up could bring back memories of their first bike. Perhaps a subtle question by the sales staff about their first bike would piece this jigsaw together and inspire them to make a purchase decision.

Perhaps more generally, the audio should make people feel comfortable, familiar, inspire confidence and empowerment. The next step for me is to compile a playlist to be directed towards these different generations as I begin to scratch the surface in looking into this fascinating method of boosting sales.

Prototyping Interface Dimensions

The dimensions of the following prototypes all relate to money in some respect, be it the shape of a credit card, bank note, or implement the same ratio of length to width as a credit card or bank note. This is in an effort to create a subtle connection with money in producing a Chip and PIN device. I have also   experimented with different profiles, concave and convex that work in a more natural swing of the thumb.

Making of Mint Model

Having been asked some questions about how this model has been made, I have decided to share some of the details on its manufacturing process here!

Layered Ply:
First of all to generate a layered effect to mimic the layering of bank notes, several sheets of 12mm plywood were glued together and then turned into shape. Making two identical egg shapes on the lathe was very time consuming, especially given the hardness of the plywood, owing its high density to the composite of alternating direction of laminate sheet and the glue that holds everything together. To assist in generating identical shapes, a template of the profile was made.

Copper Inlay:

To create the effect of a coin edge, copper sheet has been inset into the model. Cutting this slot was carried out using a band saw that cut the exact thickness of copper sheet, 2mm. This meant that the sheet remained in place without need for additional gluing or fixing. Once trimmed to a rough size and shape, this was fitted and then finished to be flush with the surface and finally polished.

Base:

 Using high density modeling foam, Ureal, the base is made from two parts to form a part line. This join represents the opening that electronic components would be housed in. The bases position each device at a shallow angle for easy access, vision and perceived security, the angle being carefully introduced by angled surfaces and a disc sander. In order to gain a flawless surface finish, smoothness is critical, achieved by sanding between primer and multiple paint layers. After paint and lacquer, color matched transfers are applied to represent the mint.com brand and make the product look more realistic.

How are customers to choose?

The value of many bicycle components is measured against weight. Customers expect and are willing to pay more for components that weigh less than a less expensive alternative. 

Looking at the example of seat posts, the cost vs weight has been plotted against one another. What one would expect to see is a linear relationship between these two references available to the consumer. It appears to be the case however that this relationship becomes unclear when considering the difference between seat posts made from carbon fibre vs aluminum alloy. those made from carbon fibre feature a relationship that trends towards and increase in price with weight reduction yet this features turmoil within the relationship, attributed to niche brands, more complex manufacturing techniques and design features such as vibration damping.

This graphs helps to demonstrate the added value that can be generated through design and engineering but offers few clues to the consumer where this value is going to benefit them. 

It is through this research that I can only stress the importance of communicating features of the design that may benefit the rider, instead of relying on simple common understanding that lighter weight products command higher pricing. 

 Aluminium

Carbon Fibre

Simple concepts to damp vibration

Through research into existing products, I have found that for a vibration damping member to be successful, wherein the transmissibility of vibration is reduced between two points, two factors are critical:

• Surface contact area
• Contact pressure

Existing products that claim to suppress vibrations, such as the Specialized Roubaix, feature viscoelastic vibration dampers that sit within carbon fibre moldings in the seat stay or fork of a bicycle. These are places at which vibrations are transmitted to the rider and including the damping members inside of a carbon molding in this way, generates surface contact area and pressure.

The following concept addresses these desirable properties to damp vibrations but at a much lower cost and with greater simplicity. Moving damping members to the outside of a seat post for example allows for interchanging of densities, to allow riders to customize the rate of damping to suit conditions or weight. 

Another element that this concept deals with is the perception of vibration, with dampers being spaced at progressively closer distances that suggest vibrations are being reduced. 

Making Prototypes

For part of my major project, I have been making a final working prototype of my seat post design. This has been highly enjoyable to see the culmination of months of research and development. This though, is still a working prototype so this is by no means the end, just a way to prove the idea works, withstands load and aids communication of the concept.

IEEC Banner!

Well it has been over a year since returning from a fantastic year at San Francisco State University and i keep getting notifications from the great field of work being done by the IEEC. The IEEC, International Education Exchange Council exists to promote study abroad programs and provide social events and fundraising activities. During my time at SFSU I was an officer within the PR division, responsible for communication and media.

Part of my work in the role was to design a new logo to promote the student led organization, being proudly displayed on the Malcolm X Plaza on campus.

The IEEC organize great social events in the bay area, check it out!
https://www.facebook.com/ieecsfsu

Thomas Gerald Gray Prize

I am delighted to report that I am the successful recipient of the Thomas Gerald Gray prize which is awarded for ‘Greatest Academic Improvement within the Design area’.This is great news for me as i have been trying to constantly improve my work and knowledge of the subject. 


More about the award: The Thomas Gerald Gray Charitable Trust was established in memory of Thomas Gerald Gray, who died in 1988. During his working life in the field of engineering, Thomas Gray was concerned by the lack of appreciation and status of engineering within society. The Charity was registered in 1997 with the objective “to advance public education, particularly concerning engineering and technology and the promotion of study and appreciation of engineering and technology”. During 1999 the Trustees formed a partnership with Brunel with a view to fulfilling the aims of the Charity.


In the name of Thomas Gerald Gray, I aim to similarly raise awareness and appreciation for engineering and technology. I believe in todays global economy, this is becoming ever more important as businesses realize the importance of design, engineering and technology in order to become successful.


Thank you to Brunel and of course, Thomas Gerald Gray for this award.

A study into discomfort on a bicycle.

A large part of my major project investigated what makes a cyclist uncomfortable on a bike. For the most part, incorrect bike fit was to blame. This is being handled beautifully by such systems as the Specialized BG Fit. A cause of discomfort that remains however is the vibration experienced while riding over different road surfaces. Low frequency, high magnitude disturbances are dealt with by suspension systems, yet for higher frequency, low magnitude vibrations such as experienced while cycling on the road. By large, Specialized are the only manufacture tackling this phenomenon and perhaps more importantly, bring solutions, to market with such products as the Specialized Roubaix.

Through research however I have discovered that vibration is felt with higher intensity at the hands. Part of the reason for this is the nature of tactile receptors of the skin that makes up the hand, being much more sensitive to a specific range of frequency and magnitude.

Prototype Mechanism

These prototypes were made to demonstrate the form and functionality of a seat post tilting mechanism, that uses a collar to clamp the saddle. Using clear Acrylic was helpful to communicate how the internals of this mechanism operate.

Tilt Mechanism Prototype

This prototype, demonstrates an approach that uses the movement of two different axes. An outside diameter remains fixed in one axis and when rotated, forces the inner axis to assume a new position, altering the angle of the saddle. This particular prototype was made to explore methods in which to alter the angle of a bicycle saddle. It turned out to require too many parts to be economical for manufacture so a more simple, refined solution was employed. 

Made in Brunel - Mint.com

Today concludes the final day of our design degree exhibition, Made in Brunel. Presented here is my design concept for Mint.com, a payment exchange device that brings back tactility with money. I have been extremely pleased with the positive feedback received at the show, from colleagues and industry professionals. A big thank you everybody that made this show possible.

Bicycle manufacture and purchase philosophy

This is a graphic I have produced, to communicate the importance of achieving balance between aerodynamics, comfort, stiffness and weight in order to go faster on a bicycle. Without the correct balance of these elements for a specific need, then performance of the bicycle is not optimized for the conditions or indeed the rider.

Future concept for mint.com

More wood turning this week...

Human Factors Study - Card Payment Terminal

We have all witnessed the difficulties some people have in using these electronic devices. This study looks at existing Chip and Pin device, specifically the Ingenico i7780 and applies human factors methods to forward a redesign solution that makes the product easier to use, both on a cognitive and physical level.

The following pictures illustrate user testing, using a magnetic button elements that can be easily moved, reactive to feedback from people using the prototype.

If you would be interested to receive a full copy of my reported findings and suggested design imrpovements, please email me.

Removable bicycle desk lamp

Thinking about when we use lamps, either on our bike or at home, but why would they be used at the same time? This concept uses a lamp stand to charge the lamp when not in use and also allow for it to be used to light up a desk, using efficient LED technology. The stands features a twisted groove in the top ring, allowing the lamp to be tilted as it is moved around this ring.

What i found interesting, was applying the golden ratio to the lamps design. The length of the lamp is found by multiplying the length by 1.6. Ancient history and extensive natural patterns support the golden ratio as having aesthetic balance.

Athlete ID Bracelet

Designed for athletes who train alone, this identification bracelet contains a unique code that tells authorities of your vital information in the event of an emergency. An elliptical shape fits the contours of the wrist and vents allow cool air flow and weight reduction.

Contextual Essay

I have written an essay that discusses the impact of technical regulations on the cycling industry. Do these regulations limit the rate of innovation?

If you would like a copy of this, please email me!

samueldavidedwards@googlemail.com

Collaborating with a company

During my final year, I have been working on a seat post concept for Ultimate Sports Engineering. Details of the design are confidential, so unfortunately cannot share any images or clues as to how it works, however I have learnt a huge amount more about materials, manufacture and brand integration.

Experimenting with materials

I have been experimenting with the layering effect that ply materials can provide. Eseentially, these plywood's are a mixture of wood and glue, much like carbon fibre! This means that strength can be made isotropic to achieve higher strength in larger sheets across two directions (wood is traditionally anisotropic). The result... well over an hour on the lathe and many tools sharpened to cut through this resilient material.

Creeping Featurism and Sram Red

An age-old tendency of bicycle equipment manufactures is to add more gears to bicycles. If you asked amateur cyclists why they need more gears, could they tell you? Actually, more gears divide the difference in gear ratio over more sprockets, so benefits the rider though smoother changes. But there becomes a point where this simply is not necessary. Manufacturers yet remain insistent on adding extra gears. The concept of creeping featurism simply increases the number of features offered by a product, service or brand, beyond all reason. A nice example of this is Google. The company had been adamant on providing every service imaginable, under the Google brand umbrella. The company realized they had their fingers in too many pies to be truly successful. Companies often forget what it is they do, or do well. Google realized that search was what they did well, and have now focused on doing this really, really well and have since streamlined their product offering to reflect this.

Sram recently launched their new Sram Red group set. Much anticipation led up to the event, with speculation that an extra gears or electronic shifting would be added. Some very exciting features I know. The new group set did not include either of these and had some flummoxed, including their competitors. Actually, Sram had gone back to look at the group set and what this means to cyclists. In doing this they realized that to be successful it need not have an infinite number of gears or electronic shifting, but was made to be exceedingly lightweight and smooth in operation, offering the same number of gears as had previously become standard. These are important things to racing cyclists, to go faster.

The fact is, that creeping featurism is here to stay. In my view, the reason it happens is to accommodate the beliefs and values of customers. As a design profession, it is our responsibility to understand these customers and what is expected from a product and learning how to best communicate why sometimes it is best to focus on a specific functionality, delivered with quality.

Part of my reading on this topic includes The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman. This is a fascinating introduction into physical and cognitive related issues associated with familiar products.

An interesting project i am working on at the moment analyses the environmental impact of a bicycle computer, from cradle to grave. Conducting a life cycle analysis is a fascinating way to learn more about the origin of each component and material of a product.

Design recommendations will be made that improve the footprint of the computer, to follow soon!

Ergonomic Analysis of Dumbbell Storage

Dumbbells are difficult to lift from storage and hard to find.

Heaviest dumbbells are positioned at the lowest point and are the most difficult to lift.

As a frequent gym goer, I am familiar with the frustrations that are connected with trying to find the right dumbbell. This project investigates Human Factors issues associated with using dumbbell storage systems.