The 3D Process: sample project
EXAMPLE PROJECT: Tranquility® Quest CPAP
(Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Sleep Respirator Device
Respironics Corporation, GA formally Healthdyne Technologies, Inc.
The 3D process may start with a napkin sketch or thumbnail drawings. The primary starting point is the definition of the market need that you are tying to fill. Once we have a defined problem, we can begin to craft a product solution.
The Key Objectives for this sample project were:
User comfort/ ergonomics & anthropometry
Functional Design – cost effective / clam shell
Transportability (handle, weight / distribution, size proportions)
Noise Management ( blower motor – air movement)
Patient air hose outlet: connection access
Control panel placement- (access – visibility)
Power switch access
Filter access ( change / cleaning)
Impact – drop test (4 feet)
Rain – test (run-off collection areas)
Family appearance
Phase Two: Ten pages of conceptual design
One ore a handful of these concepts is chosen as the most appropriate concept, and it moves forward to have it’s dimensions (measurements) defined.
The product or machine design should consider learnability, usability, localization and universal design issues, leading to the interpretation of the products capabilities and use, with the ability to adjust to the specific users unique age, size and proportion and perform it’s intended task.
Once informed of all of the concept’s dimensions and components, the design is broken down into manufacturable parts, which are them modeled in a CAD program. These computer models can be used to create photo-realistic images of what the concept will look like post-manufacturing.
As soon as the computer modeling is complete, the documentation can be sent to our model makers for one final , presentation-ready prototype.
Concurrently, the CAD information gets converted into information that is used in engineering the assembly line.
Ultimately, money spent on 3D process and what 3D CAD model files is an investment to make sure that your product is maximizing it’s potential. All of the drawings, renderings, and models also help you monitor the design process every step of the way, so that you don’t have to make any costly changes after production has already started.
