This project is the result of the course Design for X, during the final year of my bachelor. The last 3 weeks consisted of one final project. As a group, we were tasked with redesigning a scaffolding bridge for applications such as window cleaning en building maintenance. Our group consisted of 2 industrial design engineers and 2 mechanical engineers, for this project I took the job of project manager. I made the plannings, assigned jobs and helped the overall design process. I was also responsible for the design and CAD models of the redesigned side wall (langsdrager), floor (vloer) and wall bracket (muurafhouder). A multitude of D4X methods were employed such as; design for manual assembly, design for automatic assembly and design for modularity. 

For this project the Delft Design Guide design methods was used. Using a broad analysis phase to set up a list of requirements and wishes which were then taken into the design phase, ultimately leading to the final design. 

A big problem with the bridge was the strength and stiffness of the bridge, the customer wanted longer bridges but this wasn't possible because the bridge wasn't stiff enough. The redesigned bridge was 23,6 percent stiffer with an increase in weight of only 18,6 percent. Which allowed the user to use the modulair function of the bridge to build longer bridges. 

First, the original modular function of the bridge was analysed and visualised for the report. The bridge consists of modules from 0.5 m up to 3 m. The bridge was further analysed using methods such as a Function-Mean Model, a Quality-Function Deployment and finally, a Modulair Indication Matrix was used to identify the optimal modules for the redesign. 

The full report features;

A thorough analysis phase on the stakeholders, users and client.

Strength calculations (FEM) for the strength and stiffness analysis of the old bridge and validation of the redesign. 

QFD, MIM and FMM application for a thorough D4X analysis. 

A full wishes and requirements list.

Product renders.

Programs used;

Keyshot

Solidworks

Inventor

Photoshop

Indesign