PLASTIC PRODUCT DESIGN

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Stress Engineering Services offers the design and analysis expertise necessary to predict and avoid development problems in a wide variety of plastic products, packages and electro-mechanical devices.

A Familiar Scenario

Management has been sold, product launch dates have been set and there is no turning back. Things are going mostly according to plan EXCEPT... an unanticipated problem appears. Then the small problem suddenly becomes a major one when you learn that your launch date is now in jeopardy. This is a familiar scenario. With the use of leading edge design, analysis and testing technology, it is also unnecessary.

A Cost-Effective Approach…Early in the Design

Stress Engineering uses a practical approach to assessing the likelihood of problems very early in the design cycle, before commercial commitments are made. Using predictive analysis and simulation tools, as well as unique testing methods, Stress Engineering can help you determine if a small problem with your new device is likely to become a large one.

Case Study: Solving Toothbrush Noise Problems

With most electro-mechanical devices, noise is only considered after the development is nearly complete and production-quality prototypes are available for testing. Unfortunately, noise problems are usually identified too late in the product development cycle to be effectively solved.

A recent example where Stress Engineering demonstrated the value of predictive analysis, simulation and testing tools is in the electric toothbrush market. This category has become a commercial battleground for new, lower cost, innovative products. To better understand the relationship between design, cost, and noise level, we conducted a survey of several of the most popular electro-mechanical toothbrushes. The results helped establish a noise benchmark for future brush development.

Stress Engineering used a semi-anechoic chamber to measure near-field noise. Inside the chamber device operating noise level is monitored with a microphone, and mechanical response via an accelerometer.

Data from the tests are displayed graphically in both time and frequency domains. The data make it possible for Stress Engineering to identify sources of the noise and provide a basis for engineering a solution. It also provided our client with important information to improve the competitive position of their product.

Stress Engineering offers a broad range of experience in the development, design and manufacturing of electro-mechanical devices and products. Our in-house multi-disciplinary team includes electrical, electronics, mechanical and materials engineers.