Using rapid prototypes for functional evaluation of evolutionary product designs

Abstract

Purpose-To illustrate the benefits of using the empirical similitude method when creating scale models with rapid prototyping processes, particularly in the context of evolutionary product design. Design/methodology/approach-Apply the empirical similitude method in two experimental examples. Utilize rapid prototyping processes to create scale models. Both examples are based on the context of evolutionary product design. For one example, evaluate accuracy of empirical similitude results as compared to traditional similitude. Findings-The first experimental example showed improved accuracy in the empirical similitude results as compared with traditional similitude. The second experimental example illustrated an effective approach for applying the empirical similitude method to a realistic product evolution. Research limitations/implications-Limited to two experimental examples. Examples involve a single prototyping process (selective laser sintering). Does not cover limitations of the empirical similitude method. Practical implications-The approach provides for an effective way of utilizing rapid prototypes to predict the functional behavior of an evolutionary product. Rapid prototypes are readily available, but are rarely used in evaluating product function, due to limitations in part sizes and material properties. Originality/value-This paper provides a practical way of utilizing rapid prototypes to predict the functional behavior of a product through scale models. It also illustrates the proposed method with two experimental examples.

Design prototyping methods: state of the art in strategies, techniques, and guidelines

“…scaling material strength, and geometry separately) (Cho et al. 2005; Dutson & Wood 2005). Use of similitude scaling can be induced with a strategic method, and scaled models cost significantly less than full prototypes without adverse performance effects (Camburn et al.…”

Design of scaled model for dynamic characteristics of stiffened cylindrical shells based on equivalent similar method

“…In addition, since Equation (26) can be obtained by substituting Equations (27) and 29into Equation (23), there are no independent scaling laws derived from Equation (26). Finally, by integrating Equations (27), (28) and (34), the scaling laws of the bending mode for the simplified cylindrical shell which satisfies the hypothesis of Timoshenko Beam are as follows:…”

“…Cho (21) presented and continuously developed a novel empirical similitude method: the empirical similarity method (ESM). By designing product specimen and model specimen as the transitional models, the ESM can deal with some of similarity distortions (22)(23)(24)(25) . The ESM is universal and can be applied to the study of similarity of stiffened cylindrical shells.…”

Hybrid approach in prototyping functional medical safety devices: A case study

“…Recent development has seen the rise in the use of rapid prototyping (RP) techniques in the development of models and medical implants (Atwood et al 1994, Chua et al 2005, Dutson and Wood 2005, Ferreira et al 2006, Hieu et al 2005, Im et al 2002, Lopez and Wright 2002, Pham and Dimov 2003, Webb 2000. RP techniques are a group of technologies that produce 3-dimensional object accurately in a layer-by-layer fashion (Chua et al 2003).…”

“…RP techniques are a group of technologies that produce 3-dimensional object accurately in a layer-by-layer fashion (Chua et al 2003). However, RP are rarely used in evaluating the product function, due to the limitations in part sizes and choice of material (Dutson and Wood 2005). In order to overcome the limitations, innovative synergy of conventional manufacturing and RP techniques are needed to fabricate functional medical prototypes successfully.…”