Last Updated

31st August, 2002

Embodiment Design

The embodiment process is the bridge between the conceptual stage of the design process and the detail design stage. A more detailed analysis of the selected concepts is undertaken in the embodiment stage of the design process. Subjects covered include a definitive layout, preliminary form design (component shapes and materials), preliminary production information (design for manufacture and assembly), materials and process selection and process selection and industrial design. However, the main aim is to establish concept development to refine concept sketches as a distinct stage in the design process by identifying the steps and rules employed. The input to the embodiment stage is often little more than an outline sketch and associated project controlling documentation such as PDS or design requirements. The output is a definitive scheme drawing accompanied by documentation, such as calculations, required dimension and tolerances and suggested materials and manufacturing processes. It also includes appearance, shape, style and size. Materials and process details are not included in this stage. Embodiment design is not solely the achieving of technical solutions but also creating useful products, which satisfy and appeal to the users.

In figure 28, it is the embodiment design. The mechanism is foot pedal and spring return. In this stage, the components are built individually. After that, it built up an assembly. The materials, lighting and background are assigned to make a real high quality photo realistic image and saved as a picture of three-dimensional model. It is easy to use in the most computers to open the image file. The isometric drawing in figure 28 highlights many embodiment issues. These issues are including springs, foot pedal, and ball actuator.

The major working principle of the embodiment design is simplicity. For each functional element, there should be a clear relationship between cause and effect. For example, the foot pedal should design with the spring. And the foot pedal set at an angle to place the springs and how to propel the ball using foot pedal. All the possible solutions should be considered or investigated. All the information should analyse from the concept design phase for size, materials and so on.

Moreover, it has to simplicity of function and shape for analysis and manufacture in the embodiment design. It also considers how to minimise the parts and integration of components. In figure 28, it develops a rough layout to identify the assemblies and components, which fulfils the main functions. It also checks systematically for design faults and resolves these. For instance, the foot pedal is too long in the height. The failure of the connection between the ball actuator and foot spring. To resolve those problems, every possible technologies and economic aspect of the product must need during the embodiment design stage. The embodiment design applies techniques for design failure identification. It can replace the creative and optimistic approach with a critical and corrective one.

Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) should be produced in the embodiment design stage. FMEA is to improve the design failure to proceed to the detail design. FMEA is a qualitative method of reliability analysis, which involves the study of the failure modes, which can exist in every sub-component of the part.

FMEA is shown as is a tabular arrangement of each component, its function, all possible failure modes for each component, the failure effect associated with each failure mode, and proposed preventative or corrective measures. FMEA: Embodiment design of the cricket-bowling machine is made.

Part 1: Foot pedal

Part 2: Spring

Part 3: Foot spring

Part 4: Ball actuator (load the ball)

Part 5: Base

Part 6: Foot speed adjustment.

Hazard class is I to V. V is the worst.

The followings show the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis:

Table 5 FMEA for cricket bowling machine in the embodiment design

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