Today, we are going to discuss the "How to proceed with a mechanical design job that ends up taking a lot of time.Here is a note about "The
This article is undergoing a major rewrite.
In mechanical design work, trial and error is an inevitable part of making new things happen. Today, I would like to share what I have learned through such trial and error.
Mechanical design work
Modification of equipment
The mechanical design situation I will discuss is a modification project to modify and improve equipment that was once built in a new design project.
In new designs, the mechanisms we choose may not reach the customer's performance from the start. They areOften found after assembly, such as "I pushed too hard than I thought" or "I wanted an adjustment mechanism here..." It is.
In addition, with first-time equipment, we often see areas that need to be modified after the assembly and adjustment are complete and the equipment has moved on to interacting with electricity.For example, it is the elimination of resonance and other shaking due to maximum operating speed, repetitive motion, etc. There's a lot more that comes out.
Inevitable requirement for retrofitting existing equipment
When modifying existing facilities, there is always a demand to "avoid additional work to the existing facilities as much as possible. The reason for this is simple: "We want to complete the modification with as little damage as possible.
Once a machine is installed, it takes a lot of time and effort just to remove one part. In addition, it is necessary to arrange for additional machining, drawings for additional work, and so on. Unlike new parts, existing parts may seem to make the process easier, but it is a more time-consuming process.There is also the issue of deadlines. Basically, the schedule leeway is usually used up at that point.
The real reason why it takes so long as a result
As a result, what is not good and takes time is that the proposed modification is not appropriate and must be redone again.I somehow feel that the reason why it ends up taking so long is because of the voices around us that say, "Hurry up, design it, and arrange it!" and the designers feel pressured by that and end up rushing.
The whole process is unavoidable.
Of course. There is a need to hurry.
But, avoid existing equipment and add a new mechanism. Find and lay out the equipment that will go into it.That would certainly be great if the existing products were intact, additional mechanisms could be easily added, and the product consisted of purchased or fabricated parts with a fast delivery time,Design needs to be based on principles, and after all, that is what needs to be thoroughly considered, so it is not the same as having ideals come first.
Also, I think there are a lot of people now who are forced to design with purchased products that have fast delivery times.
The key is multiple eyes.
It's at times like that that I want to make a conscious move.
- Sharing information and coping strategies
- Check the surroundings
- Schedule restructuring decisions
I am thinking at the moment that this is a good idea.
That's it.
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