Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Management Systems Presentations - Spring 2021
CREATION OF AN ONLINE ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM
The impact of COVID-19 has shown us how viable virtual learning can be to both the students and the universities. An online engineering management bachelor’s degree program (BSEM) is being developed at WMU. Design parameters were identified to meet the need for this degree: 1) entry point at year three of the program, 2 resource-neutral, 3) ABET-accreditable (technology program), 4) meet all WMU degree requirements, 5) attractive to military and non-traditional students, and 6) viable for degree-completion. With the growing demand for engineering management students and minimal need for physical labs, along with only a handful of such programs across the U.S., an online program allows for broader participation by students regardless of their geography or demands on their time. We built a prototype online BSEM program based on interviews with stakeholders, research on existing programs, and the application of our design parameters to best meet the needs of the prospective students.
BOXING AND LUBRICATING PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
A local industrial hinge manufacturer is working on increasing productivity for two in-house processes, box assembly, and hinge cap lubricant application. The company’s long-term corporate goals are to reduce cost by producing more product in-house, while increasing total throughput. However, SELECT Products Limited has a short-term goal of increasing productivity in the two processes. Time and motion studies, cost analysis, and replacement material research were conducted to understand the current conditions and develop process recommendations. From the initial designs and findings, process improvement concepts were refined and supplied to the company for their implementation.
IMPACT TESTING OF GOLF BUNKER SAND
Bunker sand on a golf course is imperative to the course playability and quality. Thus, having a quality sand that can endure varying climates and moisture levels while maintaining consistent gameplay is fundamental. Tour grade sands were analyzed based on certain American Foundry Society (AFS) testing standards to determine play consistency at varying moisture levels. Based on test results, recommendations for consistent bunker play were identified.
DATA ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF RAPID CASTING TECHNOLOGIES
Rapid casting technology is the development of a product directly from CAD software to a casting process. The commercially available additive method, 3D sand printing, has been compared to a developing subtractive additive method. The subtractive additive method makes the casting mold using machinable ceramic, while 3D printing develops the mold layer by layer using silica sand bonded by furan. Each method was tested using an aluminum casting alloy. The processes were analyzed by part quality, time to market, and cost. By comparing the results of the two, an analysis is given as to which process exceeds the different criteria.
MOBILE HYDRAULIC FLUID CONDITIONING PROJECT
Hydraulic fluid degrades as it is used within machinery, frequently requiring fluid replacement or reconditioning. Many existing mobile fluid conditioning systems only filter the fluid or regulate temperature, not both. Combining heating and cooling capabilities to a filtration system, as well as adding autonomy, restores and extends the use of hydraulic fluid and related equipment. A new hydraulic fluid conditioning system was designed and built to improve the lifespan of a hydraulic system reducing operational costs and decreasing machine downtime.
VERSATILE HOME WORKSPACE ENVIRONMENTS
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many individuals around the world have experienced a shift from traveling to a traditional workplace or school, to needing a functional home workspace. Lacking a distinction between work and relaxation in a physical space can cause decreased productivity and overall longer workdays. Models of the workspace environments were created based on the perspectives of surveyed potential users. The goal of the project was to design an effective home workspace that utilizes sensory cues, in conjunction with versatile physical features, to seamlessly transform an environment from a living space into a workspace that fuels productivity.
DESIGN DECISIONS RELATED TO THE COST OF MANUFACTURING
Constraints and techniques used in the manufacturing industry have a significant impact on the cost to end-users. A new display located at Floyd Hall was created as an educational tool to help illustrate how design decisions affect manufacturing cost. Several prints and parts were created to demonstrate the cost implications with increasing tolerances and complexity. Many of the specifications were suggested by local companies and past experiences with difficult to manufacture features. This learning tool will help current and future students understand how design specifications affect manufacturing costs and help design with intent to manufacture more cost-effectively.
TRUCK BED: AN INNOVATION IN STORAGE
Pick-up trucks today are loaded with technology and features to make the truck more capable, luxurious, and efficient than ever before. However, truck beds have virtually stayed the same over the past several years. This lack of innovation highlighted the need for a redesign to accommodate current and future pick-up truck consumers needs. Based on consumer insight, updated truck bed accessories were designed to address changing needs.
SNOW REMOVING WHEEL WELL
One of the most common issues associated with driving in snowy and icy road conditions is build-up in the wheel wells of a vehicle. If neglected, this build-up can be difficult to remove and potentially dangerous. Although this snow and ice can be removed by scraping or kicking, the manual removal process can be tedious (and sometimes extremely cold!). This demonstrates the need for a snow-removing wheel well device. Experiments were performed on simulated wheel wells to test and analyze various snow removal mechanisms and develop feasible prototypes were developed. The long-term benefits of the snow-removing wheel well design are: a more convenient method of clearing wheel wells, improved driving conditions, and reduced vehicle maintenance in winter weather.