Showing posts with label Ian Thomas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ian Thomas. Show all posts
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Monday, 26 April 2010
Contractor SWOT analysis
The following is a SWOT analysis of the group, not the product. Hector Vela Garza has not been included as he has not been a part of the project:
Strengths:
1. Structure. The group assigned responsibilities and roles to each individual at an early stage. These responsibilities have allowed each member to act independently of the group, seeking advice when needed; as well as delegating tasks to other group members where appropriate.
2. Flexibility. The flexibility of all group members to act 'out of role' has been a significant success story. Combining this with the weekly group meeting has kept the structure of the group in tact and the project on track. The willingness of all group members to adapt ideas and take on board constructive criticism has seen many changes occur from the original design; all significantly improving the completed product.
3. Commitment. The group has remained committed to the project from the start. Any other responsibilities have been kept way from group time; with the use of a blog greatly enhancing the way the group monitors and adapts to changes; especially short notice ones.
Weaknesses.
1. Meeting group deadlines. All individuals have had to make short term changes to the timescales set in order to achieve a better result. These short notice changes have been handled well but could have resulted in friction occurring. Fortunately the group has not suffered from any ill feeling with any issues or opposing opinions addressed immediately. The use of the blog, email and text messaging has kept all others in the loop and helped prevent problems develop.
2. Sub teams. The use of sub teams has helped the group achieve results quickly; but has also become 'the norm' with respect to operating procedures. If the project was to be completed over a longer timescale then a change of sub team composition would enhance group cohesion.
Opportunities.
1. Blogging. The use of a blog was a first for many of the group, however this method of developing a product/plan has proved to be most effective. It is definitely a valuable tool that the group plan to take the opportunity to use in the future.
2. Planning criteria. If the group were to undertake a project like this again it would be a useful opportunity to develop a number of different solutions; and be in a stronger position to pick the most suitable design for further production.
Threats
1. Limitations. The lack of a 'shared area' of online space to store designs and documentation has hindered the creation of the product. If any such area was to be made available then the flexibility of the group, to work without a missing member, would allow production to continue. At times the group has been hindered because an individual has the documentation/design that the rest of the group needs, in order to develop it further. The blog is a useful tool but would greatly benefit from adding this feature.
Strengths:
1. Structure. The group assigned responsibilities and roles to each individual at an early stage. These responsibilities have allowed each member to act independently of the group, seeking advice when needed; as well as delegating tasks to other group members where appropriate.
2. Flexibility. The flexibility of all group members to act 'out of role' has been a significant success story. Combining this with the weekly group meeting has kept the structure of the group in tact and the project on track. The willingness of all group members to adapt ideas and take on board constructive criticism has seen many changes occur from the original design; all significantly improving the completed product.
3. Commitment. The group has remained committed to the project from the start. Any other responsibilities have been kept way from group time; with the use of a blog greatly enhancing the way the group monitors and adapts to changes; especially short notice ones.
Weaknesses.
1. Meeting group deadlines. All individuals have had to make short term changes to the timescales set in order to achieve a better result. These short notice changes have been handled well but could have resulted in friction occurring. Fortunately the group has not suffered from any ill feeling with any issues or opposing opinions addressed immediately. The use of the blog, email and text messaging has kept all others in the loop and helped prevent problems develop.
2. Sub teams. The use of sub teams has helped the group achieve results quickly; but has also become 'the norm' with respect to operating procedures. If the project was to be completed over a longer timescale then a change of sub team composition would enhance group cohesion.
Opportunities.
1. Blogging. The use of a blog was a first for many of the group, however this method of developing a product/plan has proved to be most effective. It is definitely a valuable tool that the group plan to take the opportunity to use in the future.
2. Planning criteria. If the group were to undertake a project like this again it would be a useful opportunity to develop a number of different solutions; and be in a stronger position to pick the most suitable design for further production.
Threats
1. Limitations. The lack of a 'shared area' of online space to store designs and documentation has hindered the creation of the product. If any such area was to be made available then the flexibility of the group, to work without a missing member, would allow production to continue. At times the group has been hindered because an individual has the documentation/design that the rest of the group needs, in order to develop it further. The blog is a useful tool but would greatly benefit from adding this feature.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Group meeting
On Monday 26th April the group will have a presentation meeting in the library at 1230hrs. All individuals are to arrive with the material they would like to include in the group presentation (on Wednesday 28th Apr). This information should have already been included as a blog entry prior to the meeting.
A further practice session is also planned for Tuesday 27th Apr.
A further practice session is also planned for Tuesday 27th Apr.
Hoists.
The group has realised that the design is perfectly capable of utilising a hoist system; should it be needed. Therefore the following hoists would be recommended to any potential customers. There are quite literally hundreds available but these simple effective designs are a good example of what could be utilised; with the principle of 'any safe tool' will do in a disaster situation:
1. Hand Chain Hoists & Chain Block
Designed for long life with minimum maintenance, the BUDGIT USA family of hand chain hoist products have outstanding features, including: lightweight, tight headroom, overload devices as standard, and easy operation. The 1/4 through 6-ton Budgit hoist models are all of the same basic construction and consist of a cast aluminum frame which houses an automatic load brake, spur gear reduction and load sprocket with chain guide. The suspension hooks swivel 360 degrees. All of the chain block models that Budgit makes are made in the USA and will meet all your needs for commercial and industrial use
SWL 2 Ton [$1,075.84]
http://www.hoistsdirect.com/
2. Budgit Electric Chain Hoist Series
New heavy-duty positive acting AC disc motor brake. This long lasting brake has an easy 1-step adjustment.
New upper suspension design threads through the upper frame and is locked in place at the top of the hoist frame. Greatly improves the ease of replacing the upper hook or lug suspension. You no longer have to drive out a hard to reach pin in the upper suspension nut for suspension removal.
A nylon mesh chain container is included as standard up to 20’ of lift.
SWL 2 Ton [$2,468.20]
http://www.hoistsdirect.com/
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Lifting straps
A critical component is the lifting strap associated with the end product. Research has shown that a wide variety of straps and belts are available, with the overall safe working load defined by the end fitting used.
We have ralised that the product would increase its versitility if it was offered with a range of straps to suit all situatuions. Therefore the following range of products is being considered:
1. The RLL50E Ratchet Straps is endless and therefore has no end fittings. The RLL50E has a load capacity of 4000Kgf.
http://www.gtf.co.uk/component/virtuemart/category/31/cargo-straps/50mm-ratchet-straps?vmi=3
2. The RL25L Ratchet Straps have a loop sewn on each end. The RL75E has a load capacity of 5000Kgf.
http://www.gtf.co.uk/component/virtuemart/category/33/cargo-straps/75mm-cargo-straps?vmi=3
3. The RL35LD-E Ratchet Straps are an endless configuration. i.e. the webbing goes back through the buckle The RL35LD-E has a load capacitiy of 2000Kgf. The Breaking Strength is 4000Kgf. [
http://www.gtf.co.uk/component/virtuemart/category/30/cargo-straps/35mm-ratchet-straps?vmi=3
4. Sealey Lifting Strap 5 Ton Capacity 4 Metre [£57.76]
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=138886
5. Sealey Lifting Strap 3 Ton Capacity 3 Metre [£30.03]
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=138877
6. Draper Expert 4 Tonne 2 Metre x 120mm Lifting Strap [£21.95]
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=166402
7. Endless Roundslings Brown 6Ton / 6000kgs
Endless roundslings made with 100% polyester ideal lifting slings for easy use and flexability [£8.12]
http://www.slingsandstraps.co.uk/shop/category_RSEC/Roundslings.html?shop_param=cid%3D%26
8. Endless Roundslings Grey 4Ton / 4000kgs
Endless roundslings made with 100% polyester ideal lifting slings for easy use and flexability [£5.02]
http://www.slingsandstraps.co.uk/shop/category_RSEC/Roundslings.html?shop_param=cid%3D%26
9. Endless Roundslings Yellow 3Ton / 3000kgs
Endless roundslings made with 100% polyester ideal lifting slings for easy use and flexability [£3.94]
http://www.slingsandstraps.co.uk/shop/category_RSEC/Roundslings.html?shop_param=cid%3D%26
10. Lifting Slings 2Ton / 2000Kgs Green
Duplex Lifting Slings made from polyester. 2ton capacity Colour : Green[£6.22]
http://www.slingsandstraps.co.uk/shop/category_DUPWS/Lifting-Slings-Duplex-Webbing.html?shop_param=cid%3D%26
Monday, 19 April 2010
Tender - Group M
ME2045 Solid Mechanics
Group M
Emergency Crane project
Invitation to Tender
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Project Goals and Objectives
1.2 Purpose of this Invitation to Tender
1.3 Form of Tenders
1.4 Procurement Timetable
2 Background
2.1 Organisation Background
2.2 Technical Environment
2.3 Current Business Systems
3 Scope and Scale of Systems
3.1 Scope
3.2 Scale
4 Key Requirements
5 General Requirements
6 Detailed Functional Requirements
7 Technical Requirements
8 Cost Information Required
9 Implementation Requirements
1 INTRODUCTION
All group’s have been invited to tender a design of a small portable crane for use in disaster relief. Whilst the majority of loose material can be removed by hand it is recognised that larger beams and objects need the use of further resources; with the difficulty of transporting larger earth moving equipment proving difficult. This is where a portable crane would prove to be most valuable. The group have established a blog that documents the progress of the design; from start to finish. It is available to view at http://emergingengineeringgroupm.blogspot.com/
1.1 Project Goals and Objectives
The key goal was to design a crane that was easily capable of lifting the required weight (1000Kg) over a distance of 4m from its initial place of rest. It also needs to be economically viable to warrant production as well as robust enough to withstand all the forces it will be subjected to.
1.2 Purpose of this Invitation to Tender
This document outlines what objectives and goals the product has been designed to meet. It has been produced so that a clear knowledge of the product can be gained from reading it.
1.3 Form of Tenders
Any response should be made to the Project Manager once a decision has been made. Email: Thomasi@aston.ac.uk
1.4 Procurement Timetable
The tendering process is due to close on Friday 23rd April 2010. A working demonstration of the equipments capability is available upon request and will also be shown in the Group Presentation on Wednesday 28th April 2010. Should the product be selected a prototype would be developed immediately.
2 BACKGROUND
2.1 Institution's Background
The group was formed upon the release of the invitation to tender (3rd March 2010). Project roles were quickly established so the design could be researched and developed; with plenty of time to identify, and rectify, any areas for improvement.
2.2 Technical Environment
The creation of the blog has allowed the group to work from a variety of different locations; often as split down sub teams. This has assisted the development of the design along with the weekly planning meetings. Situational awareness has been maintained through this weekly meeting; allowing a fresh perspective to influence any work. The use of CAD software (Solidworks) has also helped in the design and development of the product.
2.3 Current Business Systems
Each team member was allocated a role to be responsible for. Despite this, all team members have been involved in all areas of development; allowing all the group skills to be utilised.
3 SCOPE AND SCALE OF SYSTEMS
3.1 Scope
The constraints of the design were outlined in the initial invitation to tender, and are discussed in Key requirements below. This allowed a fair deal of flexibility as to the design of the crane; with a variety of alternatives considered. These alternatives are documented in the blog.
3.2 Scale
The market for the product is vast. The recent occurrence of a number of natural disasters, in a variety of locations worldwide, highlights where this design could be utilised.
4 KEY REQUIREMENTS
The project had to work to the following conditions:
Be able to lift loads of not less than 1000Kgs.
Transport the load not less than 4m from the point of lift.
Be able to be disassembled and carried manually over 100m of rough ground.
Be able to be carried by a standard Land Rover 4x4.
5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
In order for the design to be produced the procurement of a variety of parts, from different manufacturers is necessary. This includes a rolling hand cranked cradle, I beam section and the fabrication of the legs and shoes. In order to maximise economic savings a bulk order would be advised. Therefore production would not be agreed until all responses have been returned.
6 DETAILED FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
3.3m Long I beam section. The exact dimensions are available to view in the blog.
1000Kg Hand Pushed Trolley – Quick Fit http://www.angliahandling.co.uk/acatalog/Hand_Pushed_Trolley_-_.html
2 x Leg Supports. The exact dimensions are available to view in the blog.
4 x ‘Shoes. The exact dimensions are available to view in the blog.
4 x Bottle Jacks It was decided that the design would allow the use of generic Bottle Jacks in order to allow the use of readily available equipment. However it was recognised that a recommended bottle jack be made available with the design. This recommended bottle Jack is available at http://www.tootoo.com/d-rp1692028-hydraulic_bottle_jack/
7 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Solidworks CAD was used to design the product. All associated ‘off the shelf’ equipment has been researched and recommended to insure that it meets the strict design criteria.
8 COST INFORMATION REQUIRED
The overall cost of the design doesn’t require any training or consultancy fees to be considered. It is purely based around the cost of the equipment and fabrication of the materials used. If the design was to prove to be the winning tender then a training (how to use) manual would need to be produced to accompany the design.
9 IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
A Gantt chart was used alongside the blog to keep a track on the product design. All group members were aware of the responsibility allocated to them and the timescale in which this duty was to be achieved. Well attended weekly group meetings allowed the discussion and solution of problems; without hindering the progress of the design.
Group M
Emergency Crane project
Invitation to Tender
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Project Goals and Objectives
1.2 Purpose of this Invitation to Tender
1.3 Form of Tenders
1.4 Procurement Timetable
2 Background
2.1 Organisation Background
2.2 Technical Environment
2.3 Current Business Systems
3 Scope and Scale of Systems
3.1 Scope
3.2 Scale
4 Key Requirements
5 General Requirements
6 Detailed Functional Requirements
7 Technical Requirements
8 Cost Information Required
9 Implementation Requirements
1 INTRODUCTION
All group’s have been invited to tender a design of a small portable crane for use in disaster relief. Whilst the majority of loose material can be removed by hand it is recognised that larger beams and objects need the use of further resources; with the difficulty of transporting larger earth moving equipment proving difficult. This is where a portable crane would prove to be most valuable. The group have established a blog that documents the progress of the design; from start to finish. It is available to view at http://emergingengineeringgroupm.blogspot.com/
1.1 Project Goals and Objectives
The key goal was to design a crane that was easily capable of lifting the required weight (1000Kg) over a distance of 4m from its initial place of rest. It also needs to be economically viable to warrant production as well as robust enough to withstand all the forces it will be subjected to.
1.2 Purpose of this Invitation to Tender
This document outlines what objectives and goals the product has been designed to meet. It has been produced so that a clear knowledge of the product can be gained from reading it.
1.3 Form of Tenders
Any response should be made to the Project Manager once a decision has been made. Email: Thomasi@aston.ac.uk
1.4 Procurement Timetable
The tendering process is due to close on Friday 23rd April 2010. A working demonstration of the equipments capability is available upon request and will also be shown in the Group Presentation on Wednesday 28th April 2010. Should the product be selected a prototype would be developed immediately.
2 BACKGROUND
2.1 Institution's Background
The group was formed upon the release of the invitation to tender (3rd March 2010). Project roles were quickly established so the design could be researched and developed; with plenty of time to identify, and rectify, any areas for improvement.
2.2 Technical Environment
The creation of the blog has allowed the group to work from a variety of different locations; often as split down sub teams. This has assisted the development of the design along with the weekly planning meetings. Situational awareness has been maintained through this weekly meeting; allowing a fresh perspective to influence any work. The use of CAD software (Solidworks) has also helped in the design and development of the product.
2.3 Current Business Systems
Each team member was allocated a role to be responsible for. Despite this, all team members have been involved in all areas of development; allowing all the group skills to be utilised.
3 SCOPE AND SCALE OF SYSTEMS
3.1 Scope
The constraints of the design were outlined in the initial invitation to tender, and are discussed in Key requirements below. This allowed a fair deal of flexibility as to the design of the crane; with a variety of alternatives considered. These alternatives are documented in the blog.
3.2 Scale
The market for the product is vast. The recent occurrence of a number of natural disasters, in a variety of locations worldwide, highlights where this design could be utilised.
4 KEY REQUIREMENTS
The project had to work to the following conditions:
Be able to lift loads of not less than 1000Kgs.
Transport the load not less than 4m from the point of lift.
Be able to be disassembled and carried manually over 100m of rough ground.
Be able to be carried by a standard Land Rover 4x4.
5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
In order for the design to be produced the procurement of a variety of parts, from different manufacturers is necessary. This includes a rolling hand cranked cradle, I beam section and the fabrication of the legs and shoes. In order to maximise economic savings a bulk order would be advised. Therefore production would not be agreed until all responses have been returned.
6 DETAILED FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
3.3m Long I beam section. The exact dimensions are available to view in the blog.
1000Kg Hand Pushed Trolley – Quick Fit http://www.angliahandling.co.uk/acatalog/Hand_Pushed_Trolley_-_.html
2 x Leg Supports. The exact dimensions are available to view in the blog.
4 x ‘Shoes. The exact dimensions are available to view in the blog.
4 x Bottle Jacks It was decided that the design would allow the use of generic Bottle Jacks in order to allow the use of readily available equipment. However it was recognised that a recommended bottle jack be made available with the design. This recommended bottle Jack is available at http://www.tootoo.com/d-rp1692028-hydraulic_bottle_jack/
7 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Solidworks CAD was used to design the product. All associated ‘off the shelf’ equipment has been researched and recommended to insure that it meets the strict design criteria.
8 COST INFORMATION REQUIRED
The overall cost of the design doesn’t require any training or consultancy fees to be considered. It is purely based around the cost of the equipment and fabrication of the materials used. If the design was to prove to be the winning tender then a training (how to use) manual would need to be produced to accompany the design.
9 IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
A Gantt chart was used alongside the blog to keep a track on the product design. All group members were aware of the responsibility allocated to them and the timescale in which this duty was to be achieved. Well attended weekly group meetings allowed the discussion and solution of problems; without hindering the progress of the design.
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Meeting
As arranged a Progress meeting will be held at 1700hrs on Mon 19 April 2010. The main item to be completed is the calculation of all forces in order to select a suitable material.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Progression
The created structures now need to be tested. Therefore the next logical step is to create free body diagrams, showing a wide range of different forces acting on the beam, in order to establish the strength of the structure; and therefore determine what material is needed to create it.
Cut-away view of the foot
This is a cutaway view of the design of the foot, showing the top area, where the leg would fit into and the bottom cylindrical slot the head of the jack would fit into. There is more than one foot, with varying diameters of cylinder, to accomodate various sized jacks
I Beam Trolley
A key component that is critical to the success of the design is the I beam trolley. There are several quality products avilable for a wide variety of prices and with different selling points. The trolleys that would suit our design are shown below:
[£67] 1000 kg Hand Pushed Trolley - Quick Fit
[£90] 2000 kg Hand Pushed Trolley - Quick Fit
[£112] 2000kg Push Type Beam Trolley / Girder Trolley
The quick assembly and/or fitting of any trolley to the structure would be essential in a disaster situation. Combining this with the relatively cheap costs shown above would prove to be a winning formula.
Links:
http://www.mammoth-hire.co.uk/2T-Adjustable-Beam-Trolley-370120/
http://www.sutch.co.uk/English_2008_Page_58.pdf
http://www.angliahandling.co.uk/acatalog/Hand_Pushed_Trolley_-_.html
http://www.liftsafesolutions.co.uk/id72.html
http://www.pacline.com/products/12_overhead_trolleys.php
Bottle jack dimensions
Unfortunately we did not get a response from a potential supplier for a bottle jack that we had hoped to utilise as a part of the deisgn.
This did propmpt us to consider what other bottle jack to use but we then decided that the design would be far more successful (and cheaper to produce) if we made specific 'shoe' fittings. This will allow any potential users to utilise jacks that they have available; instead of restricting them to one device that we recommend.
The design of the different shoes is key to the success of the overall design so research was conducted to establish a few generic sizes. The results of this research is shown below (and the webpages used are linked at the bottom):
2 ton = 30.1625mm
3 ton = 33.3375mm
5 ton = 34.9250mm
8 ton = 44.4500mm
12 ton = 44.4500mm
From this information is is possible to see that a wide range of 'shoe' is needed; which could be supplied in a generic pack:
Shoe 1 = 30.2mm
Shoe 2 = 33.4mm
Shoe 3 = 35mm
Shoe 4 = 44.5mm
These sizes are all diameters for the shoes. However it has also been proposed that a square shoe be designed; to cater for all jack head types. This will be 150mm x 150mm to cater for most toe/floor jacks.
Conversion chart link:
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/inches-mm-conversion-d_751.html
Jack Research links:
http://air-draulics.com/pages/N/botdim.htm
http://www.tootoo.com/d-rp1692028-hydraulic_bottle_jack/
http://www.ttclifting.co.uk/hydraulic/hydraulic_mechenical_jacking_division.html
http://www.allproducts.com/manufacture97/tongrun/product1.html
http://www.allproducts.com/manufacture3/andy/kb-3020.html
Monday, 22 March 2010
Bending Diagrams with x2 safety factor (in accordance with BS EN795)
Sheer Stress
Bending Moment
Load Diagram
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Sliding Device
Where we've decided to use rollers that would slide along the "I" Beam section easily, for easier handle and movement of the object.
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Available Hoists - Ian Thomas
Here is a link to suitable electric hoists. They are about $200.
http://www.alibaba.com/trade/search/3i1p5tyfchms/500_1000_kg_electric_hoist.html
Monday, 15 March 2010
Results of Group Meeting 15/3/10
As a result of the group meeting (1200hrs 15/3/10) the following areas of work were identified:
Material costs to be calculated - Juan and Afy
Existing Crane designs to be uploaded - James
Pully and lifting mechanisms to be investigated (after consultation with Doctor Thomson) - Ian and James
Presentation format and data collection - Hector
All are to produce outline designs for next group meeting (Wed 17/3/10). The most producible design will then be chosen for further production.
Material costs to be calculated - Juan and Afy
Existing Crane designs to be uploaded - James
Pully and lifting mechanisms to be investigated (after consultation with Doctor Thomson) - Ian and James
Presentation format and data collection - Hector
All are to produce outline designs for next group meeting (Wed 17/3/10). The most producible design will then be chosen for further production.
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