Introduction

Taeno Product Development

Newbury College Design Project

 
Introduction

The RPDG has received funding for its fourth year of activities, a key part of which is the acquisition of a SMART car by 3T RPD Ltd. 

The aim is to actively demonstrate the capability of various components on the car that will be re-designed or replaced using the many technologies available within the RPDG, in particular Selective Laser Sintering. 

The result will be an increased database of knowledge surrounding the functionality of the components in true working environments. 

A collaborative project between the RPDG, Colleges and Universities, students will have access to a range of state-of-the-art rapid prototyping facilities, 3D CAD and measurement techniques. They will be able to design, develop, prototype and test Laser Sintered and other components on the SMART car to actively demonstrate their capability. 

• Existing features on the car such as headlamp surrounds and hub caps will be customised to provide bespoke visual identity.
   

• New internal and external accessories on the car such as cup holders and sports equipment racks will be conceived, designed, prototyped and developed
   

• Potentially, the performance of the car could be enhanced . . . 
   

• through the use of air scoops to force more air into the engine
   
• the air dam for aerodynamic performance
   
• the in-car entertainment system upgraded to include powerful speakers 

As this project will be totally run and controlled from within the RPDG, there will be no limit on the dissemination of test results, unlike the usual company confidentiality restrictions we encounter.

It is expected that we will generate a steady stream of information that can be disseminated throughout industry, and regular updates on progress and test results will be published on this site.

Taeno Product Development

Taeno has re-designed the body panels and front bonnet for the Smart City Coupe and 3T has produced them as laser sintered parts.

As well as highlighting the quality of design and 3D CAD modeling services provided by Taeno, this project will also demonstrate the value of SLS as a means of producing useable components, which can then be tested under real world conditions.

The project began conventionally, with designers from Taeno submitting a range of rendered sketches for consideration. These were narrowed down to a short list, and then used as the basis for a range of 3D CAD models based on scanned data supplied by 3T.

The chosen solution is intended to be a contemporary update of the Smart car approach, and includes separate front wings to mirror the construction method used on the back of the car.

The first prototype of the new design was built in April 2004, and is currently being fitted to the car for further functional testing in real driving conditions.

Newbury College Design Project

David Oswald, an HND Mechanical Engineering student from Newbury College, is designing a centre console for the SMART car. The car currently does not incorporate a centre console, and as such this area has been identified as a design aspect that needs addressing.

David must ensure his design fits into the existing Smart Car without any alteration or damage to the existing fittings. It must also meet current safety standards and legislation, and will obviously have to comply aesthetically with the interior.

To meet these specifications, David will be researching the design of existing car centre consoles, as well as undertaking market research on car users to ascertain their requirements. Consideration will also be given to the dimensions, ergonomics and aesthetics of the Smart Car.

Once David's design has been approved, the components will be built using 3T RPD's Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology, fitted to the car and tested in true working environments. Results will be posted on this page in the near future.