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Development of an electric scooter body by developing and applying the Bio Inspired Design method for Industrial Design Engineers.

On the initiative of Michael Weber, a cooperation has started between the Delft University of Technology (Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, department Design of Sustainability), the Rotterdam Climate Initiative and Creditz (Michael Weber). Together they have set the goal to reduce the energy needs of fitness clubs by utilizing human power. This graduation report describes how human power in fitness clubs can be harvested and utilized. Therefore a strategy has been defined in the first part of the report that explains how human power can be introduced in fitness clubs and what the stakeholders (the initiator, fitness equipment producers, fitness clubs and customers) require to commit to their part. An estimation is made on the human power potential in fitness clubs. It is investigated which fitness equipment is most suitable for generating electricity, the intensity but also the frequency of use. Existing equipment can be categorized in: electrically braked equipment, mechanically braked equipment and equipment that requires electricity to function. Based on these outcomes and the insights from research to the market opportunities and the users two strategic product directions have been determined: 1. Retrofitting existing cardio equipment, especially cross trainers and cardio bicycles. 2. The selected direction, the development of a new framework design that is a best-in-class in utilizing human power from fitness equipment. This fitness bicycle combines the advantages of a cardio and a spinning bicycle with which both scalability and communicative value play an important role. The spinning bicycle offers a much leaner platform and the cardio bicycle a higher potential energy output, combining to increased environmental advantages. Because an important difference between these bicycles is taken out, the hybrid platform offers advantages in production costs (both financial and environmental). This new platform can become an important competitor for existing fitness equipment. The second part of the report focuses on the technological and environmental aspect of the development of this fitness bicycle. Central in the design of the bicycle is the optimization of the efficiency. This is an outcome of the comparison between a cardio and spinning bicycle with which comfort and performance should unite in the new design. The second part also focuses on the human product interaction, in the area of physical ergonomics, the development of a new interface and aesthetics. To enlarge the effectiveness of the “green” communicative value of the fitness bicycle, attention has been paid to two topics react on the experience of fitnessers in fitness clubs. A research has been conducted to determine if the awareness of the user as an energy producers can be stimulated by the fitness bicycle, by means of direct (numeric) and indirect feedback, creating a stronger connection between the sports activity and electricity. Also it has been investigated how the fitness bicycle would fit in a customer loyalty program (rewarding the user for their energy production) and how the technological infrastructure would look like. The application of RFID/NFC and low power wireless communication has proven essential for this. The result of the design process is a fitness bicycle that can compete with existing equipment in terms of the environmental impact for production, but that can produce electricity and supply this to the power grid with an efficiency of 65%. To enable this, the design uses components as an Magnetic Innovations outer rotor PM generator and a Swea inverter that converts the current for the power grid, but that can as well control the current with specially designed software; this ensures the user a natural bicycling experience. Until now, this has been an insufficiently acknowledged aspect – generating electricity is interesting for the user, but it is never the main goal of the sports activity. The fitness bicycling experience of the fitness club customers and owners should be changed for the good but not obtrusive, while providing the possibility to produce electricity. Because the utilized electricity is not converted into heat – as it is with normal equipment, requiring additional air conditioning – the returns of the fitness bicycle are increased by a factor 1:1,45. The research shows that the introduction of human power in fitness clubs can provide a contribution to reducing the environmental impact of fitness clubs.

This master thesis discusses the design of an assistive device for eye drop administration. The administration of eye drops is a daily task for many people. Some of them experience problems doing this, many others make mistakes without even knowing it. Assistive devices do exist, but none of them satisfies all the needs of the users. A literature research was performed, experts (e.g. pharmacists) were interviewed, users were asked for their opinion and observed when administering eye drops in order to gather information about their experiences with and without assistive devices and their wishes for a new product. A new device was designed which is easier to position and feels more comfortable around the eye, it gives feedback about tilting the head backwards so that this action can be performed quicker and the discomfort is reduced, and it fits many different kinds of plastic eye drop flasks. The product was elaborated into greater detail, a prototype was made and tested with users. The design was evaluated positively.

The goal of this project was to design a Product Service System incorporating a loyalty program for human power in the fitness club. This was started by a literature study. The fitness industry was analysed, literature on motivation and loyalty studied and a inspiration was sought in reference projects. This led to conclusions about the fitness industry, loyalty and motivation, requirements for the Product Service System and open questions that needed further research. During the research phase these questions were answered by interviewing stakeholders, members and club owners, and holding a creative session. The literature study and research together were the foundation for a vision on the Product Service System. This has three main elements; fitness 2.0, motivation and interaction. Fitness 2.0 describes the change of focus in fitness from appearance to health. For a healthy lifestyle you need to exercise, people have found fitness as a solution to implement exercise into their daily life. Motivation exists of two parts, motivation to exercise and motivation to act sustainable. Motivation to exercise was illustrated with an adapted motivation-ability-opportunity-behaviour model. Setting and achieving goals now feeds into attitude towards the action. Enjoyment is added as an extra feedback loop from the experience of the behaviour. Motivation to act sustainable can mainly be achieved by the Product Service System by informing the members on environmental problems and what they can personally do about it. The interaction system plays an important part of combining the concepts of fitness, health, nature and sustainability together. Based on the vision a concept of a Product Service System was designed. It contains of three elements; the loyalty program, the interaction system and greenwashing the fitness club. The loyalty program concerns the members generating electricity and the conversion of generated electricity points into rewards. The loyalty program makes exercising more fun and helps to motivate the members to exercise (getting rewards, setting goals. The interaction system involves all the interaction between clubs and members. This interaction is done via the cardio machine, the website and optional via a smartphone application or a kiosk. This interaction aims at motivating and/or informing the members on exercise and health, on sustainable actions and on the fitness club. The fitness club is analysed and recommendations on environmental improvements are made, clubs can choose how far they want to go. What the club does is also communicated to the members. In the final part of the project some recommendations are made on the business model. It is proposed Creditz markets the Product Service System as use-orientated. This means Creditz remains owner of all the hardware and clubs receive the service of the use of the machines. This way Creditz has good monitoring control in the start of the business, clubs do not have to pay a large sum of money at once and it is overall more sustainable as Creditz has full control over what happens to the bicycles.

This master thesis presents a design inclusive research project, with the aim of developing a device for supporting seniors´ independence. In an explorative research, Existing and emerging technologies, perceived independence, quality of life, social networks and social support and were studied. Additionally, a context mapping study amongst 8 seniors was conducted to identify the major issues in independence for seniors. This explorative research showed that ones independence can be improved by improving ones social network, and the importance of improving the social network is recognized by seniors. The results of the explorative research were used to design a concept of a cyber-assistant capable of improving seniors´ social network. The MeetMe concept consists of a bracelet and a dock. The bracelet can be taken with the user while the dock can stand in their home. On basis of a personal profile, the bracelet can find other people in the area that have things in common with the user. These people can be stored as contacts in the dock, and through camera and touch-screen input, users can send messages to them and to friends and family. In a final confermative research, a working prototype and a sight model were tested with end users, in order to specify if the design met the set goals. This research showed that the MeetMe is indeed a good way of acquiring new contacts for seniors willing to expand their social network. Recommendations were made for further research, which can ultimately prove a positive effect of the MeetMe on the independence of seniors.

This report presents the design of a haptic tool for designers. The tool should aid them in material selection for product experience and fit in an advanced design studio known as the Tangible Virtual Reality environment. The field of haptics and existing haptic devices were studied, as well as the Tangible Virtual Reality environment. Additionally, insights in designer’s needs for this task were sought. The results from these analyses suggest that existing devices are somewhat ineffective because they do not give multi-sensation feedback. Multi-sensation stimulation is what occurs in real life: when touching an object, people feel several characteristics like warmth, texture and softness simultaneously. Six characteristics are deemed important to designers. Consequently, a tool mimicking materials should provide a similar experience. Based on the multi-sensation theory, a solution idea, called the tactile window, was developed. The solution idea describes the intended behaviour, functionalities and possibilities of the design. Given this vision of what the design should be like, technologies that could achieve this were sought, and the possibilities to combine them explored. To contain the complexity, only two of the six relevant material characteristics, texture and warmth, were included in the first concept. The first is simulated using an array of vibrating pins driven by piezo benders, the second with a peltier element acting as a heat pump. The integration of the four other relevant material characteristics falls outside the scope of this project. To prove the feasibility of the concept, a prototype was built and tested. The functionality was evaluated with a simple matching experiment: nine designers and design students matched virtual materials displayed on the prototype to real material samples. The test results seem to confirm the multi-sensation theory. The prototype is able to give the impression of a certain surface, but the absence of four of the essential characteristics makes for virtual materials that are not considered one hundred percent realistic. Also, the algorithms for displaying texture and warmth need refinement. In general, the results of this project are promising. However, further testing with the existing prototype as well as further integration of material characteristics is recommended.

Climate change is already happening and represents one of the greatest environmental, social and economic threats facing the planet. The warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level. To stop climate change, scientists have set as an upper safe limit for atmospheric CO2 that of 350ppm (parts per million C02). In other words, the level to which we need to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere if we want to avoid the catastrophic climate effects. The bad news is that the atmospheric carbon has already reached 383ppm, and shows an increasing rate. Hence, instant action is required. Carbon-neutral prosperity is possible, but requires bold actions from all. A good start to do so can be from our own homes. Residential energy consumption is the second most rapidly growing area of global energy use after transport, contributing to total energy use generally between 15% and 20%. The adopted policies and measures to cut back greenhouse gasses attributed to households, aim to do so mainly by: increasing the use of renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal) or by improving the energy efficiency of houses and households. The latter, is the focus of this project. If we want to improve the energy efficiency of households we have to deal also with the consumer’s behaviour as a significant determinant on the household’s environmental impact. To address this issue better, a qualitative research was carried out, with eight households in the city of Delft. By applying conventional ethnographic methods such as interviews, observations, probes and focus groups, the research aimed to understand people better, come closer and engage them during the whole process. A pilot study, pinpointed the need to bring the consumers closer to their daily practices, give them insights on their effects and help them develop a mental model about energy. To look for possible solutions, a follow up study was carried out, providing energy meters to the participants and probing them to interact with the meters and with their neighbors/participants. The study resulted to three key insights for changing energy consumption: Transparency, Feel in Control and Collaboration. The first is well addressed by smart meters, which transform energy from invisible to transparent, raising general awareness to people. However, what do people do, after they get aware of their energy consumption is often overlooked. During the user studies with the energy meter, participants’ interest faded after 2-3 weeks. Although they were might still checking the energy meter, they did not find the indications competent enough. What they needed was to feel more powerful and certain about the choices they make and the actions they take to reduce their environmental footprint in daily life. They needed to feel more in control of their energy usage. Furthermore, discussing about their experiences, comparing their energy consumption, sharing knowledge, practices and ideas helped the participants to identify problems and seek for solutions that would improve their domestic energy usage. To achieve this, the concept of the EnergyMentor was developed, which aims to help fill the gap from awareness to action. The EnergyMentor is social software that brings together people that want to learn or teach alternative ways of conserving energy and minimizing their environmental footprint. The EnergyMentor, complementary to an energy meter, can create great potential to save energy as it transforms the sterile indications of the energy meter into rich suggestions and tangible actions. The EnergyMentor creates a network of experts that can be called upon at a moment’s notice to answer questions about energy and sustainable living. By integrating the EnergyMentor in people’s existing workflow of using a cell phone or a computer, one can easily and quickly ask questions and get personal, precise answers. Listening to real stories of people that have already taken on the challenge to minimize their energy consumption can be more engaging and fascinating than browsing endless lists on the web. People can text ideas and solutions to each other or even send a video of themselves, for instance, making home energy improvements. Last but not least, the EnergyMentor offers the opportunity to find other local users who are trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle. This can create great dynamics on a local level, fostering more chances to grow grassroots movements and fostering the success of centers for sustainable living.

This thesis shows the iterative design process of developing a business model (BM) for Ndassie. This start up company offers decentralized, renewable energy solutions to people that lack access to the electricity grid. The main market will be rural areas in developing countries, which is part of the ‘Base of Pyramid’ market. This target group consists of 3-4 billion people and is therefore the biggest market in the world with a yearly growth rate of 8%. However, this market has its own characteristics. It is hard to reach the population due to bad infrastructure and inhabitants are not able to purchase expensive products due to a lack of savings. Almost 1,6 billion people lack access to electricity. They get lighting from their kerosene lamps, which are hazardous, unhealthy and costly. Solar energy and led lighting is a good and sustainable alternative. The sun is for free and in countries like Cameroon, there are good sun conditions. However, most solar product require high initial investments. A micro credit can help users in affording these products. Another way to make solar energy accessible to the population are community systems. A community system is a recharging center in a rural community where the population can recharge their battery for a fee. Energy is generated via a solar panel. An entrepreneur can run this business and he will take care for the recharging service. This leads to lower initial costs of the light for the end user, so solar energy becomes affordable for the poorest of the poor. When designing the lamp so that the battery is separate from the light, you can even choose to let the end user only buy the light and rent the battery. If possible, the end user can buy both light and battery. Therefore the community concept improves accessibility and affordability to a great extend. In this report we did research on the BoP market and its specific characteristics. Making products and services accessible, affordable, acceptable and creating awareness are four key factors in doing business in these countries. We investigated important aspects for Ndassie in the context of Cameroon. Since this graduation project is about making a BM, we provide some theory about business models in general and in the context of BoP countries. This is illustrated by some existing BM of companies which sell lighting products to the poor. Lessons were derived and integrated in the development of the BM for Ndassie. In the second phase of this report we distinguish two BM for Ndassie: B2B and B2C. The B2B business model deals with the core business of Ndassie: selling complete businesses to local entrepreneurs. This enables entrepreneurs to start their own ‘recharging service’ in a rural community. Ndassie wants to work with a micro franchise concept. This means that the entrepreneur gets a complete ‘business in a box’ (BaB) with all promotional and administrative material included. The entrepreneur is called the franchisee and Ndassie the franchisor. The franchisee can just focus on his core business, which is renting batteries for a fee. Ndassie will develop new product concepts, takes care for promotional materials and sets the short and long term strategy. Besides, Ndassie provides the franchisees with trainings on sales, technology and bookkeeping. Working with this franchise concept will reduce business failures, lowers the barrier to start a business and can build a strong and coherent brand. We investigated the needs and wants of the end user in the B2C model. This bottom up approach is really important, because it puts the end-user in the center of the design process. He is the one who really uses the light product. That’s why the Value Proposition of Ndassie is as much as possible adapted to the needs of the end-user. One of the findings is that besides the great need of light, the population also uses energy for their radios and mobile phones. By differentiating in concepts and mentioning their (dis)advantages, we advise Ndassie in the design of their final product. For both BM we did a broad research on all choices the company still have to do. This contains choices on technical aspects, like the type of battery and the best supplier for solar panels, but also on training materials and pricing strategies. The goal is to make an offer which is similar to the kerosene lamp. If Ndassie can offer a sustainable, high quality led light for the same price as a kerosene lamp (about USD 12), the end-user is able to afford it. The charging service should be similar in use, but it should be cheaper to recharge your battery than to refill your kerosene lamp, while providing a higher quality of light (safer, cleaner and higher brightness). By calculations on costs and revenues we proof that Ndassie can offer the end-user a financial advantage of 10-30% by replacing the kerosene light by their product. If Ndassie also provides energy for radios, which are now running on expensive dry cell batteries, the advantage can be around 50%. In the final phase we elaborate the franchise concept and describe how Ndassie should reach the end user by offering a procedure. Besides, all information of the business model generation phase is aggregated into the B2B and B2C business models. To test whether we made the right choices, we validated the model by asking two groups who did their Integral Design Project on a similar assignment in the BoP lighting context. Because they both visited a BoP country (Cameroon and Kenia), they were able to offer some valuable advices. Most of these are integrated in the final model, but some were given as recommendations to Ndassie. Ndassie is a start-up company and therefore faces many risks. For that, we made a risk analysis where risks on company and on product level are discussed. We also provide advices how to reduce these risks. At the end of the report we develop a road map for the next years and end up with some final recommendations.

Assignment: The assignment was to design a product around CHESS' Wireless Sensor Network technology ‘MyriaNed’ that shows the potential of the WSN technology towards new clients for CHESS and supports independently living elderly people in their daily life. However, elderly people are not always open to new technologies. The challenge is to overcome this and tempt future elderly people to adopt a WSN-based product in their daily life in order to prolong the time they can live independently. Analysis: To live independently people need a certain level of physical and mental health. When people grow old, they get sleep disorders (insomnia) more often. To make elderly people accept a new technology it should fulfil a certain need. Improving elderly people’s night’s rest can contribute to their health and mood and through that to their independence. Light exposure and physical activity are seen as suitable strategies to improve people’s night’s rest. This offers interesting opportunities for applying WSN technology, because the nodes can be combined with sensors measuring light and movement. To show the potential of MyriaNed an usage case is proposed. In this case the user wears a WSN element that measures light and activity and provides feedback on these parameters, throughout the day. The element has to be worn visibly outdoors, but can be taken off indoors; then the MyriaNed estimates the amount of light the user receives. When the user is outside he gets a signal that another user is near. This is enabled by the MyriaNode in the product. Through this feature social communication between users is stimulated. The user gets basic information at the wearable part, in and outdoors, extensive feedback is provided externally. Final design 'n•light•n': This thesis results in the design of 'n•light•n' |ɪn'laɪtn| .It contains a MyriaNode, a light sensor, accelerometer and a display. It will be worn like a bracelet around the wrist, because the user is familiar with wearing a watch; the gesture of checking the feedback is similar to taking a look at a watch for the time. On the wristlet a tab sticks out that can turn around a pivot point. This provides a friendly interaction with the product. The light sensor is positioned on top of tab to measure light continuously. The top side also contains an 'attention light', which starts blinking when the user is close to another user outdoors. Flipping the tab reveals an interface of two buttons and a display. One of the buttons is dedicated to show information on light exposure, while the other button is dedicated to show information on activity. The display shows the amount of received light/activity on a LED bar. It provides advice whether the user needs more [+] the same [o] or less [-] light/activity to perform sleep enhancing behavior. Conclusions & recommendations: In the proposed usage case elderly people are supported in remaining independent by a MyriaNed application that stimulates the user to perform sleep enhancing behavior by measuring and giving feedback on the amount of received light and the performed physical activity. The potential of MyriaNed is emphasized in the case, because it enables wireless dynamic feedback and social communication between users. The proposed case fits in the living environment of future elderly people because they are health focused and willing to invest in products that support their independence. On the simple to use bracelet, the user can access the feedback while performing daily activities, without being forced to wear it all day at home. This makes the product fit in the user's daily life. As elderly people experience sleep disorders more often, they are motivated to accept n•light•n because it benefits to non-pharmacological sleep enhancement. Besides it enhances spontaneous, superficial contact between users. To evaluate the product a usage research was conducted with a prototype without electronic functionality (Figure 3). From the research was concluded that users have a positive attitude towards n•light•n; they perceive its benefit over pharmacological insomnia treatment, are content about the appearance of n•light•n and appreciate the concept of receiving dynamic feedback throughout the day. They indicate that they would be willing to wear the product in daily life and take its advice into account. However, the test subjects of the usage research emphasize that their willingness to use the product and adjust their activities towards the product's advice, depends on the reliability and functionality of the concept. These aspects could not be evaluated in this research. The next step towards defining the feasibility of the concept is to complete the WSN product portfolio. Together with a basic software design that provides simulated feedback an initial experiment could be set up. CHESS can use this working 'network prototype' for promotional purposes as well, because it clearly communicates the potential of MyriaNed towards clients. If the concept is regarded as promising based on the outcomes of the initial experiment, an algorithm can be developed to make the concept fully assessable in a second experiment. To evaluate the expertise of the algorithm and the effect on the user's night's rest more experimenting will be needed. Besides these continuation recommendations, several opportunities that could increase the user acceptance of n•light•n are illustrated; like applying a LCD display and making it modular. Other opportunities might be to cooperate with housing corporations, in order to develop a MyriaNed service network for 55+ housing properties.

The main function of the schoolbag today is, transporting study materials. The aesthetics of the bag however, influences the buying behavior of the consumer the most. Current disadvantages of schoolbags are bad ergonomics and low interaction between product and user. In the saturated schoolbag market the main focusses are on better ergonomics and fashionable aesthetics. The future context of 2020, shows a shift in importance of these three aspects. Consumers and their demands change. Trends like tailored designs, self-identity, social interaction and participation in production rise the demands for aesthetics, but even more for interaction. An alternation in the educational system influences the schoolbag. New digitalized study materials reduce the weight of the bag, reducing also the need for ergonomics. A concept design for 2020, called ‘The paper bag’, enables unlimited possibilities for customizing the appearance of the bag. The exterior of the bag is one big, e-paper, display with a touchscreen layer. The interaction is improved by integration of multiple functions, which give the bag more utility and by a two way communication between the product and its user. The exterior functions, amongst others, as a laptop. The appearance of the exterior can be customized like wallpapers on a computer. Wireless connectivity assures social interaction and can be synchronized with other devices like for instance the mobile phone. ‘The paper bag’ uses new techniques and materials which are not yet fully developed or in production. The functioning of the bag will be changed by social and political trends. Therefore it is recommended to keep track of some necessary changes like developments in display techniques, battery efficiency, social media and digitalization of the school system. Introduction of a bag for Thella in 2012, means simplifying and adjusting ‘The paper bag’ to the needs and possibilities of 2012. This bag, called the crocque-au-tile, should match the same goals as ‘The paper bag’; more customizability and better interaction. The crocque-au-tile is a shoulder bag that enables customizing by the use of printable magnets. The owner can express their own identity by text, graphics or pictures. The crocque-au-tile has some features for a specified target group, the fashionista’s; an insulated food compartment and an extra pocket for make-up equipment. Interactive magnets can be made to create more interaction like mirror magnets or phone light magnets. User research shows appreciation for the way of customizing, the food compartment and the interactive magnets. The intended use of the laptop compartment, working instantly on the laptop by just opening the compartment, is also appreciated. The specified target group uses lockers and therefore the shoulder bag can fit the fashionista’s lifestyle. Problems occur however with the appearance. The dislike of the pattern needs more research before it can be solved. Color issues can be solved by providing the bag in several color-combinations. The bag can be introduced to the market if these problems are solved. The financial evaluation shows just a small revenue per bag. Thella has no experience in producing bags and has no clientèle or image yet. This makes it a very high risk to enter a saturated market, especially for only small margins. A partnership with an experienced, high end, fashion brand, like Bjorn Borg or Converse, would be the best way to get this bag on the market.

This graduation project focuses on identifying how the development of new electric vehicle (EV) archetypes could affect automotive engineering and design. Changes will occur throughout the entire vehicle, including the interior and cockpit module in particular. Within the future electric vehicles, cockpits can be totally redesigned to better fulfil the design requirements from user perspective. Key element is the possible change in end-user behavior towards electric vehicles and the resulting values he/she places on the vehicle interior.

Worldwide there is large need for off-grid refrigeration, above all to cool food and medicaments. The existing market is large and varied with well established premises. Technology can be applied, sun is available and electricity lacks where it is needed. Shop owners, home users and the medical industry reveal interest for cooling and, although their needs differ, one thing is in common: it must be low-cost. Solar cooling technologies have to compete in performance, practicality, availability, environmental friendliness and cost, against generator powered Vapor-Compression Refrigerators and Diffusion-Absorption technologies (often known as Electrolux), both running on fossil fuels. As for the competition on environmental aspects, a long runtime will be in favor of a solar system. The comparison and selection of the appropriate cooling and energy collecting techniques is discussed in this document as well as the problem of autonomous function and energy transportation. A solar sorption ice-maker was found to be the cheapest and most viable solution. The different options for this product are reviewed and through several phases of design, a new concept of a solar sorption refrigerator is developed. From the development of a low-cost system solutions can derive from the most basic needs and develop further towards more convenient solutions, resulting in a scalable and modular set of solutions. The design proposal is an innovative product for the solar cooling market. Its unique feature of being detached from the cool-box makes it flexible in use. The essential parts of the product are produced as continuous profiles and assembled at the destination region to a refrigeration system. This approach hosts an unseen freedom of different refrigeration products for the most versatile uses. The price is estimated to be around 145€ for the basic solution, without cool box. Improvement was suggested at this level and on what counts for the environmental impact. As determined in the life cycle assessment, the product has adequate properties for recycling and reuse, but certain materials need to be reconsidered. Conclusively the product fulfills the initial idea and shows promising opportunities.

Physical workload can cause injury to the employees’ health and this could results in absenteeism. Low back pain is the most frequent physical cause of absenteeism. Low back pain is also experienced in the Engine Shop of KLM by mechanics of the Low Pressure Turbine (LPT), a component of the aircraft jet engine. Especially the work on discs one to three during the assembly and disassembly of the LPT, causes physical injuries. The problems seem to be the result of unhealthy postures which have to be maintained for extended periods of time. While working on the LPT the mechanics have to bend forward, rotate their spine and apply force to components of the LPT. Their reach is limited while precision is required. The prevention of injuries is important for the efficiency, safety, health and job satisfaction of employees. After analyzing the situation it became clear that the amount of complaints during assembly could be mainly reduced by designing an improved workplace. The disassembly could be enhanced with adjusted equipment. An external company was appointed to improve the equipment. Therefore the assignment of this paper was; ‘Design a device for the assembly of the LPT that reduces the lower back problems, without displacing the problem.’ In order to reduce the back problems extreme joints postures should be avoided, the upper body, head or arms should be supported and the time of an operation should be decreased. Variation in postures can contribute to better health as well. In this way the activity of the surrounding muscles and the tension in ligaments can be minimized. To be sure mechanics will use the product voluntarily, they were closely involved in the gradual development of the product. After a brainstorm session with a divers group of stakeholders, four different ideas were developed into a concept. Finally, two concepts were chosen based on the feedback of the mechanics and according to the design criteria; 1. The Fat-Support; to give the users a more comfort and support during the assembly. 2. The Feetsupport; enables the mechanics to straighten their back and gives support to the feet. In the detailing phase the selected concepts were optimized on the domain of material, form, safety, stability and comfort. It could be said that after years of operating in bad circumstances, a design proposal is presented in this paper which finally improves the poor ergonomic conditions at the workplace, while fulfilling the preliminary demands and requirements. The design is a combination of different devices which will make the operation much more comfortable. A prototype of the devices has been tested with the mechanics during an LPT assembly. The mechanics were enthusiastic about the devices and loved to use them. Especially the Fat- Support increases the comfort for mechanics with all different heights. Its positive effects are ensuring that the chance of rework and foreign object damage is diminished, the arms are provided with more support, the pressure on the stomach is reduced. The Feetsupport mainly improves the situation for the smaller mechanics. While they are positioned closer to their task it provides the body to stand with less extreme joint postures and it enables the mechanics to straighten their back more. A posture analysis confirmed that the supports improve the body postures of the mechanics during LPT assembly. Next to quality improvement, and more job satisfaction for the mechanics, the devices will also save costs and time. Together they will result in success for all stakeholders. Though, if the LPT operation remains to be done manually, the operation will never become ideal and will always remain intensive. However the product designs will make a big step in the right direction and the mechanics are content their situation is finally improved.

This master thesis describes the development of Flex Fingers, a prosthesis for people with a partial hand defect. People with a partial hand defect miss fingers and sometimes part of their hand, they do have a functioning wrist. There are already many types of prostheses on the market, but there is no suitable prosthesis for the target group. The existing prostheses were studied to determine which development direction was preferable. It was decided to develop a wrist driven prosthesis, because of the high amount of remaining and additional tactile feedback. People with a partial hand defect are not able to grasp all objects and perform certain tasks. To gain more insight in the types of grasp the users need most and objects they would like to grasp, patients, therapists and instrument makers were interviewed. The interviews led to the following project goals: 1. Offer a prosthesis for as much patients as possible with various personal preferences and types of defects. 2. Make the appearance of the prosthesis either natural or mechanical and preferably offer both options. 3. Cover as little of the stump as possible. 4. Improve the patients grasping possibilities as much as possible. 5. Sensory feedback of both stump and prosthesis should be as high as possible. First developmental step was the ideation. The ideas were evaluated on the project goals and by the patients, therapists and instrument makers. This led to the decision to go on with the idea of developing ‘low power fingers’. The ‘low power fingers’ were optimized using a morphological chart. Further development resulted in 2 concepts with differences in appearance and working principle. Both concepts were evaluated on project goals by a Harris-profile. ‘The finger alternative’; a bar-driven, non-human appearing design was chosen. This design was optimized into a final producable product. The most important innovation in this phase was the application of Rapid Manufacturing for the production of the fingers. This is a promising technique for prosthetic production, where low batch sizes are common. A prototype was build and was tested by a person with a partial hand defect. The user-test showed the pinch force is around 40% of the pinch force of the human hand. Some adaptations can be made to improve comfort. The final design functioned properly during the test and offers added value to the lifes of people with a partial hand defect.

This graduation report describes the design of a new connection between watch-string and watch-casing. The project was carried out for Kedtrade, and under supervision of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at the Delft University of Technology. Kedtrade sells Kyboe watches; this report is mainly based on the Giant 55 watch; a large colorful watch with a diver appearance. In the current situation it is quite difficult to replace the strap; a T-bar must be unscrewed and removed. The casing is big the screw very small and the risk of scratches is very large. A connection without tools would be appreciated. Several existing connections are examined and have based as inspiration. Important factors for the new design where: avoid unintended release, straps only replaceable when the watch is not worn around the wrist, easily replaceable by the user and no mayor changes in the appearance of the watch. When embellish the watch the risk of damage must be avoided. Several ideas are drawn what has resulted in 3 detailed concepts. The first concept is based on a removable pin fixated in the middle of the strap. The second concept works with squeezing handles placed at the wrist-side of the strap, not visible at the lugs. The third concept has a push button at the wrist side of the strap and is also not visible at the lugs. Finally is chosen for the first concept because of its simplicity and reliability. Weight was also decision-making adding to much weight to a watch that already weights almost 200 gram makes the watch very uncomfortable. By pushing a knob the pin that is placed through the strap and the lugs can be released. A tool that is included when selling a separated strap can be used to make removing of the pin more easy. The tool can be used as key ring. The final design is a safe connection between casing and strap only visible at the wrist side of the watch. This new design makes it easier to sell straps separately because the user can easily change the straps their self. For consumers the Kyboe watch could be more attractive because of the option to change the straps.

Suturing has been done the same way for decades now, but it still involves a number of challenges. SutureAid took the challenge to solve these problems while suturing. This resulted in an invention: a forceps with a soft tip, a needle receptor, placed on one arm of the forceps. The aim of this soft tip is that it can both support tissue and provide a location where the suture needle is fixated during suturing. There are many patented inventions to either pick up the needle or to support the tissue. Combining both into one product is not available on the market yet. The differences between the current way of suturing and the SutureAid way of suturing are shown in the movie: Suturing.avi. This idea, of picking up the suture needle with a soft tip, is improved in order to be suitable for cardiac surgery. This project focuses on the coronary artery bypass graft surgery, as this is the most common cardiac surgery in the world. In this surgery an alternative route is created to direct the blood flow around a blocked artery. The transplanted piece of vessel used, is called a graft. This graft is connected to the blocked artery. Suturing two hollow organs, such as vessels, is called anastomosis. To perform an anastomosis, the needle is perforated through the tissue with your dominant hand. You use your recessive hand to grab the suture needle at the other side of the tissue with a forceps. During studies several needs and usability problems are explored and discussed by the users during interviews. Not only the surgeons’ opinions are taken into account, also the role of the nurse practitioners is considered, as they have to prepare all instruments. Three main problems: Picking up the suture needle without damaging the needle or tissue Visible feedback of where the needle exits the tissue Feedback of the connection of two instrument-parts These three so-called design directions serve as a foundation for the idea generation. Next to this, forces exerted (by the surgeon) while suturing using the current technique are compared to the SutureAid technique. This results in a significant lowering of the force using the SutureAid technique. Lowering the force, surgeons can be more precise while suturing, which results in improved quality of the anastomosis. Three ideas are developed into concepts and finally one concept is chosen, founded on the input of users. The three developed concepts differ primarily on the type of connection to the forceps. The chosen concept is based on the connection used in the current SutureAid products. The soft tip, where the needle is inserted, consists of an elastomer. Elastomers with different degrees of hardness are tested. Resulting in the harder the elastomer material, the lower the force used to insert the suture needle. Different surgeons prefer a hardness of Shore 20, but Shore 30 will increase the fixation on the suture needle significantly. Finally a 3mm3 ball of Shore 30 is chosen. The final usability test outlined the benefits and disadvantages of the design. The connection provides a clear feedback that can be confirmed by the surgeons. Nurse practitioners (who prepare the instruments before surgery and make the connection) perceive this as valuable. When using the design the angles of inserting the needle in the elastomer are increased, in this way picking up the suture needle is simplified. The time performing an anastomosis is reduced as repositioning the suture needle from the forceps into the needle holder (to start a new perforation) is improved. As a conclusion can be stated that the design meets the main requirements and wishes of different users. And there is definitely interest towards reduction of needle damage and tissue damage, ease of picking up the suture needle and the saving of time while repositioning the suture needle into the needle holder. The final materials are not defined yet. For the insertion material an elastomer with Shore 30 is preferred. For the more rigid part a plastic such as PolyEther Ether Ketone is possible, as this causes less deflection while suturing. The forceps consists of lightweight titanium. It is recommended to investigate the different possible materials. It is recommended to consider changes of the design in order to be more suitable for injection moulding, such as wall-thicknesses and tolerances. Clinical trials provide insights into the use of the design in the actual environment. This could give rise to some last changes to make the product user-friendlier.

Welding is a heavy and dangerous job; the heat, smoke, splashes, radiation and gasses that arise make protection very important. Good protective accessories are necessary. Welders use; gloves, glasses, jackets, hats and welding helmets to protect themselves. The extensive use of protective accessories and especially a welding helmet causes lots of comfort problems during welding activities. Most welders make long working days using their protection; therefore quality and comfort are very important aspects. Vlamboog is a supplier of welding accessories and personal protective equipment. Vlamboog produces electrode holders, gauging clamps and the Multi Vision welding helmets. These welding helmets are on the market for over 13 years and Vlamboog sees possibilities for innovation and improvement. That is why this graduation project was originated. An extended research on the welding market and the current protective accessories clarified the need for an innovative and more comfortable protective device. The current products offer sufficient protection for welding, but there is a lack of comfort in all day use. The safety regulations become more severe and the need for more advanced welding helmets is growing. The welding market is very conservative but more often combinations of welding helmets, safety helmets and fresh air units are used for personal protection. This research has led to a vision for designing a new protective device; that needs to become a successor of the Multi Vision products. The device should be multifunctional protecting welders in all their diverse activities. It needs to offer protection against all welding dangers; heat, radiation, smoke, flying particles and falling objects. Acceptation by the users is important; therefore it must be comfortable for all day use. Especially weight reduction and distribution are important, as well as robustness and protection aspects. The device needs to appeal to future welders. This vision is used in a design process and concept ideas where developed. These ideas where translated into three concepts and the one with most potential is selected. This concept is based upon the current product layout in order to be accepted in the conservative welding market. Some innovative functions are implemented and the whole product will be designed for full protection and comfortable use. During the third phase the embodiment design is made and the innovative functions are given form. The whole shell is designed for appeal and functions as base of the device. A concept for 2020 was created. And the design is translated into a prototype that is used for testing the new features. Most functions have potential to become successful. Although some changes need to be implemented for final production, the working principles are tested on their functionality. The complete design appeals well and has potential to become successful in the welding market. The process to market introduction has been described in the fourth phase of the project. This implies a product development planning with recommendation for design changes. The pricing and promotion strategies are mainly based upon existing structures within Vlamboog. The device will be branded under the Multi Vision brand. The project resulted in a new design which has potential on the market. The knowledge and resources of Vlamboog will enable welders of the future to use a more comfortable and healthier protective device during welding activities.

The goal of the project was to design a personal mobility vehicle for elderly that would deal with the negative image and stigmatizing character of current mobility scooters.

Peteri BV is well known for its boiling water tap: the Quooker. During the project, a conceptual water cooler, called Quooler, has been designed as an ad-on for the Quooker. Both products are located in the kitchen. The Quooler is capable to cool down the boiling water from the Quooker. The water is maintained at a temperature of 8°C and is instantly available. In this way, clean and sterilized water becomes available to the user. Basically, the whole system consists out of two sub-systems: a heat exchanger and cooler. The heat exchanger performs the first cooling stage. It cools down the Quooker water from 108 to 30°C and recovers the thermal energy. The se cond cooling stage from 30 to 8°C is performed by a “Peltier” cooler. An analysis has been performed to get a good overview of the company, the products’ context, the user, existing water coolers and cooling techniques. The analysis served as input for the program of demands and idea generation. Furthermore, literature studies, calculation models and simulations provided an input for conceptualization. The concept has been evaluated by means of various prototypes. The cooling properties of a Peltier element have been investigated for different input voltages. Also, a custom made heat exchanger has been tested on performance. The measurements proved that the Quooler is a feasible concept. The report concludes with a concept evaluation by means of the program of demands, and a range of recommendations.

Today there are more than 4 billion people in the world who still wash their clothes manually, using a time consuming and backbreaking process. Majority of these are from the low income but emerging markets like India. A wide range of washing machines of different machine manufacturers already exist in this market; But there are many accessibility barriers to washing machines that need to be addressed, like lack of space, irregular access to water and electricity, unaffordable price of entry etc. The proposed project endeavoured to design and develop a menu of new concept for low cost washing machine which will address the low income market opportunity in India, whilst considering the synergy with the laundry detergents and overcoming the current barriers in accessibility. The project attempts to investigate, conceptualize and develop a menu of suitable solution to present it in the form of a product to the Indian market using Industrial, Product and Mechanical Design processes.