Creating an innovative device for head protection during welding activities

Creating an innovative device for head protection during welding activities

Versluijs, A.

Moes, C.C.M. (mentor)
Brand, D.I. (mentor)
De Winter, R. (mentor)

Industrial Design Engineering

Design Engineering

2010-02-16

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.

design
head protection

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:cff28819-d09f-4c74-91a1-e9afecb3914c

2011-02-16

Campus only

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2010 Versluijs, A.