Redesign of a waterproof luminaire to improve the ease of installation, recyclability and repairability
J. Mortier (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
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Abstract
This report aimed to take a look at the relation between repair and recycling, while considering the user aspects and application. This has been done by analysing two waterproof linear shaped luminaires on their ease of installation, repairability, and recyclability by doing interviews with installers and recyclers, using the Disassembly and Recyclabity map, and conducting a shredding experiment.
Insights from analyses which were interesting in the scope of this project included: repair of the luminaire on site is hardly done due to high labour costs and low failure rates of the components and installers are willing to disassemble at the end of life to improve liberation in recycling. Shredding experiments showed complications in the recyclability of the seal, metal folding around other parts and materials not being recycled in the WEEE line, like PC.
As a result of the analyses, redesign directions have been identified and ideas have been generated. From those ideas, one concept has been chosen with the help of experts to maximise the benefits in the installation, repairability and recyclability, as well as the feasibility and costs.
In the redesign focus lay on making the parts in need of maintenance (the battery and driver) and the electrical connector quickly and easily accessible for the installer on site, while improving the recyclability of the luminaire and considering the application requirements of waterproofness. The redesign shows both the driver and batteries are accessible on site in 10 seconds with a complete battery replacement taking 31 seconds in total (compared to 148 in the old design). Next to that, uni-material assemblies have been strived for to increase the recyclability.
The thesis finalises with an advice to designers on how to design for recycling, repair, and for all domains simultaneously and shows the relevance of keeping in touch with the intended user throughout the project.