On-Demand Engineering
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Motion Animation
Customer Need:
TriAxial had been working with a key homeland security company for years with many success stories. Another project developed where we were asked to develop real-time animation of the system. What we heard from the customer was that the concept of operations had to be reduced to a visual electronic media. This was required to help their customer understand how the traffic throughput rate criteria would be achieved.
Added Value:
Working with the customer, a complete animation of the typical operation sequence was produced in SolidWorks and output in avi format. Large transport tractor-trailer rigs were guided through a series of starts and stops to specific marks at specific times. Once in position, the driver would exit the tractor, and the track mounted system would scan appropriate areas within the vehicle. After inspection, the driver would be allowed to enter the cab and drive the vehicle forward to exit the facility. This sequence was repeated with the next vehicle following close behind.
Result:
Our deliverable was a complete animation. Within the model was the entire sequence of events. The customer was very satisfied because the final simulation output was used to demonstrate the function to the stakeholders. It was also used to verify the performance criteria and to optimize the sequence of operation.
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Replacement or Supplement to Existing Staff
Customer Need:
We listened to the customer, a technical consultant, who had an immediate and unexpected need to replace his designing and drafting resources. He was under the gun to deliver new ideas to the medical community.
Added Value:
Working with the customer, we developed a strategy to transfer all files to our servers and ostensibly “take over” the design, analysis, and documentation functions. This was accomplished while completing work in progress and developing the latest conceptual ideas. This was done without missing any previously scheduled milestones.
Result:
Our deliverable was to help our client achieve his current commitments. Also, we provided a reliable source for high quality designing and drafting. The customer was very satisfied with results and has maintained TriAxial as his resource for these functions. All conceptual, detailed, and assembly drawings are typically provided. Additionally, TriAxial provides prototyping, assembly, and evaluation. This client’s documents are maintained in PDM on the TriAxial server.
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Conceptual Industrial Design
Customer Need:
Our customer was developing a competitive product for pediatrics high flow oxygen. We Listened to the customer. They requested a mechanical design and several industrial design concepts with appealing schemes for the device, cartridge, and cartridge interface. TriAxial was asked to minimize the overall envelope of the product. Also, we needed to ensure the concepts achieved all function an manufacturing targets.
Added Value:
Working with the customer, many design concepts were quickly modeled around a developing electromechanical system. The concepts were provided with an appropriate level of detail to demonstrate the common and unique attributes of each idea (i.e., physical envelope of the product). After the design concepts were completed, a GoToMeeting was conducted with the stakeholder to review the design. TriAxial was prepared with a PowerPoint presentation identifying the differences and perceived pros and cons. During the meeting, the actual models were on screen and manipulated as required to facilitate understanding by the review team.
Result:
Our deliverables were mature and accurate solid models that enabled a strong physical understanding of how the product would eventually look. The review enabled the reviewing team to identify many key user interface decisions that had to be made. The customer was satisfied that the results enabled the technical team to engage their marketing representative to make some key product positioning and feature decisions.
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Reverse Engineering Existing Castings
Customer Need:
We listened to the customer who had the idea that 3D models of casting designs for public works could save time and money versus the expense of shipping prototype parts overseas. As an alternative, they wanted to send e-files overseas so they could be volume manufactured.
Added Value:
Working with the customer, we developed a system to efficiently create solid models by extracting information from existing samples. While modeling, TriAxial often developed more visually appealing organic shapes and redesigned mating part interfaces to be more robust.
Result:
Our deliverable was a streamlined, efficient modeling process and improved designs. The customer continues to be satisfied with over 100 models completed to date. Additionally, the customer reuses the same models in their catalogs.
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Full Product Documentation and Technical Literature
Customer Need:
We listened to the customer who supplied TriAxial with functional, but incomplete, assembly models. The subassembly structure was defined, but was not structured as manufacturing preferred. TriAxial was commissioned to provide drawings in the preferred structure. We were also asked to provide high level accurate and complete drawings, Bills of Material, and electronic files with all key data embedded.
Added Value:
Working with the customer, we audited the drawings and defined all the missing purchased parts. We researched and retrieved all the key data and information, entering it into the individual solid model files. From this, and a review of existing drawings, we produced accurate Bills of Material for subassemblies and top assemblies.
Once the part and assembly models were optimized, we focused on the exploded views, assembly sequence, annotations, detail drawings, assembly drawings, and catalog illustrations. We also provided other 2D technical documentation, including schematics and cable drawings.
Result:
Our deliverables were complete, accurate, high quality and usable design documentation. The customer was very satisfied with the quality of the work as it met their manufacturing needs.
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Photorealistic Rendering
Customer Need:
We listened to the customer when they asked us to create unique high resolution photorealistic renderings from existing large assembly models to help market their software and demonstrate its capabilities.
Added Value:
Working with the customer, we selected several different assemblies we felt would make the biggest impact. We were able to efficiently apply realistic appearances to the large number of components in the assembly. We added further interest to the images by showing some of the components with mesh and stress results of an FEA study mapped to the faces.
We developed methods for easily applying high resolution decals to the multiple faces of components within the assembly model. When rendered within the correct environment, the reflections of the mesh and stress results can be seen on other components.
Result:
Our deliverable was multiple renderings as high as 8000 x 8000 pixels for use in worldwide marketing campaigns. The images were used in printed material, computer generated videos, and software splash screens. Customer satisfaction was demonstrated with several subsequent projects that included modeling, FEA simulations, and animations.