modelling Flashcards
What is modelling used for?
- generating and exploring ideas
- testing and refining ideas
- communicating ideas
What are sketch models?
- used in idea generation and early development
- A sketch model is a quick model used to help generate ideas or to quickly check/develop the aesthetics of an idea which has been drawn on paper. Can also be used to check sizes and basic ergonomics.
How are sketch models useful?
Develop and explore ideas
Check product scale, size and proportion
Helps visualise ideas that are difficult to draw
What are block models?
- used in development to show to clients and consumers or advertising
- A block model is a lifelike and life size model which looks like the proposed product but will not work. It looks realistic.
What are scale models?
- used during development to have non technical people evaluate proposal
- A smaller (or bigger) version of a proposal to show clients/consumers what a design will look like. It’s hard to show someone a full size model of a hotel, housing scheme or cruise liner.
What are test models/rigs?
- used during development
- a test model is a working model of a part or section to check that mechanisms and electronics are going to work correctly and not break or wear out too easily). It will not usually look anything like the final product.
What are prototypes?
- used late in development
- a prototype is a Full size working model of the proposed solution which looks and works like the final product. These are very expensive to produce and are used to check that a product works (function, mechanics, electronics, ergonomics, assembly, maintenance, etc).
What are CAD models?
- used to detail designs later in development process and aid manufacture
- A CAD Model (Computer Aided Design) model is a full digital 3D model made from CAD/ CAM software.
How are block models useful?
Communicate shape / form and dimensions
Test ergonomics (anthropometric size)
Present to a client
Analyse the aesthetics of a design from user feedback
Surface details
How are scale models useful?
Gather information about appropriate sizes
Check proportion
Test ergonomics
Check / test assembly methods
How are test models/rigs useful?
Test how well a product works
Test efficiency (performance)
Test structural ability
Test material choice
Health & safety Regulations
Allow changes before manufacture
How are prototypes useful?
Prove the viability of a design
Test a fully working product (functional / assembly)
Assist with marketing
Check for flaws before production
How are CAD models useful?
Can run simulations
Check aesthetics with using renders
Used for marketing and promotion (provide visuals and animations for clients)
Parts lists can be created easily
Can create working drawings
Can be sent for rapid prototyping
Easier to communicate design information with other members to the design team (collaborative working)
What are CAD simulations?
If you create a CAD model, you can run the model through a variety of simulations to test how it would cope in different conditions without risk to any user.
This feature has become very well used in construction and automotive industries to test strength, moving parts, collision scenarios, etc.
What is finite element analysis?
In Finite Element Analysis (FEA) a ‘load’ is often applied to a product to test whether or not it can withstand the maximum weight that it could potentially bear when in use.
Can test:
- Mechanical stress
- Mechanical vibration
- Fatigue
- Motion
- Heat transfer
