University of Twente Student Theses
De ontwikkeling van een product tegen hemelwateroverlast
Blei, J. (2017) De ontwikkeling van een product tegen hemelwateroverlast.
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| Abstract: | The subject of this bachelor assignment is the designing of a product suitable to reduce nuisance caused by rainwater. The client is Velda BV, a company specialized in pond accessories. Velda is an innovative company and market leader in the Benelux. Besides developing their own products, Velda trades products produced by thirds. The main focus of their product range is water experience and pond maintenance. Rainwater nuisance is a growing problem, especially in urban environments. The big amount of hardened surfaces in these environments is often seen as one of the main causes of the problem, as hardened surfaces take away the possibility for rainwater to infiltrate in the ground surface. The objective of the project is therefore to develop a conceptual product that reduces this problem, up to a stage that it is ready for the first evaluation of the product-feasibility by producers. This includes any 3D-models of designed parts and a full definition of the products form, parts, design and construction. During the project a systematic approach is used to reach the described objective. This approach consists in the first place of analysis of the problem itself, the target group, the product environment, the market and of Velda’s design policy. Then a program of requirements is set up based on the results of the performed analysis. The designed product has to meet these requirements. Next comes the idea-generation, in which many possible solutions are sketched. These ideas are evaluated and translated to four detailed concepts. In this phase there is also paid attention to possible production methods and cost analysis. The program of requirements is then used to determine which concept fits the requirements best. This concept is then optimized to ensure that all requirements are met in the best possible way. The analysis describes that the target group are garden owners in urban environments. A survey shows that these people are aware of the growing problem of rainwater nuisance, and that they are possibly interested in effective products to reduce this problem. Also products that enable users to cope with rainwater in a sustainable way are found to be interesting. These results among others have led to a program of requirements, in which for example effectiveness of the final result is important. It is also important that the consumer price can be no more than €99, and that the product fits in the Velda product range. The four concepts that are designed after the analysis and the idea generation are based on three mechanisms: buffering, infiltration and re-use of rainwater. The concept chosen based on the program of requirements is a product that uses buffering of rainwater and infiltration to reduce rainwater nuisance. These principles are applied in a consumer product, and designed in a form that fits in the Velda product range. In the optimization most attention is paid to reducing costs and applying the Velda design language. One specific part of the product continued to be relatively expensive, even when several different options were reviewed. Ultimately a much cheaper solution for this part was found, but the price was still rather high. This resulted in a consumer price that did not meet the requirements. The problem was overcome by decreasing Velda’s price margins. Also a prototype of the product was built and a basic product test was performed. This test provided a proof of principle. Also several stress simulations of different product parts were performed, to evaluate deformation caused by external forces that can be expected by normal product-use. These simulations showed that the parts perform sufficiently. The final conclusion is that the objective of the project is met. A fully defined product is designed and it mostly meets the program of requirements. However, there are several elements that could use improvement. The first element is the earlier discussed part that appeared to be expensive. The final solution for this part might not be the perfect solution. Therefore it is advisable to review new options for this part. Also a more extended product test is advisable, to retrieve more information about the product functionality. Considering different ground-types would be a good addition for example. Finally it is advisable to perform detailed research of the cost price. If consumers appear to be prepared to pay more for this product than found in the analysis, the product could be improved within the boundaries of this new cost price. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Subject: | 20 art studies |
| Programme: | Industrial Design BSc (56955) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/72490 |
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