Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-4

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Creativity in mechanical design acts as the driving force behind pioneering automation solutions.
By integrating innovative concepts into the design process, engineers craft adaptable and efficient
automation systems that meet diverse operational needs. This approach results in cutting-edge solutions
that optimize processes, minimize downtime, and boost productivity. Creative mechanical design
facilitates seamless automation integration across industries, unlocking new levels of precision,
flexibility, and performance in automated technologies. In this interview, Meikel Quaas, President at
DieQua Corporation, discusses the significance of creativity in mechanical design, its application in
automation designs, and provides examples of its implementation in existing solutions.
Motion Design: What is the definition of mechanical creativity
in automation?
Meikel Quaas: Mechanical creativity
in automation refers to the innovative
application of engineering principles,
combining gearing technologies,
design thinking, and problem-solving
techniques to develop and enhance
automated systems, machinery, and
robotics. It involves thinking outside
the box, combining creativity with
technical expertise, and a whole lot of
experience, to address operational challenges and drive continuous
improvement in automation machine design. Mechanical
creativity encompasses the development, application, and
sometimes combination of different gearing technologies to
drive better outcome in terms of efficiency, productivity, and
longevity. This approach fosters the evolution of automation
processes, leading to advancements in flexibility and scalability
across diverse industrial applications.
Motion Design: In what ways does mechanical engineering
foster creativity and problem-solving, particularly in driving
the future of automation and robotics?
Quaas: Mechanical engineering serves as a catalyst for creativity
and problem-solving, propelling the future of automation and
robotics through several key avenues. First, it fosters collaboration
- electrical and control engineers work with mechanical
engineers to bring their unique knowledge and experience to
bare. Second, it encourages iterative design processes, enabling
continuous refinement and improvement of robotic systems.
Moreover, it empowers engineers to tackle complex challenges
by applying creative thinking and analytical skills, resulting in
more capable, reliable, and versatile automated systems.
Motion Design: What role does innovative thinking play in
improving the cost and efficiency of production processes in
the field of automation?
Quaas: Innovative thinking plays a pivotal role in enhancing the
cost and efficiency of production processes in automation. By
embracing creative mechanical design concepts, engineers can
develop streamlined and adaptable automation systems that are
flexible, efficient, and highly productive. Innovative approaches
lead to the creation of more efficient machinery, reducing
production costs through improved energy efficiency and optimized
material usage. Moreover, inventive problem-solving fosters
the development of automation solutions that are tailored
to specific operational needs, resulting in enhanced precision
and reduced cycle times. Ultimately, innovative thinking drives
continuous improvement, enabling automation to deliver higher
productivity and cost-effectiveness in production processes.
Motion Design: Can you provide examples of how creativity
in mechanical design has resulted in novel and effective
automation solutions?
Quaas: Certainly, I can think of two quick examples. An integrator
partner of ours came to us with an application to automate
a manufacturing process. The existing equipment was driven
with AC motors and cams in a punch press process to produce
product for the home goods market. The existing equipment
was unable to alter its process and the customer wanted the
flexibility to use different materials for different purposes, all
produced on the same equipment. The challenge was a gearbox
robust enough to withstand spike loads associated with a punch
press process. The solution was a large servo motor connected
to a large Helical bevel gearbox that was modified to accept a
servo input and many internal components altered to withstand
the repeated shock loading used in this manufacturing process.
Another example was for a manufacturer of a unique furniture
system that was suspended in the ceiling of apartments and
condos in urban environments. The bed and other furniture
like nightstands, clothes storage units, etc., would lower from
the ceiling when commanded to do so. The challenge for the
gearbox and motor used for the lifting and lowering was noise,
both the volume and " quality " of the noise, and overall cost.
The existing solution was using inexpensive spur gears driven
by a small AC motor. The solution here was first to use helical
planetary gearboxes driven with a small servo motor and then
coat the assembly with a noise suppression coating applied in
our paint booth. The result was an ultra-quiet drive mechanism.
To learn more about mechanical design creativity, visit
https://diequa.com/?p=35434.
4
Motion Design, April 2024

http://info.hotims.com/86254-705

Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024

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