Skill Sets

Mechanical Design

There is a simple joy in designing a mechanism and the logic behind doing so. Pivot points, material types, and cycle rates - all of these factors and many more come into play when working through a design. Will the project be indoors or need to withstand hurricane force winds? Will humidity or extreme heat be a factor? Standard or metric hardware? All of these decisions and more are part of the design process.

Prototype Development

Sometimes the only way to truly understand if a design will function as intended is if it is built. Even a crudely fabricated version using real material thicknesses and dimensions can produce priceless information. Issues with assembly, manufacturing and maintenance can all be solved during the fabrication of a prototype. This process can save projects countless hours.

Retrofitting

Taking an existing mechanism and altering it for new technology, improving mechanical advantage or higher cycle rates are unique challenges that I have encountered often. From elaborate redesigns to the simple changing of a bearing type, exploring these changes can be both rewarding and cost effective.

Proof of Concept

Whether it is chasing down a solution to a problem, discovering a better function or showing evidence that an idea is feasible, time spent in this phase can drastically change the outcome of a project. Sometimes it's a simple solution, other times an in-depth study is necessary. Answering questions and eliminating potential surprises is key.

Models and Mock-ups

From handheld to full size, a physical model can make or break a project. Ideas may look perfect on the screen, but every once once in a while you need a physical object to work with.

Creating small table top models allow clients the freedom to have variations of the same project that show different solutions to a desired movement. A full size mock-up can be positioned and manipulated in order to allow clients to see the project from real life sight lines.