Virtual reality as a teaching tool in engineering and design

The paper discusses the use of Virtual technology as a teaching aide as well as a communication tool for the new generation of students who not only have a passing interest but also will feel the benefits that the system will bring to new global designer/engineer. The aim has been to immerse the designer into the world around him and let him/her learn about assembly and manufacturing in a very new way. This will enable us to tap into the group projects and allow a more virtual interactive process. The whole methodology and application is trying to be innovative and interactive. This will hopefully also address one of the biggest gripe of the students as mentioned in National Student Survey (NSS) regarding feedback by making sure that feedback is given real-time. A world full of possibilities where the academic and the student are truly interactive. New innovation teaching pedagogies and techniques is created which should help improve student experience recruitment in the long run

The Challenges Facing Education in Engineering Drawing Practice

The Engineering Drawing has traditionally communicated the technical product specification (TPS) evolving to reflect technologies such as 2D and 3D-CAD as well as the full ISO Geometrical Product Specification (GPS). Although Model Based Definition (MBD) or Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) omit the use of drawing to communicate the TPS they lend themselves ideally to ISO-GPS methods. The methods present an opportunity to ensure Design and Engineering students are equipped with knowledge and understanding of GPS relevant to conventional TPS as well as PMI/MBD. A survey of industry experts indicated expectation of good knowledge and understanding of the underlying GPS methods alongside traditional elements such as orthographic projections and line-types and a fair or good understanding of PMI/MBD application. New materials and delivery structures were developed and implemented for the level 4 Design Media Unit; lectures were translated to seminars where the lecture element focused upon examples rather than rules with students applying the techniques using simple paper sketches. Throughout the series a simple scotch-yoke assembly was utilised, with rapid-prototyped physical working models and components distributed for students to work with; this provided familiarity of function, fit and form throughout the five week programme. The CAD tutorials utilised pre-modelled components identical to those used during the lectures. Students applied the methods practiced during the seminar and reinforced learning outcomes; students evaluated and recorded the appropriate fit, orientation and form tolerances to ensure system functionality with “worse-case” stack up. All components were considered together in order to maintain design intent and functionality

Evaluation of Tensile Strength and Repeatability of 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Materials and Processes

As additive manufacturing (AM) with composite materials becomes more widely used in industry to create high-strength components, it is vital to have quantified material properties that provide designers and engineers accurate data to decide which materials are suitable for their applications. This study replicates the build processes and tensile tests undertaken by AM material manufacturers to compare tensile strengths achieved with those stated on the manufacturers' data sheets. These are important data to research and analyze as either it will corroborate properties given by the manufacturers and provide confidence in the values provided or it will show that the manufacturer's values cannot always be achieved and that designers and engineers must be more critical about the values manufacturers are providing when using the materials in their own applications. Tensile tests were performed on additively manufactured specimens that had been built using the same parameters that were used during the manufacturers' testing procedures. Digital image correlation was used to accurately measure strain in the test samples, enabling material properties to be determined. Microscopy analysis enabled the visual inspection of the print quality, the identification of defects, and the determination of volume fraction with the samples. The results show inconsistencies between the tensile strength results achieved during this study and the tensile strengths stated by the manufacturers. The results show that two materials exceeded the expected values and one material did not reach the expected value. Analysis of the 3D printed specimens shows that poor fiber-matrix wetting, large voids, and weak interfacial bonding were accountable for the lower-than-expected tensile strength results. While good print quality, low void percentage, proper fiber-matrix wetting, and good control measures were accountable for results that exceeded expectation. These results show that designers and engineers cannot solely rely on material data sheets to establish the mechanical properties of their 3D printed components

Model Based Definition: Finally, the Engineering Drawing Killer?

The Engineering drawing has stood as the universal method of translating design intent since the first standard was formalized in 1927 as BS308. Further development of national and international standards has been informed by advances in CADCAM technology and the need for transfer of complex yet unambiguous definition between organisations. The emergence of model based definition (MBD) has driven a new workflow where the engineering drawing is no longer required. Instead, the dataset includes semantic, machine readable, tolerancing of surfaces and features for integration into manufacturing and metrology procedures. Despite the advantages of MBD, it has been largely ignored in UK Higher Education. However MBD is the ideal method for teaching and learning geometrical tolerancing since it ignores the theoretically exact dimensions and housekeeping, concentrating on the functional limits. Further, it utilises the 3D workspace that students are increasingly familiar with

Exploring the Synergy of AI Generative Fill in Photoshop and the Creative Design Process utilising informal learning

This paper examines the emerging use of AI generative fill techniques in Adobe Photoshop (software, Adobe Inc, California, United States) coupled with informal learning situations, to enhance the creation of product posters for design exhibitions. By leveraging the capabilities of AI, designers can streamline their creative workflows, allowing for more efficient and innovative design outcomes [1]. The aim of this paper is to examine the benefits of Photoshop’s AI generative fill in comparison to traditional manual methods for new graduates exhibiting at their first design show (New Designers, London), and to gauge the influence of informal learning settings in supporting designers’ adoption of AI-driven design techniques. The findings of this research demonstrate a paradigm shift in the creative process, as AI generative fill in Photoshop emerges as a powerful tool for designers seeking efficiency, inspiration, and novel artistic directions. The findings also show how informal learning settings have played a vital role in nurturing new designers’ adoption of AI-driven design techniques

The design of an upper arm prosthesis utilising 3D printing conceived for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games: A technical note

This article describes the design and development of an upper-limb prosthesis for a current elite level paracyclist that was conceived for use in the 2020 Paralympic Games. The prosthetic limb was intended specifically for use in cycling time trial events. These are held on the road and in the velodrome whereby the athlete rides using a tucked aerodynamic position. The prosthesis was developed using computer aided design software and an extensive use of the 3D printed manufacturing process. The resulting technical note illustrates the design methodology and manufacturing considerations for a high performance form of assistive technology. However, it results in a solution that challenges the traditional aesthetic of prosthetic limbs intended for sport and physical activity

Parametric Analysis of 3D Printing Parameters on Stiffness and Hysteresis Characteristics of Paediatric Prosthetic Foot Coupon Samples

Background: This research paper presents a comprehensive parametric study that investigates the influence of various 3D printing parameters on the mechanical properties of a paediatric prosthetic keel using coupon samples. Objective: To analyse how 3D printing parameters impact upon on two crucial mechanical properties: stiffness and hysteresis. Methods: Key 3D printing parameters including the amount of continuous carbon fibre layers, fibre distribution, and matrix fill pattern, are systematically varied, and mechanically tested through compression to analyse the results. Results: The results demonstrate the substantial impact that printing parameters have on the mechanical characteristics of 3D printed paediatric prosthetic feet. Notably, the selection of these parameters for the prosthetic keel plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall performance and functionality of the prosthetic foot, emphasising the need for precise parameter optimisation in paediatric prosthetic design, if 3D printing is the manufacturing process. Conclusion: The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the manufacturing process for paediatric prosthetic feet via 3D printing and offer valuable insights for optimising their design. By identifying the ideal combination of 3D printing parameters that yield the desired stiffness and minimise hysteresis, we aim to enhance the performance and comfort of paediatric prosthetic de-vices, ultimately improving the quality of life for young users

The use of an Eczema Gaming Igloo to distract children with eczema from distressing symptoms: a pilot study

Abstract Background Current NICE guidelines cover educational and psychological approaches for treating children with eczema exhibiting scratching behaviours. Eczema management is complex and requires well‐planned care; yet evidence shows children continue to scratch despite active condition management. Aim To evaluate the acceptability of an Eczema Gaming Igloo to relieve distressing symptoms among parents and their children with eczema (age 7-11 years). Methods Parents (n=41) completed observations of their child using the Eczema Igloo. Children (n=6) completed a usability questionnaire and the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality (Qol) Index questionnaire. Online parental questionnaires ascertained acceptability of gaming to reduce scratching. Results Children found Eczema Igloo enjoyable, peaceful, calming, and relaxing. All parents found computer games an acceptable method to reduce child scratching, particularly during evenings. Busy-ness and distraction were seen as beneficial to break the itch/scratch cycle. Conclusions The Eczema Igloo was deemed acceptable, easy to use, calming and enjoyable as distraction from scratching. The study highlighted the negative impact of eczema on child and family QoL and the need for distraction interventions. Declaration of interest: This study was funded via a Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF) award