Mechanical Design and Engineering

The nuts and bolts

As the saying goes: success is 5% inspiration, 95% perspiration. At ROBRADY design, that perspiration is seen in rigorous testing, research and engineering that makes sure that when our clients catch lightning in a bottle it’s more than a flash in the pan.

 

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Analysis and Testing

Inherent in the ROBRADY design philosophy is an appreciation for the synergy between design and mechanical aspects of a product. It’s not enough to look good if it doesn’t meet (or exceed) performance standards. From the beginning of the design process, through certification to production, we constantly evaluate our designs and work closely with applicable testing agencies to insure we meet or surpass all standards. Among the tests we perform:

  • Finite Element Analysis using COSMOSDesignSTAR
  • Highly Accelerated Life Testing/Highly Accelerated Stress Testing (HALT/HASS)
  • Compliance Testing for Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC part 15)
  • Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
  • Sound and vibration analysis
  • Load / Force measurement
  • Temperature measurement

In addition to measuring sound pressure levels, loads, and temperatures, recording those values in real time is a critical tool in the evaluation process.  ROBRADY has the ability to accurately record data at rates ranging from once every 9 hours (for more than a year) to 1/25,000 of a second. 

We can also conduct Forensic Engineering Investigations (FEI) for those circumstances when products don’t perform as expected. These investigations are particularly valuable for locating the cause(s) of failure to improve a component’s performance or lifespan, or to assist a court in determining the facts of an accident. FEIs can also involve investigation of intellectual property claims, especially patents.

And when a project calls for better understanding of the variables affecting the components and/or systems and the right test doesn’t exist, we create one by developing a scientifically sound test process that incorporates the proper equipment and techniques to evaluate the outcomes and factor them into the design process. Learn More >

 

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Design for Manufacturing (DFM)/Design for Assembly (DFA)

How a product is made and how it is put together have an enormous impact on its overall market success. For example, designs that consider the property of materials from various tolerances to weight or durability can eliminate a host of potential problems before they even arise. Likewise, fewer parts translates into less assembly time and reduced production costs. By carefully examining these factors, we strive to maximize efficiency and economy of production while reducing costly mistakes and redesigns… it’s all about ROI. Learn More >

 

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Digital Modeling Capabilities

Employing a wide array of state-of-the-art software, we can create incredibly detailed models and surfaces in 3D leading to innovative CAD/CAM/CAE solutions.  And, our ultra-precision surface capturing devices can document the contours of any physical object to quickly and accurately create high-precision models, allowing for cost-effective digital vs. physical R&D.

Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, ISDX, Rhino and CDRS Learn More >

 

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Electrical Engineering

With software such Altium Designer, we can handle circuit board design and layout. Then, with numerous editing tools at our disposal, we can work  to address design changes, schematic capture, routing (EDA), testing, analysis and FPGA design. Learn More >

 

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Intellectual Property Research/Patent Analysis

Our familiarity with IP research not only helps clients avoid rights infringement, but can also be leveraged to help to protect and develop their IP rights and patents to the fullest. ROBRADY collaborates with a number of accomplished patent firms in all aspects of IP design, development, and litigation. Learn More >

 

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Project Data Management

At ROBRADY, project management goes beyond taking good notes. Our configuration management process meticulously records an item’s functional and physical characteristics to provide a complete audit trail of all decisions and design modifications. We also maintain a Medical Design History file that adheres to the strenuous FDA regulations (CFR part 820).  All of this data is made available to clients via a secure web-based content and process management software. Learn More >

 

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Reverse Engineering Capabilities

As the flip-side of forensic engineering, our reverse engineering capabilities help us understand the technological principles of a device, object or system through analysis of its structure, function and operation. Knowledge gained from RE can then be used in maintenance, refinement or avoidance of patent or intellectual property infringement. Learn More >

 

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Supplier/Contract Manufacturer Qualification and Evaluation

Our extensive relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers both at home and abroad gives us a wide pool of talent to draw from to insure the best fit for our clients and their timely needs. This is just one of many ways we manage costs, mitigate risk, manage security and maximize your ROI. Learn More >