modelling

Question 1

What is modelling used for?

Answer 1

• generating and exploring ideas
• testing and refining ideas
• communicating ideas

Question 2

What are sketch models?

Answer 2

• used in idea generation and early development
• A sketch model is a quick model used to help generate ideas or to quickly check/develop the aesthetics of an idea which has been drawn on paper. Can also be used to check sizes and basic ergonomics.

Question 3

How are sketch models useful?

Answer 3

Develop and explore ideas​

Check product scale, size and proportion​

Helps visualise ideas that are difficult to draw

Question 4

What are block models?

Answer 4

• used in development to show to clients and consumers or advertising
• A block model is a lifelike and life size model which looks like the proposed product but will not work. It looks realistic.

Question 5

What are scale models?

Answer 5

• used during development to have non technical people evaluate proposal
• A smaller (or bigger) version of a proposal to show clients/consumers what a design will look like. It’s hard to show someone a full size model of a hotel, housing scheme or cruise liner.

Question 6

What are test models/rigs?

Answer 6

• used during development
• a test model is a working model of a part or section to check that mechanisms and electronics are going to work correctly and not break or wear out too easily). It will not usually look anything like the final product.

Question 7

What are prototypes?

Answer 7

• used late in development
• a prototype is a Full size working model of the proposed solution which looks and works like the final product. These are very expensive to produce and are used to check that a product works (function, mechanics, electronics, ergonomics, assembly, maintenance, etc).

Question 8

What are CAD models?

Answer 8

• used to detail designs later in development process and aid manufacture
• A CAD Model (Computer Aided Design) model is a full digital 3D model made from CAD/ CAM software.

Question 9

How are block models useful?

Answer 9

Communicate shape / form and dimensions ​

Test ergonomics (anthropometric size)​

Present to a client ​

Analyse the aesthetics of a design from user feedback ​

Surface details

Question 10

How are scale models useful?

Answer 10

Gather information about appropriate sizes ​

Check proportion​

Test ergonomics​

Check / test assembly methods

Question 11

How are test models/rigs useful?

Answer 11

Test how well a product works​

Test efficiency (performance)​

Test structural ability ​

Test material choice​

Health & safety Regulations​

Allow changes before manufacture

Question 12

How are prototypes useful?

Answer 12

Prove the viability of a design ​

Test a fully working product (functional / assembly)​

Assist with marketing ​

Check for flaws before production

Question 13

How are CAD models useful?

Answer 13

Can run simulations​

Check aesthetics with using renders​

Used for marketing and promotion (provide visuals and animations for clients)​

Parts lists can be created easily​

Can create working drawings ​

Can be sent for rapid prototyping ​

Easier to communicate design information with other members to the design team (collaborative working)​

Question 14

What are CAD simulations?

Answer 14

If you create a CAD model, you can run the model through a variety of simulations to test how it would cope in different conditions without risk to any user. ​

This feature has become very well used in construction and automotive industries to test strength, moving parts, collision scenarios, etc.

Question 15

What is finite element analysis?

Answer 15

In Finite Element Analysis (FEA) a ‘load’ is often applied to a product to test whether or not it can withstand the maximum weight that it could potentially bear when in use.
Can test:​

• Mechanical stress​
• Mechanical vibration​
• Fatigue​
• Motion​
• Heat transfer

Question 16

What is rapid prototyping and its benefits?

Answer 16

Rapid prototyping is the fast fabrication of a physical part, model or assembly using 3D computer aided design (CAD). ​

The creation of the part, model or assembly is usually completed using additive manufacturing, or more commonly known as 3D printing.​

Rapid prototyping has a number of benefits:​

• Models are very accurate ​
• Can be produced quickly ​
• Functionality can be tested of a product / part ​