PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

WEESTAND URINAL

Normal urinals are made from ceramic and is dependent on water usage. With water saving in mind, a client approached the Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) to develop an idea of a waterless urinal.

The aim was to use these urinals in areas where there is a high shortage of water. The Weestand Urinal was made from plastic, which is also cheaper to manufacture and quicker to install than existing urinals.

For this purpose a urinal, which can be used by males or females, was designed from Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) material. It is waterless and water is only used when the urinal is cleaned.

Existing client designs of the product were redesigned for rotational moulding purposes to produce the units.

A 3D printed valve was also developed, with the assistance of the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing at the Central University of Technology, Free State, in Bloemfontein. From that a vacuum casting mould was developed to produce the valves. The valve, that also does not use water, fits onto the urinal in order to prevent odour when urine passes through.

A total of 175 units of the Weestand Urinal was produced and assisted the client with a water saving product.

DUAL FRAGRANCE CONTAINER

Converting a roll-on and deodorant spray into one portable packaging was an idea with which a client approached the Product Development Technology Station (PDTS). The aim was to develop a Dual Fragrance Container for the user to only make use of one unit instead of two. It is ideal when traveling, going to the gym and it also makes shopping easier.

The PDTS developed a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) packaging by integrating the two different parts of cosmetic products into one portable packaging.

With the help of the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing at the Central University of Technology, Free State, in Bloemfontein a 3D printed product was developed to incorporate the two parts. Examples of existing roll-on and deodorant spray were used to fit them onto the 3D printed container.

Once the client was satisfied with the look of the product, it was redesigned for injection and blow moulding purposes. This design was used to make tooling for the moulding processes.

The station produced 50 prototypes of the final product, a dual body odour protection-packaging that provides convenience and effectiveness, for the client.

COFFEE SCOOP AND CLIP

Keeping a bag of ground coffee closed to ensure freshness and having a proper scoop close by are often common frustrations faced by coffee drinkers. The Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) designed a device to enhance the user experience and address these issues. The Coffee Scoop and Clip are a two in one solution, sealing a coffee bag and always having the correct scoop at hand.

The station assisted in all aspects of the development process, which included research of user needs and technical requirements.

In-house prototyping allowed for nine iterative prototypes to be produced in only a week and therefore converted a basic idea into a fully developed design.

The ability to have tangible prototypes in the conceptualization phase dramatically speeds up the decision making process, while confirming the user experience and functionality. The PDTS refined the design for mass manufacturing, adapting the necessary features for injection moulding. A limit run injection mould tool was produced, which allowed the client to enter the market within only two months.

Branding and display units for the product were also developed by the station. The product is currently retailed throughout South Africa.

RAPID HOOK

The Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) assisted in designing an innovative product, the Rapid Hook, to fix liner plates within bins or chutes in the mining industry. These plates protect the chutes from being damaged by raw material like crushed rock and ore.

The client requested the PDTS to create a unique Rapid Hook as an alternative to existing methods. Conventionally liner plates were either bolted or welded to the bin structures.

The product, which consists of two parts called a hook and a shoe, can be used for multiple applications where liner plates need to be fixed. The hook and shoe concept makes the replacement of liner plates much easier, quicker and less expensive. The unique fastening system reduces maintenance time and safety risks on the plant.

Strength of the design and assembly was tested under various circumstances, loads and scenarios, making use of Solid Works FEA Simulation. The client tested various iterations that were 3D printed in nylon until he was satisfied.

The PDTS also supplied the client with a number of 3D printed polystyrene patterns in order to cast test samples in the final material.

The value and effectiveness of the Rapid Hook was emphasised when the client was awarded “Most innovative new product” at the Electra Mining Trade Show in 2016.