Product design and development of a movable and removable plate

Abstract: This project was performed in collaboration with ArjoHuntleigh’s Innovation Centre in Malmö, Sweden, from January 2014 to June 2014. The objective of the thesis was to design and develop a movable or removable plate/shelf. The Project has been carried out by using the methodology described in the book “Product development and Design” by Ulrich and Eppinger. The methodology has been modified to fit the project and the time frame. The boundaries and objectives have been set together with ArjoHuntleigh. Throughout the whole project Donald A. Norman’s book “The design of everyday things” was used as a source of inspiration. Research about similar products, products with useful functions and inspirational search and visits was carried out and was very helpful during the project. The result from the research showed that there are many different ways of developing good solutions. With all the information gathered, brainstorming was used to produce concepts. The concepts were evaluated and ranked based both on ArjoHuntleigh’s needs and the authors’ opinions. A final concept was chosen and further developed. During the further development tests were executed and results adapted to the solution. During the course of the project the objectives had to be narrowed to ease the development process. Therefore a new assignment directive was produced together with ArjoHuntleigh. The final solution consists of a footplate, for ArjoHuntleigh’s standing and raising aids, that is both movable and removable. A work flow of the footplate’s movements was developed. Because of the uniqueness of the solution a patent application was developed in the later stages of the project. The final solution shows that it is possible to develop a solution that fulfils both possibilities of the objectives; movable and removable. The solution also fulfils all the important demands set from the beginning of the project.