Week 8: The Validation Process, PA Feedback and Final Edits (v5)
"The supply chain stuff is really tricky." -Elon Musk
Week 8 Summary
This week involved a lesson about suppliers’ role within the product development process. The validation process is very long, and it involves several tests in the areas of engineering, design, and production. The motive for all of these tests and multiple builds is for the purpose of assessing product reliability and part improvements. Once the validation process is complete, then mass production can begin for the selected product. The concept of suppliers was also touched upon, and it was mentioned that rapport development between suppliers and manufacturers is essential to establish a long-term relationship and solid communication. Finally, 2D drawings were mentioned, and the elements in a 2D drawing were listed and briefly discussed, such as cosmetic details, assembly guidance, and dimensions.
Product Advisor Feedback
Along with the quote from Protolabs, Dante Gutierrez gave me some additional input for how to improve my product. Below displays the suggestions made by my PA to improve my final design.
Boss Interference
Considering the assembly, the upper case bosses where the speaker is meant to be attached do interfere with the front and back cover.
Rear Interference
There is some interference between the circuit cover and the back cover. Adjustments will need to be made to allow for some manufacturing inaccuracy between the parts.
Front Cover Interior
Most of the interior drafts look good. However, some fillets are required to prevent sharp corners in the core.
Front Cover Exterior
Most of the drafts on the front cover exterior are good, but the drafts for the forward divits are reversed. The outer button area draft is also facing the wrong way.
Circuit Cover
Some of the areas on and in the circuit cover are incorrect. The port hole also needs a draft angle for the slider required for it.
Back Cover
More screw holes need drafts for the sliders, and there are certain areas of the back cover which are missing drafts.
Upper Case
Drafts are required for the gussets and the screw holes.
Bottom Case
Drafts are required for the gussets, the stubs for the PCB, the screw holes, and the port holes.
Final Version (v5)
Based upon the feedback from my PA, I was able to make the necessary changes to my part. Some of the draft angles created earlier in parts had not been done correctly, and most of what I forgot to account for consisted of draft for sliders, which also need proper angles to ensure clean removal. This for the most part was an easy fix. In the future, I believe that I should focus more on applying the draft before the rounds and chamfers within Creo. The final parts for the noisemaker are shown below.
Exploded View Animation
In addition to the assembled product and final parts, I created an animation to demonstrate how everything comes together. This animation can be seen below.
Google HPS Product Representation
All of what is depicted is representative of the work one would expect from the Google Hardware Product Sprint Program. All educational content depicted belongs to Google.
