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Product Designer
Product Manufacturer Product Description and Principal Function(s) The Demain International Angle Grinder is an Australian designed and owned product which will be manufactured in China and exported all over the world. Demain International currently have several companies with recognised brand names vying for the right to market this product. The candidate most likely to win this right has distribution in over 120 countries world wide. It is a space age look at tool design. Unlike its counterparts, it incorporates a non handed switching and handling arrangement. This angle grinder is a modern rugged design which also boasts advancements in productivity. It features a multi positional guard and handle. For those even harder to get into corners, the head/switch orientation can be adjusted by a unique head rotating system. It has been designed and styled with cord storage in mind.This product will form the baseline and provide a theme that will be carried through the entire family of Demain power tools. In designing the Angle Grinder consideration is to be held for developing a family of products. Special features:- Rotating Head- In order to operate the tool in its normal horizontal and vertical cutting / grinding modes, it may be necessary to allow the indexing of any grip relative to the grinding angle to ensure that a safe and strong working position is maintained in all aspects of operation. Safety cut-out- The safety of the product will be enhanced by ensuring that the unit will cut-out and cease to operate when the primary hand (back hand) is removed from the unit. A restart sequence of two cognitive actions will then be required to restart the product. This aspect of the project will require early prototyping, testing and development work as a priority to ensure timelines are maintained. Power on / overload indicators- It is required for the unit to have a “power on” indicator light, green in colour incorporated with and activated by the second switch, an “overload warning” light, yellow in colour and a “cut out” light, red in colour, will be positioned at the front of the motor casing in easy view of the operator. It is required that the unit cannot reset itself without operating the restart sequence. This aspect of the project will require early prototyping, testing and development work as a priority. Handle- An alternative handle to the standard side bar grip is to be incorporated. It is currently a loop arrangement which will require further investigation with regard ergonomics and issues relating to the operation of the rotating head. Motor and Gearbox- The new ADG-l 15A angle grinder is to incorporate the existing Motor, Gearbox and bearing assemblies along with the current electrical supply cable. Switches- The developed switching and warning electronics will require a PCB and alternate switches to the existing product. Additional features such as lights and cut offs will need to be protected from fine dust and heat. This will increase the number of components in the product. Brush Caps- The brush caps are to be accessible only by removing the rear housing. Compliance Plate- A compliance plate of the existing dimensions is to be incorporated at the underside front end of the motor housing. This is to offer maximum protection. Branding- Allowance is to be made for branding in a prominent location either as an insert to the dies, a permanent moulding or a label. Key Product Features and Benefits It is thought that design excellence has been achieved in a variety of areas, but two key areas really stand out. The primary aspect is the patented Air-Thru Technology which is possibly the most significant advancement in angle grinder design since its inception. By directing the air flow from the motor, through the guard and onto the grinding disc the advantages are many.Firstly the grinding disc maintains an optimum cutting temperature, which significantly increases the cutting speed. In house testing has revealed amazing results. When compared to famous trade quality brands, the Demain grinder cuts steel up to 51% faster. Traditional designs heat the metal beyond its optimum cutting temperature, which when exceeded dramatically increases the cutting time. This cooling affect also prolongs the life of the grinding wheel by around ten percent. The working environment also benefits from the redirection of air. Conventional grinders blow the motor air out the sides which can have the undesirable effect of sending settled dust and particles into the working environment. Now the air is dispersed around the cutting disc and directed away by the multi positional guard. The second main area of excellence is the greatly enhanced safety considerations for the operator. The interlock electronic start up procedure makes the Demain product arguably the safest angle grinder on the market today. To operate the Demain Grinder you must first press and hold the paddle then push the start button. The instant the paddle is released or dropped the grinder stops. This one function can help prevent a large number of injuries sustained each year by accidental start up. One would also argue that the multi position switch/head, enables workers to more safely reach and operate in areas that would otherwise be awkward and potentially hazardous positions. Coupled together with the interlock electronics, the operator is better protected from serious injury than ever before. Thirdly, the Demain grinder due to its Air-Thru design, when compared to its competitor products, uses significantly less power to do the same job. |
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Design Award
