Researching Existing Products - Tunnel Cable Bracket

Summary

This video script guides viewers through the research process for designing a cable bracket. It emphasizes the importance of using diverse and accurate search terms to avoid common results, and explores various product ideas, such as carabiners and handcuffs, for design inspiration. The speaker highlights the need for simplicity and originality in designs, suggesting modifications to existing products rather than direct replication. Additionally, the speaker encourages students to consider ease of drawing when selecting designs and to incorporate mechanical elements like hinging and protective features to improve their designs.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's crucial to choose the right search terms when researching products online to avoid irrelevant results and ensure a more effective research process.
• 😀 Using Google Images can be helpful for finding visual references, but diversifying search terms and thinking outside the box can lead to more useful and varied results.
• 😀 Experimenting with synonyms or related terms can help expand the scope of research, uncovering designs and ideas that might otherwise be overlooked.
• 😀 Research should include a variety of related keywords, such as 'support', 'mount', and 'frame', to generate diverse results and inspire new ideas.
• 😀 When designing products, it is essential to consider practical mechanics and functions, such as how parts hinge or lock into place.
• 😀 The concept of 'handcuffs' and 'carabiners' was considered for their locking and clasping mechanisms, which could inspire new design solutions.
• 😀 While researching existing designs, it’s important to find drawings or working prototypes that can inform your own design without copying them directly.
• 😀 For product design, always consider the strength of your drawing abilities—choose simpler or more complex designs based on your skill set.
• 😀 Simple, rounded edges are preferred in product designs to avoid damaging cables or other materials, while sharp edges could cause wear and tear.
• 😀 Exploring traditional designs such as tongs, clamps, and pipe brackets can provide insights into how different mechanical features can be applied to new products.

Q & A

Why is choosing the right search term important in research?

Choosing the right search term is crucial because it directly affects the relevance of the results. Incorrect search terms can lead to irrelevant or useless information, limiting the effectiveness of the research.

What role does Google Images play in the research process?

Google Images helps visualize the product or concept being researched. It can provide a broad range of existing designs, allowing the researcher to explore different ideas and refine their approach.

How does the use of synonyms or related terms help in research?

Using synonyms or related terms expands the range of search results and uncovers a wider variety of existing products or ideas. This helps the researcher avoid focusing on a narrow set of designs and opens up new possibilities.

What are some of the key terms and ideas the researcher used in the script?

The researcher used terms like 'support holder rack frame', 'bracket', 'hinge', and 'carabiner', which helped in exploring different mechanisms and designs relevant to the product.

Why did the researcher consider objects like handcuffs and carabiners in the design process?

The researcher thought about handcuffs and carabiners because of their mechanisms for securing items. These designs inspired ideas for the product’s fastening and locking mechanism, especially around the concept of holding something securely with a hinged system.

What is the importance of simplicity in design and drawing in this research process?

Simplicity in design is crucial for making the drawing process manageable. By focusing on simpler designs, especially for those who may not be skilled in drawing complex shapes, the researcher ensures that the designs are practical and easy to visualize.

What is the significance of rounded edges in the product design?

Rounded edges are important because they reduce the risk of damaging or tearing cables, offering better protection to the product. A smooth, bevelled edge ensures that the cable remains intact and less prone to wear.

What are some of the mechanical features mentioned for holding pipes in place?

Mechanical features include brackets with a secondary cushioning material to prevent damage, clips similar to padlocks for securing items, and adjustable hinges for securing pipes. These features ensure the pipe is held firmly without causing damage.

How does the researcher plan to use existing product designs in their own work?

The researcher plans to use existing product designs by studying their mechanical features and modifying them to suit their own needs. This includes using working drawings from other designs and adapting them, as long as it doesn’t involve plagiarism.

What are some materials that could be used for the product in the script, and why?

Materials like ABS or HDPE plastic are suggested due to their chemical inertness and durability, making them ideal for environments like tunnels. These materials also prevent damage to the pipes while being sturdy and resistant to wear.