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Detta arbete har tagit upp frågan om hur ett valideringssystem inom vården skulle kunna fungera på bästa sätt samt dess design

The requirements on the products and production processes within the manufacturing industry are continuously increasing according to environmental standards. The new requirements are coming from a growing awareness of what our planet can provide for example by the global challenge of climate change. The industry needs to reduce energy consumption and waste to meet the upcoming requirements.

One of the processes with high environmental impact in a discrete manufacturing industry is the paint shop. Surface treatment is also of great importance to maintain a high quality product. In scientific literature, technological risk is one of the barriers in implementing environmental conscious manufacturing. Therefore the area of sustainable operations management needs building bridges with other functions and disciplines such as economics, strategies and behavioral sciences in order to manage the transitions. The supply of competence around paint shops today is usually provided by suppliers and other sources within the industry and to make the collaboration to work is essential. In this process of collaboration with external sources, substantial measurements are required to maintain the desirable quality. In order to ensure the competence of testing the quality eventuate when switching technology at a pre-treatment line, this report sets out to explore what the challenges to be taken into consideration are when to assure the product- and- process quality. To respond to this question, a multiple case study is conducted during spring 2016 where the phenomenon to study is the change process and the unit of analysis is the challenges that can be faced during the verification process. The case studied is automotive companies located in Sweden which are producing components for heavy duty vehicles. Data collection is performed by studying documents, participatory observations and semi-structured interviews. The results will give insights to academia on what challenges that are occurring during the verification process of implementing new and cleaner technologies. The conclusions are drawn upon the literature and the empirical results. The managerial implications are to increase the awareness of any potential barriers in the verification process in order to be prepared for managing the technological change process.

This was a product development project performed for AB Gense, a cutlery manufacturer in Eskilstuna. Between different operations during production the work material needs to be cleaned in an alkaline ultrasonic cleaner. The work materials are placed in a cutlery basket where they are in contact with each other. Due to this not all work materials are clean enough after the cleaning which leads to extra work for the operators. The purpose of this project was to develop a new cutlery basket in order to achieve a higher number of clean work materials.

The main focus of the project was to develop a cutlery basket suitable for use in an ultrasonic cleaner. The project was based on the principals of the product development process. Interviews and observations were used in order to gather information about the problem. A number of concepts was developed and evaluated theoretically as well as practically together with the company.

One concept was selected for further development. Plastic was chosen as material for the concept and 3D-printing for manufacturing since only a few baskets were to be produced.

The result was a concept of a cutlery basket consisting of a base with removable supports for the work materials. The support comes in two different heights and has dents on the top in order to separate the work materials. A FEM-analysis was made in order to analyze the impact of the loads on the cutlery basket.

It is hard to estimate to which degree the purpose was fulfilled due to the fact that no working prototype has been produced and tested. However the cutlery basket will probably give better results since the work materials are separated during the cleaning process. 

To be a market leader, low cost and responsiveness are the key success factors. Logistics activities create high cost reducing competitiveness of the company, especially for the remote production base. Thus, logistics activities which are delivery planning, freight forwarder and delivery mode selection must be optimized. The focusing area of this paper is inbound logistics due to its big proportion in the total cost and involvement with several stakeholders. The optimization theory and Microsoft Excel’s Solver is used to create the standard optimization tools since it is an efficient and user friendly program. The models are developed based on the supply chain management theory in order to achieve the lowest cost, responsiveness and shared objectives. 2 delivery planning optimization models, container loading for fixed slitting and loading pattern and container loading for pallet loaded material, are formulated. Also, delivery mode selection is constructed by using optimization concept to determine the best alternative. Furthermore, freight forwarder selection process is created by extending the use of the delivery mode selection model. The results express that safety stock, loading pattern, transport mode, and minimum order quantity (MOQ) significantly affect the total logistics cost. Including hidden costs, long transit time and delay penalties, leads freight forwarder selection process to become more realistic and reliable. Shorter processing time, ensured optimal solution, transparency increase and better communication are gained by using these optimization models. However, the proper boundaries must be defined carefully to gain the feasible solution.

The main outcomes of an engineering course should be for the students to achieve the educational goals, enhance their problem solving capabilities and develop essential skills for their future career. In that context, it is important to understand what motivates the students and what helps them develop an engineering mindset. This paper discusses the improvement of a course with the use of student feedback to motivate students and help them develop essential skills. The purpose of the paper is to provide insight into how different aspects of the course are linked to the students’ growth. Different activities have been integrated in the course over the past years. The effect these have on the student motivation to follow the course and develop skills, knowledge and interest in the subject is discussed through the analysis of student performance, student feedback and the experience of the lecturers. The improvements in the course based on the student feedback were received positively by the students, whose learning experience improved, even though the workload of the course was high. Their motivation to successfully complete the course has also increased through the changes in the delivery of the course and the support by the teachers. The combination of student feedback and teacher experience is key for the improvement of a course, while ensuring that the students develop their engineering knowledge. Therefore, the teachers should strike a balance between helping the students find the solution and encouraging them to think on their own in order to develop essential skills. 

Mobility is a fundamental requirement for a healthy, active lifestyle. Gait analysis is widely acknowledged as a clinically useful tool for identifying problems with mobility, as identifying abnormalities within the gait profile is essential to correct them via training, drugs, or surgical intervention. However, continuous gait analysis is difficult to achieve due to technical limitations, namely the need for specific hardware and constraints on time and test environment to acquire reliable data. Wearables may provide a solution if users carry them most of the time they are walking. We propose to add sensors to walking canes to assess user's mobility. Canes are frequently used by people who cannot completely support their own weight due to pain or balance issues. Furthermore, in absence of neurological disorders, the load on the cane is correlated with the user condition. Sensorized canes already exist, but often rely on expensive sensors and major device modifications are required. Thus, the number of potential users is severely limited. In this work, we propose an affordable module for load monitoring so that it can be widely used as a screening tool. The main advantages of our module are: (i) it can be deployed in any standard cane with minimal changes that do not affect ergonomics; (ii) it can be used every day, anywhere for long-term monitoring. We have validated our prototype with 10 different elderly volunteers that required a cane to walk, either for balance or partial weight bearing. Volunteers were asked to complete a 10 m test and, then, to move freely for an extra minute. The load peaks on the cane, corresponding to maximum support instants during the gait cycle, were measured while they moved. For validation, we calculated their gait speed using a chronometer during the 10 m test, as it is reportedly related to their condition. The correlation between speed (condition) and load results proves that our module provides meaningful information for screening. In conclusion, our module monitors support in a continuous, unsupervised, nonintrusive way during users' daily routines, plus only mechanical adjustment (cane height) is needed to change from one user to another.

The increasing globalization of the market has rendered the competitive situation for companies worldwide more fierce than ever with order winners becoming order qualifiers and the demand continues to rise. Especially, the situation has become more complex for SME´s that are suppliers to large global companies. To ensure themselves that the suppliers are conforming to the high standards set by the large companies. In mediating the quality of the production as well as having a well-performing production, practitioners are using the term industrial look and feel to encapsulate a production that both deliver and looks the part. However, this term is loosely used, and a clear definition of it is missing, hence creating problems when the term industrial look and feel is used in production line design.

In this study, the authors aim to investigate the possibilities of providing a clear definition of the term industrial look and feel and what it involves. Further, the authors want to investigate what are the important aspects to consider when designing a production line considering industrial look and feel. The study was directed by these three research questions:

* How can Industrial Look and Feel be defined?

* How does Industrial Look and Feel contribute to increased performance of a production line?

* What is important to consider when designing a production line considering industrial look and feel in an HMLV environment?

To answer the research questions a case study has been conducted at a company producing the robust data communication equipment and a literature review was conducted with the aim of understanding the concepts included in the term industrial look and feel.

The study resulted in a definition of industrial look and feel, how industrial look and feel may contribute the production performance and important aspect to consider and include in the design of a production line considering industrial look and feel. Taking the newly defined concept of industrial look and feel into consideration, a concept assembly line was developed at the case study company.

Traditionally, research within maintenance has been viewed from an operations research and maintenance optimization perspective, based on the mathematical theory of reliability. Utilizing an analytical approach with mostly quantitative methods, renewal theory, reliability tests, failure rate estimates, fatigue life in materials, and so on, have been researched and analyzed [1, 2]. However, Dekker [3], for instance, points out that there are, in many areas, complaints about the gap between theory and practice. Thus, in order to help companies realizing a more efficient maintenance execution and benefit from the performed research, other research perspectives might be important as well.

This paper argues for the need of having an applied systems approach when performing research on maintenance design and development. The purpose of having such a research approach is to bridge some of the gap between theory and practice when it comes to development of new innovative philosophies/methodologies/techniques and the implementation of these in industrial contexts. The paper is divided in a Section on introduction and a background to the issue, a Section on the need for research on holistic maintenance, and end with a Section of discussion, presenting some ideas on how to perform research on holistic maintenance and an introduction to the research group on 'Maintenance Development' at Mälardalen University, Sweden.

Introduction

The paradigm shift in manufacturing that Industry 4.0 brings forth with new advanced technologies and the rapid growth of sensing and controlling technologies enable further visualization and optimization that can contribute to achievingimproved decision-making in manufacturing. A significant new capability is the ability to construct a Digital Twinthat connects the physical and virtual space. However, there are still confusion and obscurity regarding what Digital Twinis and how it can becreated and then used to create value for the company. Therefor the purpose of the thesis is to examine how manufacturing companies can utilize the implementation of Digital Twinand assess Digital Twinin a shop-floor.

➢RQ1: How can DT be beneficial to increase business value in a manufacturing company?

➢RQ2: What changes need to be done in the shop-floor to implement Digital Twin?

Methodology

A literature review was conducted to provide previous researchand contextwithin the area of Digital Twin. A multiple-case studywas performed at three case companies to gain meaningful insight from a real-world perspective, semi-structured interviews, dialogs, and observations were conductedat the case companies. The analysis was then performed by examining similarities, and dissimilarities between theoretical and empirical data, as well as opportunities in theoretical findings that correspond with challenges in empirical findings.

Frame of Reference

The literature review increased the authors’ understanding of the research topic and gave context to the concept of Digital Twin. The review is mainly focused on the Digital Twintechnologyand how it is constructed, as well as the applicationsareas.

Empirical Findings

The empirical findings provide an overview of boththe current and future state of the case companies in relation to organizational, operational, and technological factors. Additionally, it provides a deeper understanding of how shop-floor management is designed at one of the case companies.

Analysis

The combination of the Frame of Reference and Empirical Findings contributewith important insight on the potential benefits that can be created through the utilizationof Digital Twin, as well as what is requiredin the shop-floor to enable implementation ofDigital Twin.

Conclusions

The value that can be created utilizing Digital Twinis outlinedand a clearer definition is proposed to avoid misunderstandings and confusion. Requirements that need to be achieved for a successful implementation arecovered as well. A future recommendation is measuring resources and effort in relation to the created value of a Digital Twin.

Sammanfattning:

Denna uppsats syftar till att undersöka om och hur stora industriföretag använder sig av personalen som en innovativ kraft. Olika teoretiker beskriver innovation på olika sätt. Bland annat så hävdar Parker och Kerrie (2003) att det är ett proaktivt beteende som leder till innovationer, och att det är tillvägagångssättet i sig som är en innovation. Drucker (2000) och Dobni (2005) tycks vara ense om att en innovation är ett tankesätt. Jag fann ett intresse i att undersöka hur mina valda företag tycks uppleva innovationer. Undersökningen har skett på två industriföretag med liknande förutsättningar och valet av företagen är delvis ett bekvämlighetsurval då personlig kontakt finns till ett av företagen. Empirin grundar sig utifrån djupintervjuer med personer i ledningsgruppen inom respektive företag. Efter en analys av båda företagen med koppling mellan teori och empiri tycks det finnas en viss begränsning i hur mycket företagen inom en industribransch finner intresse i att ta tillvara på personalen som en innovativ kraft. Ingen tydlig modell på hur företagen går tillväga med innovationer finns och företagen tycks uppleva innovationer mer som ett tankesätt, precis som Drucker (2000) och Dobni (2005) hävdar.

Purpose: To offer guidance for future welfare technology research, this review provides an overview of current knowledge gaps and research needs as reported in primary scientific studies addressing the implementation of welfare technology for older people, people with disabilities and informal caregivers.

Materials and methods: This paper conducted a state-of-the-art review based on systematic searches in 11 databases followed by a descriptive qualitative analysis of 21 selected articles.

Results: Knowledge gaps and research needs were identified concerning two categories: research designs and populations and focus of research. The articles reported needs for comparative studies, longitudinal studies, and demonstration trials as well as the development of co-design processes involving technology users. They also called for studies applying a social system theory approach, involving healthy and frail older adults, representative samples of users within and across countries, informal and formal caregivers, inter-and multidisciplinary teams, and care organizations. Moreover, there are reported needs for studies of acquirement, adoption and acceptance of welfare technology, attitudes, beliefs, and context related to welfare technology, caregiver perspectives on welfare technology, services to provide welfare technology and welfare technology itself.

Conclusions: There are considerable knowledge gaps and research needs concerning the implementation of welfare technology. They relate not only to the research focus but also to research designs, a social system theory approach and study populations.

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is a part of Volvo Group and is among the biggest and leading manufacturers of construction equipment. The factory in Eskilstuna consists of approximately 2,100 employees. works with IT, sales, manufacturing transmissions, and axles. Volvo CE aims to increase the modularity across the company through its new modularity system called Common Architecture & Shared Technology (CAST). The ambition for CAST is that vehicles and construction equipment share components through standardization and modularization in the company. This bachelor thesis for innovation and product development aims to contribute to Volvos CAST-system for wheel loader.

This study was conducted at Volvo electric facility for wheel loader and dumpers, at Volvo Technology Center in Eskilstuna. The purpose of the study is to develop a prototype of a module that could ease when Volvo changes tail light supplier. The module will be constructed out of sheet metal steel.

Q1: How can the fastener be modularized to enable easier change of taillight supplier?

The method for this study follows a traditional product development process with a detailed plan for the project through Gantt schedule, followed by different methods to generate concepts, choose concept, and construct a prototype. Unstructured interviews and semi-structured interviews were used to interview respondents at Volvo. The response was translated into customer needs and became the basis for the requirements specification. An external search for inspiration was made to find different ways to create a fastener. Chosen solution was the fastener that consisted of two parts.

Concept generation resulted in 14 different concept models which were chosen through different screening method. Concept models were tested with consultation from relevant respondents at Volvo.The conclusion from this study showed difficulties to fulfill all customer needs when the fastener consists of many parts and small u-formed bends. There are risks that the surface treatment gets damaged and chipped from friction and vibration since the bottom- and top-plate is locked without any dampers. The tolerance for the fastener needs more work to ensure stability and make the fastener into a reliable product.

Recommendation for future solutions is to integrate an easily modifiable fastener for the taillight into the construction of the wheel loader counterweight without affecting the counterweight’s function and aesthetics.

This thesis project was conducted as a case study at Scania CV, a manufacturer of trucks, buses and industrial and marine engines. The project aimed to investigate how topology optimization can be used to design end products for metal additive manufacturing (AM). The main research questions for the project was: How can topology optimization be used to design parts for metal additive manufacturing? Which gave rise to further research questions: Which parts are suitable for metal additive manufacturing? Which factors has to be considered when designing end products for metal additive manufacturing?

The main benefits of additive manufacturing revealed in the literature were short lead time, possibility to manufacture complex geometries and consolidate multiple parts into a single part. The applications of metal additive manufacturing found in the literature included prototypes and end products as well as tools and spare parts. Small, complex geometries which are expensive to manufacture traditionally due to expensive tooling or low volumes are most likely to be suitable for metal additive manufacturing. Parts where trade-offs have to be made between manufacturing cost and performance could also be interesting to investigate for AM. The build size of the selected machine is a limiting factor when choosing parts and the build direction of the part, the need for support material during manufacturing and post processing are important to consider when designing parts for metal AM.

The case study was performed based on Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM), a method for designing parts for AM. DFAM consists of deciding the specifications for the part, consolidate parts if possible, optimize the geometry of the part and make sure it is possible to manufacture. Two parts were optimized with topology optimization during the case study and the resulting geometries were imported to Catia in order to create CAD-models. The results from the case study showed it was possible to automatically create CAD-models based on the resulting geometries from topology optimization. However the automatic CAD-models are not suitable for manufacturing of end parts. But the case study indicates a weight reduction of about 30 % seems to be possible for topology optimization combined with AM even for parts already optimized for low weight but adapted for traditional manufacturing methods.

Reducing the overall weight of trucks is important since the carrying capacity is important for customers when choosing vehicles for transportation and the gross vehicle weight is regulated by laws. This makes topology optimization and metal AM a highly interesting area for further investigation. As for now, small, complex parts which are traditionally expensive to manufacture are most likely to be profitable for manufacturing of end parts with metal AM.

Anbudsprocessen på Balfour Beatty Rail i Västerås står inför en förändring då man vill införa ett nätverksbaserat kalkyleringssystem. Examensarbetets avsikt är att fokusera på anbudsprocessen med fokus på kalkylarbetet för att se hur dessa kan effektiviseras, samt för att se hur arbetet med kalkyleringen ska utformas på bästa sätt vid övergången till den nya plattformen.

För att komma fram till hur anbudsprocessen ska kunna förbättras och designas på bästa möjliga sätt har detta bland annat lösts med hjälp av semistrukturerade intervjuer med alla som är involverade, för att få en insyn in i processen på en detaljnivå som tillåtit mig att modellera processens utgångsläge. Då företaget har utryckt en önskan om att ”skapa en ’lean’ anbudsprocess” har målet varit att förbättra processen med hjälp av den teori som är tillämplig (operations management, TQM, MIS, project management med mera) samt även att underbygga den med teori om lean enterprise och undersöka möjligheten för ett större åtagande av ett lean system.

Efter undersökande av processen har en rad förbättringar föreslagits som till viss grad kunnats illustreras med en ny processkartläggning. För att optimera organisationens arbete med att producera anbud har det konstaterats att beslutsprocessen som leder fram till ett åtagande av produktion av anbud varit för lång och behöver effektiviseras genom att bland annat förbättra beslutsunderlaget innan ledningen träffas, att korta beslutsvägar och att ha möten minst två gånger i veckan. Inköpsavdelningen måste få en mer central roll i organisationen för att kunna utföra sitt arbete på ett så effektivt sätt som möjligt vilket hittills inte skett, nya åtgärder som rekommenderas är en centralisering av funktionerna för att möjliggöra ett totalkostnadsfokus för organisationen som helhet vid inköpsarbete, att alla förhandlingar med underleverantörer/underentreprenörer sköts av dem samt att man koordinerar strategiska inköpsbeslut med dem i ett tidigt skede samt kontinuerligt genom anbudsprocessen. Detta är ett led i arbetet för att grunda för långsiktighet.

Kalkylarbetet kan förbättras på flera sätt för att frigöra den mer av den begränsade resurs som hittills satt gränsen för hur många anbud som kunnat produceras, den teknikkunniga kalkylatorn. Utöver detta så har jag föreslagit en rad åtgärder som förhoppningsvis kommer att leda till en förbättring av kvaliteten på anbuden. Kalkylstrukturerna i sig rekommenderas att företaget baserar på de industriella standardritningar som är vanligt förekommande vid kalkylarbete parallellt med ett kunskapslagringssystem som bygger på ständiga förbättringar och regelbunden kvalitetskontroll.

På lång sikt så rekommenderas även att företaget ser över den uppsättning av programvaror som inte kan interagera på ett önskvärt sätt internt i företaget, vilket leder till en enorm resursförbrukning. Jag konstaterar också att det är ett stort åtagande att vilja anamma leansystemet, något som behöver undersökas på en ledningsnivå och som inbegriper hela organisationen.

Nyckelord: anbud, kalkylering, järnvägsentreprenad, inköp, operations management, supply chain management, management information systems, knowledge management, kvalitet, ständiga förbättringar, project management, lean enterprise 

Information technology (IT) is often assumed to be a prerequisite for the modern and developed organization, even though IT projects are described as problematic in practice. Starting with this paradox and using a narrative method, this study focuses on how, through their stories, employees of an organization ascribe different meanings to IT.

The study, which entailed following an IT project at an insurance company, illustrates how the employees of the organization actively ascribe various and contradictory meanings to IT. On the one hand, preference is given to one grand narrative of IT as a tool in the service of the organization. This grand narrative ascribes the meaning of achieving management, control, and change, which is supposed to help the organization on its way toward a more successful future. Great responsibility is transferred to the technology for attaining the desired impact in the organization, which can backfire, especially against project management as they are hit with demands to fulfill the expectations for IT. On the other hand, employees wrestle to control the project, which they describe as unwieldy and unmanageable. The desired management, control, and change are described as elusive.

The IT project has in this way come to be developed in a field of tension between contradictory meanings, where problems and solutions are constructed over time. The employees thus become, to an extent, victims of the meanings they have reproduced, something that can be described as double-edged power. The employees who were the keenest advocates of IT are also those who have the greatest difficulty accepting the failure of the technology to live up to expectations. In parallel, the study illustrates the employees’ opportunities to actively engage themselves in storytelling that complement and challenge the dominating meanings in the organization.

The end of the twentieth centry, and the beginning of the twenty-first, was a revolving period with many mergers, acquisitions and bankruptcies among Swedish IT-companies. Such events are likely to affect more than just the companies directly involved, i.e. the bankrupt and consolidating parties, and this thesis considers the contextual embeddedness of mergers, acquisitions and bankruptcies by studying them in a business network setting.

The primary aim of this thesis is to further the understanding of business network change and its underlying dynamics. A business network is a conceptual description of the interrelatedness of companies, which makes them problematic to describe and understand. This thesis suggests a force-based approach to business network change, which focuses on the forces underlying the change rather than the actual alterations of the business network. The suggested approach emphasizes the change and enables an exploration and description of business network change based on its underlying forces, linked to form a change sequence. The events that occur and the forces they give rise to can be used to describe the character of such business network change sequences.

To enable a study of a change sequence within the Swedish IT-related business network, this thesis will use a technique designed to gather information about events and parts of the business network structure by systematizing data from news items describing mergers, acquisitions and bankruptcies involving Swedish IT-companies during the years 1994-2003. This data structuration technique enables a longitudinal and retrospective study of a business network change sequence. The analysis indicates a high possibility of inter-linkages between mergers, acquisitions and bankruptcies involving Swedish IT-companies, and describes a business network change sequence with high intensity and wide extension, which is the type of business network change with the highest potential impact, here referred to as ‘turbulence in business networks’.

This is a master thesis in product and process development at Mälardalens university, 30 credits corresponding to 20 weeks. Manovi Varberg AB has under its own brand, an electrically powered hose reel for industrial environments. The design is outdated and there are no active sales. This thesis is aimed at modernizing and improving the product, for more efficient production, without any specific requirements of how this should be solved. Through discussion, the aim was to reduce production time and cost by 20%. It was from the beginning a wish to use Magnelis coated metal plates (to be chosen later) instead of the powder coated and stainless-steel plates used today. 

After studying the present design and an old draft on how the chassis could be constructed, the work began with a modularization that does not have the need for welding, as opposed to today’s design; stainless metal threaded rods, inserted into pipes were screwed together instead. When this was modelled and simulated in Solidworks and showed positive results, the next step was to find a solution to bind all the components together, from the inlet to the electrical engine, without changing the slip clutch. Neither has any electronics nor connections for in- and outlet been modified.

Several components were identified that needed to have varying lengths. The drum with its rods was completely exchanged for standard aluminium profiles, yielding lower weight and more efficient production. The major axis (with the flow path) was shortened, and extension modules was created.

An approximation was made to determine how much load the current model would withstand until breakage. This load was then increased with the same percentual amount as the new largest model was broadened, which amounted to 408 N per side of the chassis. After minor modifications of the design, the highest material strain was 275 MPa. With a predetermined safety factor of 1,2 the required yield point was set to 330 MPa. According to the manufacturer of Magnelis, the steel plates S350GD is a good candidate, as it meets the requirements, comes with the coating and is a high-volume stock product. This steel is recommended to use in this thesis. 

The workshop manager at Manovi, with 20 years of experience, made a rough estimate on production time and cost, with the content of this thesis as basis, and found that both can be reduced by about 60% and 30% respectively, as a direct consequence of the modular design, the replacement of at least two of the older models and the change of materials. The weight of the product was also reduced 13-21%, depending on model.

Datum:

10 maj 2007

Uppsatsnivå:

C-uppsats i Industridesign, Kt2130 – Innovativ design, 20 poäng

Författare:

Daniel Ekman

Kungsgatan 24A

632 20 Eskilstuna

073 – 952 79 06

Titel:

iPower – Spisvakten

Bakgrund:

Under ett studiebesök på Hjälpmedelsinstitutet fick jag insikt om olika problem med äldres kvarboende. Ett av de största problemen är brand-risken vid användning av spisen. En person med ett kognitivt funk-tionshinder kan börja koka vatten i en kastrull och gå där ifrån för att göra något annat medans vattnet kokar och helt glömma bort kastrullen. Varvid en brand kan uppstå som för med sig stora personliga och ekonomiska lidanden. Ett hjälpmedel för detta är en så kallad spisvakt eller timer. De fungerar genom att de bryter strömmen när faran för brand är nära.

Syfte:

I kursen Innovativ design har jag fått i uppdrag att vidareutveckla ett redan befintligt hjälpmedel. Valet föll på en spisvakt

Tillvägagångssätt:

Jag har valt att utgå från personer som har direktkontakt med proble-met. I det här fallet tre personer på tre olika företag/organisationer. Jag intervjuade en person inom varje företag/organisation. Jag har även ar-betat med litteraturstudier, utvärderat idéer och har slutligen tagit fram en design.

Slutsats:

Projektet har mynnat ut i en produkt som har en yttre design som tilltalar ögat och som klart och tydligt visar vad man skall göra och visar om produkten är påslagen. Användaren får en omedelbar feedback

Nyckelord:

Spisvakt, timer, kognitiva funktionshinder, brand, spis

The purpose of this thesis was to develop and test a functional prototype to stabilize and increase precision during the assembly process in order to minimize the number of defective components within an industrial process. To achieve this objective, the following research question was formulated: "How can a design stabilize and increase precision during the assembly process to minimize the number of defective silver rings?" To answer this question, a methodology combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience was employed. By consistently applying the generic product development process in conjunction with iterations, the work could take shape. The project went through several phases of testing, adjustments, and further development, where reality adaptation was implemented to ensure that the product design was tailored to real conditions and production constraints. Through a thorough analysis of the workstation layout and procedures, as well as the product information from the rod manufacturer, an optimal design could be developed. The results of the project demonstrated that the developed functional prototype was effective and met the predetermined requirements. By using linear control and support functions, the precision and stability during the assembly process could be significantly increased, thereby reducing the risk of damage to silver rings. The conclusion of the work is that a structured and methodical approach is crucial for developing and implementing a successful product within product development. Despite challenges along the way, the project succeeded in delivering a functional product that met expectations and strengthened the ability to address complex problems. Furthermore, continued evaluation of the product and its material selection is recommended to ensure optimal performance and longevity. In summary, this work highlights the importance of meticulous planning, testing, and iterative development to achieve successful results in product development.

For over 15 years, the concept of Industry 4.0, now transitioning into Industry 5.0, has been a focal point for the manufacturing sector. Yet, the success of companies in embracing digital transformation varies. There are numerous models and assessment tools for assessing digital readiness and maturity. Several models have been developed over the years, but firms also realize no "one-size-fits-all" exists when testing them. Previous studies show that firms must take charge of their own digital transformation (DT) journey to find a path that suits their specific needs.This qualitative paper is driven by a case study supported by a within-case analysis conducted with a heavy-machine industry with fourteen production plants worldwide – data collected from 2020 to 2023. Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), created Factory 4 Tomorrow (F4T) to address Industry 4.0. The central challenge for the F4T initiative was how to facilitate an inside-outside approach to identify an inclusive maturity model that emphasizes learning and collaboration. A diagnostic of opportunities model was created to aid the organisation’s transformation journey. It aimed to support all plants by evaluating their maturity in digital transformation, identifying gaps, and support in prioritising. Unlike traditional models that assess and compare plant levels, this model aimed to foster awareness and alignment, establishing a shared language. Thus, a unique model was explicitly crafted for the firm. The process of developing the model itself enhanced awareness and alignment. Therefore, this paper explores the development process - failures and successes - to compile a digital transformation maturity model tailor-made to a firm's needs and goals. The objective is to offer comprehensive advice for firms to implement DT initiatives effectively in a way that suits them.

The aim of the project is to create a concept proposal on a fundamental construction of a test equipment for Volvo Penta, where observations of their seals can be carried out. The current day problem is the difficulty to obtain consistent test results during test experiments in the oceans, due to the test environment never being identical to another. 

The factors that affect the test environment was initially examined, where a list of those we considered having the biggest impact was created. In addition, discussion upon the requirements to obtain a functional equipment took place.

A thorough information gathering process was carried out to establish a work foundation, of the theory necessary to assemble a construction. Material comparisons and mechanical strength simulations using FEA, was examined.

The result became a theoretical test equipment that met the requirement specification, function analysis. The test equipment was presented in 3D modeled pictures using CAD.

This thesis explores the supplier perspective of supplier involvement in product development. Supplier involvement in product development is crucial for many companies to increase resource flexibility, access competence, reduce costs and time to market, among others. The existing literature focuses primarily on the customer perspective of supplier involvement, e.g., challenges and critical factors customers should consider. A few studies have focused on the supplier perspective. This research gap is addressed in this thesis by studying the conditions influencing the suppliers’ involvement in customers’ product development.

This thesis explores two research questions: “What are the challenges suppliers experience when being involved in customers’ product development?”, and “What mitigating mechanisms and critical factors influence suppliers’ involvement in customers’ product development?”. The identified challenges originated [FF1] both from the customer and the supplier, indicating that both types of challenges must be focused on. The study also identified interdependencies between the challenges, implying that one challenge may lead to the occurrence of other challenges. The study suggests mitigating mechanisms to deal with the identified challenges. The identified critical factors influenced both the efficiency and effectiveness of supplier involvement in product development, e.g., lead-time, development cost, product quality, and cost. The study indicates that adopting a dual perspective and considering the challenges and critical factors for both the customer and the supplier, can support the involved supplier. The results build on findings from a case study including four SMEs.

This article explores challenges that suppliers experience when being involved in customers’ product development projects, and how these challenges can be mitigated. It presents a framework of supplier involvement in product development involving four dimensions: People-Process-Tools/Technology-Interaction. The framework consists of 24 challenges and associated mitigating mechanisms. The article concludes that suppliers must be aware of the challenges to ensure that proper internal capabilities are in place within their organizations. It also argues that customers should be aware of the challenges to provide best possible prerequisites for suppliers to ensure successful project outcomes. 

Studies of supplier involvement in product development have revealed potential benefits including faster time to market, reduced cost and increased quality. However, existing literature has mainly focused on the customer's perspective on advantages, disadvantages and factors to be considered when involving suppliers in product development. This paper addresses the supplier's perspective by answering following research question: How do challenges that originate from involvement in customer's product development affect a supplier? The question is answered through a single case study at a supplier that develops and manufacture products primary used in capital goods. Thirteen challenges are identified, classified as being internal or external, and categorised into five areas: (A) Customer requirements, (B) Information exchange between customer and supplier, (C) Product variety management, (D) Design- manufacturing integration and (E) Processes and work instructions. The findings suggest that internal challenges need as much attention as external ones that originate from the customer. Also, an indication of when the challenges affect the supplier during product development is presented.

I ett fordon eller en anläggningsmaskin finns ett antal komplexa mekaniska system som består av ett stort antal komponenter och subsystem. Tillverkaren tar beslut om vilka komponenter som ska köpas från leverantörer och vilka som ska vara egentillverkade. Fel, speciellt de som uppkommer när fordonet redan används av kund, genererar stora kostnader och förlust av goodwill för företaget då det orsakar förseningar och stopp hos kunden. Olika felmoder som inte upptäckts under utvecklingen är ofta orsaken till att detta och risker och felmoder bör hanteras under utvecklingen. Då olika typer av fel uppkommer hos kund är det viktigt att rätt felmoder prioriteras först, de som orsakar högst kostnad eller förekommer oftast. Om komponenter som misstänks utgöra rotorsaken till haveriet kommer från leverantör bör leverantören involveras för att bidra med kompetens i förbättringsarbete. Den här uppsatsen studerar speciellt den testsituation som uppkommer när ett subsystem som orsakar höga kostnader havererar, och hur testning och förbättringen kan ser ut. Utgångspunkten har varit olika felmoder. Företaget behöver identifiera dessa och genom beräkningar eller provning säkerställa att de inte uppkommer. Idag används en FMEA av företaget men den skulle kunna förbättras och uppdateras och innehålla mer viktig information om felmoder kopplat till test. 

For a longer period of time, manufacturing was the core business activity and hence service has gained lesser attention. However, a time came when manufacturers faced a huge challenge to stay profitable which apparently gave service to get more attention. The reason to this can be classified in to three categories: economic reasons, customer satisfaction and competitive advantage (Oliva et al., 2003). Understanding this, Volvo Group has set high target for revenues from soft products including service. In order to achieve this it is necessary to expand existing service offerings and explore more new service offerings. As part of this goal, Volvo Technology has been working on several projects. One of the projects which are closely related to this thesis is the

Hauler Development Service (HDS) which started in 2008 for the trucking (Hauling) industry. HDS has two versions; HDS Green Field and HDS Efficiency and Effectiveness. HDS Green field focuses on starting up new road transport operations and establish business processes including system support on emerging markets. HDS Efficiency and Effectiveness focuses on performing assessments and improvement programs on already established firms on mature markets. These business offerings started to get their orders from customers and thus proving their functionality. However, unlike the trucking industry, the construction equipment business area within Volvo Group is lacking such business offerings today. Volvo Construction Equipment is the second largest business area within the Volvo group generating about 16 % of the total sales. Volvo CE is mostly offering hard products and wants to expand its service offerings and assume a better position as a professional service solution provider. The development of HDS for the trucking industry and the need for Volvo CE to expand its service offerings laid the background for this thesis. One of the market segments Volvo CE provides equipments is to the quarry and aggregate business segment. Customers with in this business area were successfully contacted and collaborated in this study. This master thesis investigated what the customers in the quarry and aggregate business area needs and problems are and developed a service concept which Volvo CE can offer while at the same time solving customer problems. This service concept was found out to be Energy Efficiency Improvement Service intended to help lower production costs of the customer by eliminating or lowering energy wastes and improve environmental impacts by lowering carbon emissions. Moreover, customer energy performance measures were studied and analysed if they are robust enough to be used as measures to the improvements inevitable by the new service offer, the Energy Efficiency Improvement Service. Results show that the energy performance measures currently in use are not robust enough, and suggest further development of energy performance measure system. In order to realize the service offer in a practical manner, the five lean principles (define value, identify value stream, floe, pull and continuous improvement) were tested if they can be used as tools to identify and measure energy wastes at the customers operation site and proved to be useful.

Preface: The research about product development of a prosthetic socket was conducted by two students from Mälardalen University, department of Innovation, Design, and Technology.

Background: The most recent public survey shows that an estimated 5 million people in China are amputees, out of which a significantly large portion are below-elbow amputees.

Sockets sold to below-elbow amputees are equipped with only two surface electromyography sensors, has low comfortability, has problems with perspiration, and a high weight. The current standard for socket manufacturing has not changed in decades.

Research Questions: The following research questions have determined the direction of the research: (1) What measurable factors contribute to a convenient and ergonomic feature design in prosthetic socket from the end-user’s perspective? (2) How can the weight and functionality be improved to achieve a prosthetic socket more suited to the end-user, with respect to the existing prosthetic socket? (3) Which material and manufacturing method is suitable for producing cost-effective and customized prosthetic sockets?

Research Method: The research was guided by the 5^th edition of Product Design and Development by Ulrich & Eppinger (2012) where the product development process described in five of the six phases from planning to test and refinement were utilized.

The data collection and analysis techniques performed in this research was guided by Research Methods for Students, Academics and Professionals by Williamson & Bow (2002).

Interviews were conducted with five different stakeholders to find specifications of requirements and concretize subjectivism of what defines quality and ergonomics.

Implementation: Currently, below-elbow amputees order sockets from orthopedic clinics. The socket was identified as a product of Ottobock. Investigations were made to find optimal solutions to the specification of requirements.

Results: The development of a socket concept was designed for additive manufacturing using a multi-jet fusion printer.

Analysis: This concept had significant improvements to parameters: higher grade of customizability, 30 % reduced weight, 48 % cost reduction, a new production workflow with 93,5 % automation, and a 69 % reduction in manual work hours.

Conclusions: The data of the research strongly indicate existing potentials in enhancing socket design techniques and outputs by implementation of additive manufacturing processes. This can prove to be beneficial for achieving more competitive prosthetics and associated services.

The purpose of this paper is to present propositions for facilitating the integration of additive manufacturing (AM) for manufacturing companies in the heavy vehicle sectors based on identified success factors and lessons learned in use cases with different operational purposes. A case study was conducted that identified 42 retrospective use cases from three main sources highlighting seven different use case types with contributions from seven sectors representing 14 countries on four continents. Six success factors (technology infrastructure, relative advantage, organizational readiness, competitive pressure, expectations of market trends, and trading partner) and 20 lessons learned sorted into five dimensions (additive thinking, management aspects, practice makes perfect, AM acceptance, and AM experts) were identified in the use cases based on the analysis. Three propositions covering the three stages of integration were derived based on the identified success factors and lessons learned. These propositions should provide guidance on what managers need to be prepared for when integrating AM step-by-step. Integrating AM is no simple feat, and the propositions only scratch the surface since the complexity of AM runs deep both technically and managerially. Future research should investigate in-depth operational capabilities and, if applicable, dynamic capabilities to further enhance facilitating the integration of AM step-by-step.

Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is revolutionising the manufacturing industry by boosting business profits and enhancing their competitive edge. However, simply adopting and implementing AM technology is not enough. Manufacturing companies must inte-grate AM into their existing capabilities with which is a complex challenge. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to explore the integration of AM into the manufacturing industry by looking into what manufacturing companies find challenging and propose solutions to overcome the challenges. The research was conducted in collaboration with a global heavy vehicle manufacturer located in Sweden. The overall research methodology adopt-ed a longitudinal multiple case study. So far, three studies emerged, name-ly the Strategy and Tactics study, the Gearbox study, and the Learn from Others study. Several participants were engaged in the whole or parts of the longitudinal multiple case study including managers and engineers from different departments. The findings were analysed thematically, and several tactics were used for enhancing validity and reliability. The findings from this research suggested four AM integration challenges, namely ambiguous ownership, cognitive fixation, situational awareness, and manufacturing fixation. To overcome these challenges, four operational capabilities were suggested, namely AM use cases, AM creativity, AM collaboration, and AM operational practices. These findings were formulated into short-term and long-term essential actions, sorted throughout the AM integration process, and presented in a facilitation framework. Manufacturing companies need to be aware that AM integration is more complex in industrial settings and should seek support from other manufacturing companies and AM actors when necessary. The next steps is to evaluate and test the facilitation framework and map AM integration challenges and operational capabilities of critical heavy vehicle AM use cases.

The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges in the integration of additive manufacturing (AM) that management faces in large manufacturing companies. Based on a case study consisting of a focus group, interview, informal meetings, direct and participant observations, company documents, reports, presentations, and field notes, seven dimensions containing 20 challenges were identified. The challenges were mentioned by 10 participants from four functional organizations. Thereafter, the 20 challenges were sorted into the three stages of integration. The results suggest a newly emerging theme that builds upon an existing framework. Organizational change was a unanimous concern by all functional organizations when contemplating integrating AM into the whole organization. Most of the challenges appear in the pre-integration stage and the post-integration stage compared to the integration stage which only highlighted two challenges. Future research should investigate solutions that contain proper actions and capabilities to overcome the identified challenges to enhance facilitating the integration of AM step-by-step.

Organizational size is a common way to describe and understand organizations invarious settings: in every-day situations as well as in organizational research. Withinorganization theory, organizational size has been seen variously as a basic feature ofthe organization (an independent variable); as a result of a reaction to the environmentof the organization (a dependent variable); or as a basic criterion for the selectionand categorizing of empirical cases (a selective variable). Often, organizationalsize is measured through the number of employees, budget or turnover; but linked toit are also associations that might not always match the organizational reality as experiencedby those managing and working in the organization. "is mismatch can causeproblems for the organization as for its members, and illustrates that organizationalsize is not only a variable that can be operationalized quantitatively, but a figure ofthought, affecting our expectations of the organization. "e purpose of this thesis isto develop the understanding of organizational size as a figure of thought by describinghow it has been used traditionally and by developing an alternative definition ofthe concept.

This is done with the help of a case study of an organization that was perceived as differentin size compared to what it was when measured traditionally. An ethnographicapproach, including shadowing, semi-structured interviews, and the collection ofprinted and digitally stored material related to the case, has generated the empiricalmaterial which has been analyzed through a narrative approach.

Understanding organizational size as a figure of thought makes it apparent that thetraditional view of organizational size builds on certain implications regarding theorganization, implications not acknowledging the ongoing organizing aspects. "eempirical case illustrates that the size of the organization is not only a question ofwhere the borders around “the organization” are drawn, but when they are drawn,since it can be seen to be a continuously constructed action net. Two types of actionsare identified: actions of narrativization and actions of realization. Whereas the firsttype involves actions that lead to the emergence of narratives about the organization,the second type constitutes actions that inscribe the organization into differentmaterialities. "ese two types of actions illustrate how the borders around “theorganization” are drawn and help explain the mismatch between expectations of theorganization based on perceptions of its size. "e conclusion is that “organizationalsize” is not only something that is, but something that is done. "ese two dimensionsof the concept are called “the ostensive” and “the performative”, respectively. Eventhough “organizational size” makes “the organization” present, it has limitations as atheoretical concept if its performative dimensions are not acknowledged, since it createsa simplified impression of “the organization” as being a static entity.

Drawing on the true story of the actions of a middle manager in a major industrial company after the unexpected death of one of his employees, while participating in one of the most important social rituals to humans and society - the creation of meaning of death - we take an analytical approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR). This is done by discussing the overlap between CSR and human resource management (HRM). The story induces us to question the upholding of CSR an HRM as separate theoretical fields, since the managerial practice seems to indicate that these have merged into one. Also, the story indicates that the borders between the 'private' and 'public' roles in managerial practice are blurred and that to be a middle manager today is quite complicated. The article finishes with a discussion on why the writing of policies may not be the answer to this problem.

This study focuses on the impact of maintenance on sustainable production systems. Sustainability has grown in importance and become a central topic globally. Companies worldwide are working to streamline their production systems while striving to achieve sustainability goals. Maintenance of production facilities is a critical factor in reaching these goals, and various maintenance strategies play a key role in ensuring productivity, sustainability, and reliability in production systems.

Although previous research has addressed both maintenance and sustainability, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding and knowledge about the relationship between these areas. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to analyze and understand how different maintenance strategies within companies affect and contribute to sustainable production systems. By exploring how these strategies can promote environmentally friendly and economically sustainable production methods, we gain deeper insight into how companies can balance sustainability goals with performance in their operations.

The research questions formulated for this work are as follows: How is a production system affected by maintenance? and What role do maintenance strategies play in promoting a transition to more sustainable production systems? 

The research utilized a deductive method with a thorough literature review based on previous research and scientific articles. A qualitative method was also used for empirical data collection through a survey distributed to companies.

By integrating sustainability aspects into maintenance work, companies can minimize resource use, emissions, and waste while optimizing the efficiency, reliability, and lifespan of their equipment. This enables a transition to more sustainable production methods and results in both economic and environmental benefits.

Regulation of indoor temperature based on neurophysiological and psychological signals is one of the most promising technologies for intelligent buildings. In this study, we developed a system for closed-loop control of indoor temperature based on brain-computer interface (BCI) technology for the first time. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were collected from subjects for two room temperature categories (cool comfortable and hot uncomfortable) and used to build a thermal-sensation discrimination model (TSDM) with an ensemble learning method. Then, an online BCI system was developed based on the TSDM. In the online room temperature control experiment, when the TSDM detected that the subjects felt hot and uncomfortable, BCI would automatically turn on the air conditioner, and when the TSDM detected that the subjects felt cool and comfortable, BCI would automatically turn off the air conditioner. The results of online experiments in a hot environment showed that a BCI could significantly improve the thermal comfort of subjects (the subjective thermal comfort score decreased from 2.45 (hot uncomfortable) to 0.55 (cool comfortable), p < 0.001). A parallel experiment further showed that if the subjects wore thicker clothes during the experiment, the BCI would turn on the air conditioner for a longer time to ensure the thermal comfort of the subjects. This has further confirmed the effectiveness of TSDM model in evaluating thermal sensation under the dynamic change of room temperature and showed the model's good robustness. This study proposed a new paradigm of human-building interaction, which is expected to play a promising role in the development of human-centered intelligent buildings.

Denna rapport innefattar ett examensarbete av Manne Hellsing, studerande på Mälardalens Högskola inom Ingenjörsprogrammet, Innovation och produktdesign.

Uppdraget har utförts för och på företaget Calesco i Kolbäck och utfördes mellan den 1/4-2013 och den 13/6-2013. Det uppdrag som delades ut av Calesco bestod av att konstruera en ny typ av vattensängsvärmare, med någon form av trådlös styrning. I detta arbete ingick att undersöka vilken väg som var den rätta att gå med framtidens vattensängsvärmare samt att skapa en prototyp av konceptet.

För att kunna angripa problemet på rätt sätt utfördes noggranna förstudier i början av projektet. Med hjälp av undersökningar av befintliga produkter i Calescos sortiment och undersökningar av konkurrerande produkter skapades ett bra grundmaterial för att kunna fastställa vad problemet faktiskt var och i vilken riktning projektet borde gå. Nuvarande produkter undersöktes med en bred grund där all information snappades upp, oavsett hur viktig eller oviktig den till synes var. Med detta arbete som grund skapades en konkurrentanalys där olika lösningar på problemet undersöktes. Studierna visade upp tydliga krav på funktioner som bör finnas i produkten samt mer tekniska krav.

Härifrån upprättades en funktionsanalys och utifrån denna och konkurrenterna en QFD. Med syfte att ge en bra grund till vilka konkurrenter som kunde ses som störst, syftet var även att lägga grunden för vad som skulle komma att bli kravspecifikationen för produkten. I detta steg fastställdes att de största konkurrenterna på marknaden var Calesco Digital samt Carbon Heater IQ Carbon.

Kravspecifikationen som skapades låg under hela arbetets gång som riktlinjer och har styrt in arbetet på rätt väg.

Nästa steg i projektet var en kreativ fas där en rad olika koncept tog form. Totalt sett skapades tio unika koncept som sedan skulle utvärderas. I samband med utvärderingen av koncepten hölls möten med ansvariga på Calesco för att säkerställa deras samtycke med hur de olika koncepten värderades.

Koncepten utvärderades med hjälp av en två-delad Pugh’s matris, för att avgöra vilka som var bättre eller sämre med avseende på de uppsatta kraven. Utav de tio ursprungliga koncepten utmärkte sig fyra stycken som bättre i den första delen av Pugh’s matris. Dessa togs då vidare i ytterligare en runda av samma verktyg, för att utröna vilket av dessa fyra som var allra bäst. Det valda konceptet studerades sedan ytterligare med hjälp av QFD, FMEA, DFM och DFA.

CAD-konstruktion vidtog sedan för att dels illustrera konceptet samt för att simulera hållfastheten hos konstruktionen. Samtidigt påbörjades ett prototyparbete av en extern teknikutvecklare.

Det slutgiltiga resultatet är en vattensängsvärmare som styrs med hjälp av en mobiltelefon eller annan trådlös enhet. Detta ger goda möjligheter för att implementera ytterligare funktioner i produkten. Denna lösning är helt unik på marknaden.

Prototyparbetet hann inte färdigställas fullständigt utan avslutas inom kort av Calesco.

This report is part of a thesis project at the undergraduate level in the subject of Product Development. The work was carried out for Runius Design AB in Stockholm in cooperation with LinTec Combisystem AB and Calibra AB. The work comprises 15 credits and was conducted by a student from Mälardalen University during the spring semester 2014. The assignment involved a further development of an accessible and adjustable washbasin component for disabled, which is part of LinTec´s product assortment. The requirements for the new product involved designing a more easily mounted and cheaper to produce product. The product should also be suitable for both home and public environments.

The product development process was initiated with understanding the problem which included analyzing the client's requirements and a review of the product sold today. Using the collected information and applying various product development tools, the idea generation could take place which ended up in two overall concepts. During discussions with the client, taking into account the requirements and desired features for the next generation product, the preferred concept was chosen and further developed into a final product.

The final product involved a design with custom made frames of bent structural steel adapted for various standard components. The frame is simple to manufacture and material-optimized, which facilitates the manufacture and is also more economically beneficial than the previous version.

The product consists of a wall cassette mounted on the bathroom wall. On each side of the cassette walls there are a pair of telescopic rails with a guiding plate mounted between them. A gas spring is vertically mounted between the guiding plate and the wall cassette performing the height adjustment of the module. A cover plate is mounted on the front of the guiding plate whereupon a washbasin, associated basin mixer and a custom made mirror frame together with a mirror plate is fixed. Moreover, the product contains standard components such as water seal, flexible water hoses, drain hoses, bolts, nuts, screws and a trigger button for the gas spring.

Structural integrity was checked by analysis in the computer software SolidWorks, a 3D-based Computed Aided Design-program. The final product is illustrated in the shape of rendered CAD images, assembly drawings and manufacturing drawings.

Denna rapport beskriver det examensarbete som genomförts av Joacim Holmqvist och Mattias Hägglund under vårterminen 2012 vid Mälardalens Högskola i Eskilstuna. Projektet är ett uppdrag från företaget Ztift AB som vill lösa vad de tycker är ett vardagligt problem.

Genom undersökningar har Ztift funnit en tillsynes outvecklad marknad för vad gäller dörrstopp i vardagliga hem. De konkurrenter som hittats lever inte upp till vad det moderna hemmet efterfrågar och detta vill Ztift ta vara på.

Projektet startar med en problem- och researchfas där gruppen samlar och analyserar information rörande problemet, konkurrenter och inspirationskällor. Detta följs sedan upp av en kreativ fas och slutligen konceptval.

Under projektets gång har flera produktutvecklingsverktyg används såsom Brainstorming, QFD, FMEA. Resultatet från dessa verktyg har kommit att forma projektets resultat.

Stort arbete ligger i kundnytta och användarvänlighet där produkten ska ge en upplevelse utöver vad som förväntas.Trenden påvisar att soft-close är något som börjar sprida sig från köket ut till övriga delar av hemmet. Detta har gruppen försökt att ta vara på och integrerat i produkten som tagits fram. Produkten håller, dämpar och släpper dörren på ett enkelt men ändå smart. Tillsammans med ett snyggt utseende hoppas gruppen att den uppfyller kundernas önskemål.

Slutsatsen beskriver ett lyckat resultat som gruppen är nöjd över att presentera. Med hjälp av 3D-modellering har gruppen visualiserat konceptet vilket finns presenterat i denna rapport. Denna modellering visar att de ställda kraven med stor sannolikhet uppfylls. Mål som till exempel enkel användning samt innovationsrik funktion är i gruppens ögon väl nådda, men tills en prototyp tillverkats är detta dock svårt att påvisa med full säkerhet.

The main aim of this report is to identify customer needs of outdoor products (jackets, pants, shoes etc.) directly through customer interviews and their consciousness about environmental and social sustainability. And my report can be used as a base for „product design‟ of Outdoor clothing. Also from my report both the suppliers and customers can get a good idea of „Environmental and social aspect of clothing technology‟.

This thesis performed on master level covers an assignment given by the cab division at Volvo Construction Equipment (Eskilstuna, Sweden). The thesis has been carried out by Josefin Hult during the period 2014-01-23 to 2014-05-30 at Mälardalen University.

Volvo Construction Equipment manufactures products including wheel loaders, backhoe loaders and articulated haulers. The assignment involves developing the standard door for larger wheel loaders. The current door has a welded frame surrounding the glass that is considered outdated and not cost effective. Volvo Construction Equipment wishes that the door was made in glass in a greater extent. The aim of the assignment has been to generate concepts regarding a glass door that fulfills given requirements. Three research questions have been stated and answered during the process.

The product development process has consisted of three phases: information gathering, concept development process and development of detailed concept. For example, field studies and benchmarking have been performed to gather information about competitors’ products and the manufacturing and assembling of the current door. Concepts for handrails, sealant and overall door design have been generated in an iterative process. All components of the door have been developed into a detailed concept during the last phase of the process. The process has resulted in a frameless glass door. The concept suggestion consists of; a tempered sheet of glass, a clip list (sealant) that covers the edges of the glass, two different handrails, inner and outer handles, a gas spring, components to attach handrails against the glass, a cover and a lock mechanism.

The major conclusion that is drawn is that it is fully possible to develop a door made in glass in a greater extent than the current door. Many competitors have machines where the door is made in glass in a large extent. This makes it believable that the glass door also will be perceived as timely and more modern and clear.

Recommendations have been developed if there is interest in further development. The recommendations include, among others, development of handrail and test of prototype to ensure that all requirements are fulfilled.

Figures are produced by the author if not stated otherwise.

Denna rapport sammanfattar det examensarbete som utförts 2012 på kandidatnivå av Erika Dahlström och Josefin Hult på Mälardalens Högskola i Eskilstuna. Examensarbetet har utförts i samarbete med ÅF Technology AB i Västerås.

Projektets idé uppstod i ett tidigare fiktivt högskoleprojekt där tanken om ett vindkraftverk skulle vara intressant för privatpersoner kom till. Detta projekt har vidareutvecklat denna tanke och projektet har då utvecklats till att syfta till att undersöka om det finns en marknad för miniverk i byggsatsform avsett för privatpersoner, vad marknaden efterfrågar samt utveckla och konstruera en miniverksmast. Ett miniverk är ett vindkraftverk som vanligtvis inte behöver bygglov.

För att kunna besvara hur marknaden ser ut har omfattande research utförts samt en marknadsundersökning. Från researchen sågs att det finns liknande befintliga produkter vilket innebar att projektets syfte gick från att konceptutveckla ett helt miniverk till att differentiera vår produkt från konkurrenternas. Detta gjordes genom att utveckla en mast som ger brukaren större valmöjligheter genom bland annat underlätta montering samt underhåll av sitt miniverk.

Vid konstruktion har fokus lagts på knäckningsberäkningar då knäckning måste tas på största allvar för att undvika potentiellt allvarliga olyckor. Beräkningar har jämförts med simuleringar utförda i Solid Works vilket visar på att beräkningarna bör vara korrekta.

Resultatet blev en 15,4 meter hög mast uppdelad i fem sektioner. Masten höjs och sänks genom en vev, block och vajrar. För att säkra att masten står stabilt finns åtta stycken stabiliserande vajrar fästa på två mastsektioner. Denna mast uppfyller majoriteten av de krav som ställts upp i en kravspecifikation. Att alla krav inte kunde uppfyllas beror på projektets begränsade tid. Dock har tydliga rekommendationer getts för att möjliggöra en vidareutveckling av detta resultat så att alla krav kan uppfyllas.

Under hela produktutvecklingsprocessen har ett flertal olika produktutvecklingsverktyg använts som stöd och kvalitetssäkring i arbetet. Arbetet med projektet har fungerat väl, dock var en del frågor inom projektet mycket komplexa vilket innebar en del förseningar.

Laws and regulations are controlling and have generated great impact on the pharmaceutical industry and putting high requirements on production to follow good manufacturing procedures. There is a high pressure on production to decrease the time-to-volume for new products implementations due to the long product development phases where the medicine product patent life only have 35-40% left when production can start. This have generated that production have applied a way of thinking when developing production lines that have a tendency of becoming a scale up over time where a new production line is added to the production plant to be able to produce the volume needed for customers. Astra Zeneca, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, predicts a future where they will need to handle more products launches parallel where the new product will be produced both in small and large volumes to new customers.

In this thesis a single case study have been performed at where a new product is being implemented, the project Genuair at Astra Zeneca Sweden operations in Södertälje. This thesis have be executing with the overall aim of supporting the development of a new layout, a functional layout. The project Genuair is a project where a new product is introduced in a new way, by buying a patent. The project is in the beginning of building the first production line that have a continuous flow layout and there is already a plan to build a second production line to be able to produce the needed volume. The predicted future for the Genuair products is in line with the general predicted future within Astra Zeneca generating a need for higher volume flexibility and higher product-mix flexibility. This change will have an impact on the current Genuair production layout generating a decreasing of 45 % in volume output after analyzing the production line by building a simulation model. The current production layout is facing different limitations where long complex changeovers is the main reason for the decreasing in volume output. The current layout is also generating limitations where production is limited by equipment, vulnerable for shutdowns, laws and regulations and the need for fulfilling the capabilities of safety, health and environment, quality, deliverability and cost.

A functional layout is presented that builds on achieving volume flexibility, product-mix flexibility and expansion flexibility. The introduction of a functional layout will generate challenges within the areas of laws and regulations, compliance, location of machines in different hygiene zones, traceability, material handling, the product-process matrix and the mind set within Astra Zeneca. The functional layout is analyzed by the development of a simulation model and compared to the current production layout and proven to handle the predicted future by primarily handling the changeovers in a different way that is the main limitation that follows by having a need for high volume flexibility and product-mix flexibility within the pharmaceutical industry. The functional layout will generate a higher degree of flexibility that will come to the expense of cost.

This thesis presents a product development process, where an existing solution on a cab door have been analysed and developed, with the aim to result in a cost-effective concept solution for handling tolerances on the door frame.

The methodological approach in this thesis is based on Volvo Construction Equipment’s development model; The Global Development Process, which started with a pre-study phase where the problem formulation was established.

The problem formulation in short is to find a solution for how to handle narrow tolerances in steel profiles for the door weldment on cab doors. Various solution ideas were discussed and concepts were generated with focus to design a new cab door corner that would solve the problems addressed by the project.

The applied method resulted in a final concept consisting of the same steel profiles but with new dimensions, and two new concepts in each corner; one corner module that is placed inside the steel profiles and joined by welding, and a plastic shell that covers the welded corner.

The concept was validated using a prototype of the proposed solution, where tests show that the requirements were achieved, besides a few deficiencies.

A cost comparison between the existing and the proposed solution was made within limitations for this thesis. The result of the cost comparison shows an indication of that the proposed solution can be more cost-effective than the existing solution.

Some of the recommendations after have completing the project are to make a complete cost comparison to ensure that the indication is correct and to analyse the new components to optimize and define the dimensions of them.

Material efficiency strategies are of significant importance for the shift towards producing sustainable vehicles and Asynchronous motors (ASM), both for current and new developments. Strategies such as a lightweight design, product lifetime extension, recyclability, and a material selection process based on the three branches of sustainability (ecological, economical, and social). Additionally, this thesis is produced at the request of a case company involved in the production of ASM, with the aim to investigate the sustainability and recyclability of the materials in their current product. This in combination with the importance of circularity, recyclability and resource efficiency, and an increasing market of motors has led to the study’s two research questions (RQ).

RQ1: To which degree can carbon dioxide emissions and energy usage be reduced by changing the materials in an ASM rotor?

RQ2: How does the changing of the material in the ASM rotor affect the challenges with recycling it?

This study contains a theoretical and empirical sub-study. The theoretical sub-study consists of a literature study of published research on the following subjects: Sustainability; sustainable manufacturing; recycled material; recycling processes and circular economy(CE). CE is research in connection to product development. The empirical sub-study is inspired by a policy assessment framework and adapted to fit the thesis. The empirical work contains a life cycle analysis (LCA) with a singular focus on the environmental impact. The work has been conducted during a period of 20 weeks and planned with an agile approach. For the collection of empirical data, six interviews, relevant industrial articles, and the material database Granta EduPack 2022 R2 have been used. Additionally, the thesis contains a comparison between the current material and alternative materials for the ASM rotor. All in all, this has led to a theoretical result with a singular environmental approach to sustainability.  

The result of the thesis has partly been the comparison between the current material in the ASM rotor and the proposed materials. The comparison showed that the maximum values for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were equal, and an 8.5 per cent reduction occurred for energy usage. The secondary result is that there are factors that enable and prohibit materials and products’ recyclability potential. Moreover, indicated the result of the thesis that the selection of suitable material could reduce these factors. The authors’ conclusion of the thesis is that a material change has the potential to reduce a product’s current environmental impact, secondary is sustainability a complex term that requires a balance between all three sustainability branches. For future research on the subject is it the author’s recommendation that all three branches of sustainability should be studied in more depth, in connection to the ASM. Moreover, factors outside of CO2 and energy should be studied in further depth.

Keywords: Environmental impact; Sustainability; Recycling methods/material/metals; Circular economy/CE; Product development.