Utvecklingen av P-counter : Från idé till prototyp

• Main Authors: Vassberg, Gustav, Sundbäck, Hannes
• Format: Others
• Language: Swedish
• Published: Uppsala universitet, Industriell teknik 2017
• Subjects: Engineering and Technology; Teknik och teknologier
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-326083

The central theme of this thesis is the product development process. The main focus of the project has been on the initial stages of this process. It depicts the systematic and methodical approach which is essential in order to produce a prototype from a simple idea. The main goal has been to produce a prototype and then test its performance and properties in a comprehensive field study. The data and experiences gained from this study are then to be used as a foundation for the next steps in the product development process. It is the goal of this thesis to also produce a conclusive suggestion for an improved concept. A visit to a urinoir is often an unpleasant experience. Men miss a motivating factor to urinate correctly and upheld the hygiene in public toilets, sometimes with disastrous results. In combination with alcohol this behaviour often spiral out of control. The aftermath is disgusting for users and cleaners alike. The goal for the product is to redefine what a visit to a urinoir is all about. The product in itself consists of a small unit which is equipped with a display and sensor. The unit is then placed in the bottom of the urinoir. When users urinate on its surface a time-based points system activates and shown on the display. The theory is to motivate a better behaviour with providing a fun experience for users. The direct effect of this will lead to improved hygiene and less cleaning. Scientific and well recognised methodologies in product development and project management has served as the foundation for the process as a whole. In the beginning a detailed planning phase was carried out which provided a stable ground for the project. In the next face a comprehensive pre-study was conducted. The goal was to provide the upcoming stages of the process with invaluable information which in turn would simplify the concept development immensely. In the concept development phase a specification of requirements was developed. A brainstorming session compiled ideas and suggestions into three final concepts. The concepts were then evaluated from a set of criteria based in the specification of requirements. A final concept was selected and designed with the help of SolidWorks. A 3Dprinter then produced a prototype which was tested and improved until the specifications of requirements was fulfilled. In the final phase a field study was executed which resulted in some unsatisfactory complications. One of the two tests were sabotaged completely and the other test experienced some major wreckage. Despite this a substantial amount valuable information and experience was acquired. Through the information gained a systematic and scientific analysis was conducted which resulted identifying several important factors regarding both the product and market opportunities. The main aspects which needed improvement was: general design and information regarding the purpose of the product and a construction which improved sealing, positioning and hydrodynamic properties.