3 replies to this topic

[Remy]

In my infinite wisdom i have decided to make myself a dash for my final year A Level project and was wondering if you chaps could give your opinions on my designs. Positive, negative any feedback would really be appreciated. As a basis so you know I have a 93' Carb sprite with the 2 clock binnacle in front of the driver. There are four basic designs that i would like feedback on (some of them are a bit out there and unrealistic because we have to design 'different' things to get the marks) and if i can figure out how to use the photo uploading system they should be below. 

Cheers  Remy   

1st design

 Screenshot (2).png   251.47K   26 downloads

2nd

 Screenshot (3).png   261.27K   25 downloads

3rd

 Screenshot (4).png   296.52K   12 downloads

4th

 Screenshot (5).png   209.53K   9 downloads

 

 Sorry for the strange formatting I had to change the font so its legible in the compressed file

 

[phillrulz]

Reminds me of my A level product design. 

 

 

Idea 1

           Pros

• Relatively simple install 
• Made from readily available materials
• Improves safety of the vehicle as you say about the radio being a reach for the drive           

          Cons

• As with any change from original you limit your target market. Electronic dials arnt everyone's cuppa tea
• Electronic dials are not cheap to buy. ( Could be expensive in production unless you use JIT manufacturing) 
• As you've identified. No door on glove compartment means possibility of things flying out under acceleration. 

 

Idea 2 

          Pros

•    Very decorative design a good example of form over function ( Keyword )   by sacrificing the glove box for the design 
•   Good use of cheap materials to provide rigidity and premium materials for decorative uses. Helps to keep manufacturing cost low but still high value to end user. 

        Cons 

• Looks like a very dexterous design requiring little automation and lots of man hours. 
• Loss of passenger air vent - possibly uncomfortable for passengers 
• Magnets used for the radio guard could cause vibration issues or rattles. 

 

Idea 3 

         Pros 

• Looks extremely expensive and flashy very much a dashboard for showing off 
• Extremely large glovebox very useful!
• Wood used matches the cars history and like models 

      Cons

• Radio is moved the far side of the car near inaccessible for a driver
• Cresent rev counter could cause safety risk in event of crash depending if your mini has an airbag unknown year
• Requires a custom made air vent depending on production run could be cost inefficient to use injection molding meaning high single component cost. 
• highly polished aluminium component would also cost a pretty penny 

 

Idea 4

         Pros

• As identified requires minimal work to install 
• Adds USB power sockets 
• identified parts of the mini that are good and dont need changing (dials and vents) saves money makes a product more appealing 
• stereo is hidden to keep the old look of the mini also hides from thieves 

 

      Cons

• again magnetic catch could cause vibration 
•  high materiel cost for solid maple with a walnut inlay 
• Careful you've put less annotation into this last design 

[Remy]

Thanks very much phil

[johnR]

Interesting designs.  It may help to visualise them if you use an accurate depiction of the actual shape of the space between the dash rail and top rail as a base rather than the stylised one you've used.  For example the rakish lines of the first one will be changed by the curves on the actual vehicle structure. Personally I think you should spend more time on the drawn diagrams - using correct scale for the instruments etc as this will affect the completed look. Good luck with the project.