10 replies to this topic

[shish_happens]

Hi all,

 

I'm a second year product design student who could do with a hand. I've been given the task of designing a new product and I could really do with some insight that comes with years of working on cars that I have yet to gain. My question is:

 

What are some of the challenges or problems that you've faced while working on cars or specifically minis? Times when you've thought 'only if there was an easier way to do this' or 'not this again' or jobs that are just hard or fiddly and could do with being easier. Tools difficult to use, don't work or non existant?

 

Any help appreciated

 

Cheers,

 

Will

Edited by shish_happens, 30 October 2019 - 08:16 PM.

[Squipper]

Hi

 

Don't know if anyone agree's but what about a classic Mini specific jack?  One designed where it can locate specifically and where you can lift either the whole front end or whole back end of the Mini.  This would either allow you to put stands on two at a time or just have an end up at a time.

 

Fluff

[mk1leg]

I made a piece of 4X2 cur to shape to fit the front subframe and rear subframe from original workshop drawings

[Dr s]

A budget hydro pump that can vacuum as well as pump.

[sid trunley]

what about designing an electronic dipstick so you don't get oil all over your clothes and hands or in a garage trying to find a piece of tissue digital read out SID

[nicklouse]

the problem you have is that just about everything already has a solution.

 

electronic dipsticks for example are fitted to many cars. mini specific jacks. done. tool to undo the speedo drive use a tap wrench. tool to fit engine mount bolts. a fork.  there are actually some spanners that will hold the bolts.

 

cheap hydro pumps that vacuum and pump mmmm the cheap ones pump only.

 

 

to be honest for a product design Uni (?) second year student I would at something else. or if you really want automotive make it something universal.

[shish_happens]

the problem you have is that just about everything already has a solution.

 

electronic dipsticks for example are fitted to many cars. mini specific jacks. done. tool to undo the speedo drive use a tap wrench. tool to fit engine mount bolts. a fork.  there are actually some spanners that will hold the bolts.

 

cheap hydro pumps that vacuum and pump mmmm the cheap ones pump only.

 

 

to be honest for a product design Uni (?) second year student I would at something else. or if you really want automotive make it something universal.

 

Definitely agree but at the same time don't want to just disregard ideas because there's many ways you can tackle them even if you're just using an existing idea but improving it. Thanks for the input though

Edited by shish_happens, 31 October 2019 - 04:00 PM.

[johnR]

For environmental credentials how about a combination tyre pressure/tread gauge/basic CO2 tester?

[luismx123]

to be honest the worst thing to do is hold a bolt between 2 fingers - i.e your point and middle finger- because you cant get in or get that far inside. there may be a tool for this but i think something to hold a bolt, via magnet, clamp, expandable front to elongate your reach is something worth looking into even if the product is small and simple ;)

[Ethel]

Y'know them robot vacuum cleaners & lawnmowers?

Well how about a mini one for your Mini that removes 'n treats rust?

[shish_happens]

Y'know them robot vacuum cleaners & lawnmowers?

Well how about a mini one for your Mini that removes 'n treats rust?

 

I'd be a millionaire and there'd always be a need