Product development with LinoPro (Part 2) : The feasibility analysis
17.06.2020 - Max Hoehle
A feasibility analysis is carried out to clarify whether a product vision can be turned into reality at all from a technical and economic point of view. This prevents valuable resources from being invested in less promising projects.
The feasibility study should answer the following questions: 
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How can the product vision be implemented?
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What are the options for implementation in terms of technology and economy?
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Are all required resources available?
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What are the risks?
With a broad view, these questions are checked and evaluated at LinoPro across departments.
In addition to an analysis of current technologies and available assemblies and materials, the necessary resources are determined in the course of the feasibility analysis and compared with the available inventory. The required resources can be, for example, technical expertise, software or trade machines. The design office checks with other departments in which areas cooperation makes sense in order to reduce development costs through time savings and knowledge transfer. A constantly growing network of universities, partner companies and suppliers is an invaluable advantage.
With the help of initial rough calculations and, if necessary, simulations in CAD applications, various influences on the product can be examined. In this way, possible weak points and risks can be identified at an early stage and given special consideration in further development. With the completion of the feasibility study, the – possibly modified in the course of the analysis - Product concept confirmed as solution in principle.
When developing the LP-LX4 transport drone, the components and materials available on the market for propulsion (motors, rotors, batteries), control and positioning (receiver, motor controller, camera, flight controller) were analyzed. ..) and frames (plates and tubes made of CFRP materials). In several iterations of component combinations, a target total weight of 10 kilograms was determined for the drone in order to achieve a flight distance of approx. 25 kilometers and not to exceed the determined material costs. Result of the feasibility analysis: Our design office found out that a combination of 8 motors and 4 batteries with a total of 20,000 milliampere hours (mhA) is the ideal equipment to provide the necessary electrical power during the entire flight time including takeoff and landing.< /p>
The motor arms, each equipped with 2 motors, should be sufficiently stable despite their low weight to be able to absorb the high mechanical stresses and forces; call This is a possible vulnerability that was identified in initial considerations and simulations. The design office team therefore decided to look at the material strength of the planned CFRP pipes separately.
In the preliminary calculations, sufficient safety was also determined for smaller pipe diameters. The feasibility analysis was able to demonstrate through various simulations that the material selection can withstand the expected loads in the motor arm.
Further information about our CAD services and experiences regarding the creation of a feasibility study can also be found here. Talk to us, the design office from LinoPro is happy to help you.
