Modular book mount system
The client for this project is L. Fedynyszyn, a conservator at Victoria University's E.J Pratt Library located at the University of Toronto. The client wanted the team to design a better solution to display books in their exhibitions.
As for my role in the team, I directed and coordinated the team of six students to design, prototype and manufacture the customizable
book mount system that can safely display a book at a variety of opening angles and positions. I helped construct several iterations of the final design using Solidworks & ANSYS, and 3D printed a prototype to present to the client. We manufactured and sold 12 products to the client, using 3D Printers, CNC Machine, Drill Press and acrylic bending machine
Leading a succesful project was difficult. I was responsible for motivating all members and encouraging effective communication within them to achieve a common goal. For instance, I ensured the team’s active collaboration, was responsible for making emergency decisions and solving conflicts in moments of crisis. Given that I have strong communication skills and held numerous leadership positions in different team projects, the role of leader appeared to fit me most.I believe that I was a good fit as the team leader since my input helped face numerous challenges.
Design process
During the design process, 50 initial ideas were narrowed down 3 main candidate designs. The first design involves supporting the book using 2 plates attached to a ball and socket arm. The second design utilizes modular plates that are bolted together along with hinges to form a support for the book. The third design involves attaching 2 book supports to a sliding mechanism that can adjust the angle and spine length to hold the book.
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Main Candidate
The team decided that the slider book holder mount best fits the needs of the client. The proposed design allows the user to individually adjust the opening angle of the book cover, the height of the book display, and the angle of elevation. Two of the largest factors that led to the sliding mechanism being implemented comes from the convenience and the cost of its design. The slider mechanism requires at most 5 screws to tighten, with the arm and modular design involving 16 and 8 screws respectively to adjust its position. The arm’s design is more convenient than its counterparts.
Prototyping and Testing
To test the sturdiness of the prototype, we placed objects of more than 3.5 kilograms onto the mount, determining if the prototype can withstand such load. Simulation software through ANSYS and Solidworks was used to test how the design will react to various forces.
Client presentation
We presented the final design to the client and she loved it !