Design Principles and Practice Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Design Principles and Practice - Coursework Example The infant is placed inside a jogging stroller and the runner can then push or pull the stroller to carry the weight of the infant. Other than running, the jogging stroller can also be used to transport infants over commutes because the strollers are safe by design and requirement. This report examines all major design principles and practices required to create an innovative jogging stroller. Pahl and Beitz model Market Research on Existing Devices Market research indicated that myriad companies are already manufacturing jogging strollers. The current models that are available are able to satisfy most customer requirements. Generally jogging strollers are three wheeled, vary in weight from manufacturer to manufacturer and could be foldable or fixed. (Jogging Stroller, 2011) Safety is mandatory. Seating capacity could be for one or two infants who are placed either inline or abreast on the jogging stroller as per design. Moreover, the wheels on jogging strollers are roughly 18 inches in diameter. Harnesses are also included so that the runner may tie themselves into the jogging stroller. (Luff, 2011) However, other models are available that can be pushed around. The handle bars are adjustable and storage bins have been provided to store infant accessories. (Running Advisor, 2011) Standard bare bones jogging strollers (one seat version on left and two seat version on right) Market Research from Potential Users In order to ascertain the requirements of potential users, I went to parks around the campus and interviewed parents using jogging strollers. This helped to precipitate both the good points and bad points in the jogging strollers. Most users related that the three wheel design was stable enough to prevent overturning. Wheel size is also acceptable at around 18 inches. In my survey I found only a very few jogging strollers with harnesses. Those who were using harnesses were not happy with their performance as the claimed that harnesses restricted use and ca used unwanted strain. Others who did not use harnesses said that they preferred to push jogging strollers around than become cart horses. This implies that as per aesthetics people prefer jogging strollers that can be pushed around. Moreover, when people were inquired about the appearance of the jogging stroller most people believed that the bare bones jogging strollers looked ugly. Most expressed a desire to purchase better looking models. Therefore, there exists a potential to sell a slightly expensive jogging stroller if it is made beautiful enough. The desire to have more aesthetically pleasing jogging strollers was most common amongst younger mothers (20 to 30 years old). The older mothers (30 and above) were mostly indifferent to how the jogging stroller looked. Market Research (British and European Union Standards) Under British regulations both new and used prams and push chairs must adhere to BS 7409:1996 or equivalently to BS EN 1888:2003 (equivalent European standard). Th is standard is largely concerned with safety of infants in the prams and push chairs category and sets guidelines for rollover and other similar incident prevention. Another applicable standard is BS 1877-10 which specifies the various kinds of mattresses and bumpers that are used in perambulators for children. The mattresses must allow for a certain degree of softness as well as ensure circulation of air to ensure that the child is comfortable even during long walks and runs under the sun. Another important device is the safety harness in use on push chairs which is covered by BS 6684. (BSI, 2005) Furthermore, the material used to construct children’