Application of a systematic design methodology: an engineering case study

The basic steps of a design process have been reviewed and applied to seek an optimum solution for an industrial design problem. The problem was about a mechanical swivel-joint in a sea-current-metering system for underwater marine use. It was expensive ($200) and not functioning properly because of rattling and high friction between parts. The objective was to design another joint of better performance and lower cost, if possible. Ten steps were defined and carefully followed to solve the problem. This led to the design and production of a good quality swivel-joint as far as performance, appearance and other aspects were concerned and the cost reduced by 40%. This design method, in addition to yielding good results, is suitable for the organization of the activities of new designers and design students.