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Introduction
A design brief is used in the design process to clearly outline the project’s goals, requirements, and constraints. It guides the designer's work, establishes the project scope, and helps prevent misunderstandings. The brief also serves as a reference for decision-making and evaluation, ensuring the final design meets the objectives and aligns all stakeholders. Before we began designing a solution to our problem, we wanted to better understand the specifications we would be working around. We considered the level of influence different factors should have on our solution, and ranked them by their importance. These specifications ranged from customer needs to aesthetics. We also tried to gauge the cost breakdown and market price of our product.
Design Specification Analysis
Design Specification Analysis
What does the customer need?
The customer (consisting of government agencies, universities, and private organizations) wants a consistent and easy-to-implement way of regulating the heat within a CubeSat satellite.
What must the product be able to do?
The product must be able to dispel heat from within a CubeSat and prevent heat from entering it as well. The product must also not interfere with the functionality of the CubeSat.
Target "Off-The-Shelf" Cost
~$400
What size should the product be, or what restrictions to size exist?
The product should be configured for a 2U CubeSat, which is measured at 10x10x20 cm.
Aesthetics. Are there preferences in the appearance features of the product (color, surface treatment, shape, material)? If so, describe them.
This varies by consumer, but a general rule (especially for private companies) is that it should be designed in a way such that it does not obstruct something like a camera lens or an antenna. Preferably a sleek design.
Is there a specific material or materials that must be used?
The design doesn’t have set required materials, but we think it should include some sort of radiator.
Safety and Legal Issues. Identify potential safety and legal issues that may arise from the use of this product.
Misuse or misplacement of components on the CubeSat can be a serious safety hazard because it could shock the person interacting with it or start an electrical fire.
Ergonomics. Identify considerations for the ergonomics of the product.
Since the product is designed to fit on a 2U CubeSat, the products size lends it to be easily manipulated by human hands.
Identify the environmental conditions relevant to the manufacture and use of the product.
The product will be used in space, so there is no chance of convective cooling. Temperature extremes are also much greater in space.
Will the product include any toxic or dangerous substances? What is the plan for disposal of the product at the end of its useful life?
The product will not contain any dangerous substances as it is simply a means of dissipating heat. At the end of its life, the product can simply be repurposed or discarded.
What is the required service life of the product?
As long as it can go until it wears out for a multitude of reasons.
What is the anticipated length of time that the product will be produced before it is replaced by a newer version or alternate product?
~5 years
Will the product require routine maintenance during its service life?
The product does not require regular maintenance as it is intended to be attached to the CubeSat and does not regularly return to earth
Additional Criteria
The product must be able to receive heat directly from components as components do not touch the CubeSat metal chassis.
Five constraints that are common to most design problems.
Five constraints that are common to most design problems.
1. Budget: The financial limits available for the design, including production costs and material expenses.
2. Time: The deadline or schedule requirements for completing the design and delivering the final product.
3. Materials: The availability, quality, and type of materials that can be used in the design.
4. Functionality: The specific requirements for how the design must perform or what functions it needs to fulfill.
5. Regulations and Standards: Compliance with legal, safety, and industry standards that govern the design and production.
Prioritized List of Criteria
Prioritized List of Criteria
Highest
- Operating environment
- Customer needs
- Additional criteria
- Size
- Safety
- Durability
- Performance
- Service life
- Target cost
- Materials
- Ergonomics
- Aesthetic
Lowest
Conclusion
After analyzing these factors, we determined that the operating environment is the biggest factor we should consider in our design, followed by customer needs and more specific construction criterion. We believe that analyzing these specifications will greatly aid us in designing the best possible solution by allowing us to understand certain necessary dimensions that constitute our final design.
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