Initial concept (left) and final design (right)
During my internship at Plexus Engineering in Raleigh, North Carolina, I had the opportunity to undertake a special project that involved the design and development of tool holders and organizers for the in-house machine shop and maker space. Plexus Engineering, as a healthcare and life science design engineering company, required a highly functional and efficient solution to enhance the organization and accessibility of tools in their workshop.
My project journey began with the initial concept development, where I brainstormed ideas and identified the specific needs of the machine shop. After a thorough analysis, I created a preliminary design that addressed these needs while ensuring practicality and user-friendliness. To bring the design to life, I leveraged my proficiency in SolidWorks to create detailed 3D models. I then proceeded to prototype the initial design, allowing me to evaluate its functionality and make necessary refinements.
With a refined prototype in hand, I presented the design to key stakeholders within the organization. Their feedback was invaluable in refining the concept further. I incorporated their suggestions, addressing any concerns and optimizing the design for usability and efficiency.
After multiple iterations and rounds of feedback, I successfully reached a design that was not only acceptable but also well-received by the stakeholders. This final design met the project's objectives of providing an organized and accessible tool storage solution for the machine shop and maker space. I proceeded to create three models based on the approved design, and these models have been implemented and are currently in use in the Plexus workshop, contributing to improved efficiency and a well-organized workspace.
My internship project allowed me to apply my engineering and design skills to a real-world project, collaborate effectively with stakeholders, and see a project through from concept to implementation. This experience has enhanced my problem-solving abilities and provided me with valuable insights into the complex process of full-cycle engineering. I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to Plexus' success and look forward to applying the knowledge and skills gained during this internship in my future endeavors.