This week was largely focused on the torque device project. This was partly because two colleagues on the test method development project were in Minnesota testing for the week, and partly because the torque device project is now at a point that requires a lot of hands-on work. Before we can propose a modified tolerance range, we have to prove why we need it. We have to perform functional testing for best- and worst-case scenarios within the current tolerance. This started with preliminary qualitative testing based off the general sound and feel of the device. I had to cut the lids off some devices so that we could accurately measure the diameter of the body before any additional deformation occurred (the body is held in the cap by stoppers, so a bit of force is required to pull the body out, which could deform its shape). One of the nice things about being at a such a big company is that we have tons of resources at our fingertips. We were having trouble finding a couple of parts within certain specifications that we needed for functional testing, so we just gave the part drawing to design services and said, “Can you please 3D print this, but with all the dimensions scaled up by XX?” And they said “Sure, we’ll have it to you by tomorrow.” And on we moved with testing.
My setup to cut the lids off without damaging the bodies. Safety glasses not pictured, but very much needed; the plastic flew everywhere.
As I mentioned last week, I was lucky enough to be put in contact with Process Development and New Product Development R&D engineers in Maple Grove. And after talking with them about their day-to-day life, I can really see myself in PD or NPD. My talk NPD was especially interesting because she had worked in PD for several years before changing departments. It seems like the two departments really feed off each other in terms of knowledge and skills gained. In PD you see what designs are feasible to create based off mechanical, material, or manufacturing limitations, while in NPD you learn why all the design choices were made and how they are critical to the function of the device. By working in both, she was able to gain a more comprehensive perspective of the entire product life cycle process (PLCP) and how to get the departments to collaborate most effectively.
I also learned that both engineers took part in the EDGE rotational program that Boston Scientific offers. During the program, they spent 8 months each in Design Assurance, Manufacturing, and R&D. I think that even if I know exactly what type of department I want to be in, a program like this would be extremely beneficial in learning how to engineer for the entire PLCP. People always say to “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” and while I know that saying was not so much directed at the engineering process, I think it still applies. You can make smarter design choices in R&D if you know exactly how the device will be manufactured, used, and regulated, and vice versa.
Weekend hike in Escazú
The exhaustion from the work week and past weekend’s travels were catching up, so we decided to stay local this weekend. We went on a hike in Escazú that was recommended to us by people from work. Then we figured out that “hiking trail” does not mean the same thing in Costa Rica as it does back home. The “trail” turned out to be mostly roads and paths through people’s yards rather than what we are used to. However, we got absolutely amazing views of the city and made friends with some animals.
