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Do you have a question not listed here? Send it to us by filling out our Feedback Form!
What’s the significance of the light bulb?
The light bulb has long been associated with a new idea. We believe new ideas are what keep our economy moving. We also believe new ideas are our primary product that we offer our customers. That’s why we have a light bulb as the focal point of our web page.
What’s the significance of your triangle logo?
There are three parts to a truly successful problem solution - Analysis, Innovation, and the Solution itself. The solution must begin with a thorough analysis of the problem and all of the related factors. The next step in finding the successful solution is breaking down the problem and applying problem solving tools and techniques to generate innovative alternatives. The optimum solution is then chosen from the alternatives. Any solution without either the thorough analysis or innovation is likely to be less than optimum.
What’s the big deal about innovation?
Engineers, as a rule, tend to be analytical. For the majority, this means that creativity is not their strength. Unfortunately, the creative process of young minds is often driven out during four years of rigid instruction earning an engineering degree. The engineering training is often very unsympathetic to creativity. There is only one correct answer to each problem - the solution devised by the professor or the textbook author.
This loss of creativity is further enforced when a young engineer joins the workforce and soon discovers the inherent risk associated with being “creative.” What if that wild idea just doesn’t work?
Together these factors lead to designs and problem solutions that aren’t “too risky.” After a while entire engineering departments fall into a rut of doing the “same old thing” over and over.
The lack of innovation leads to products that are not competitive and less than optimal solutions to everyday engineering problems. Both are very dangerous in today’s ultra-competitive world market.
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What is Mechatronic Design?
Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical and electronic components into an integrated device. A robot would be an example of a mechatronic device. Mechatronic design is simply the design of such devices.
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We have a engineering department, why would I use a consultant?
First, problem solving is a skill that is more rare than you may think. Many technical people fall into the trap of settling on the first solution that appears, or may not have the skills or training to adequately address the root problem. Innalytical Solutions specializes in solving problems. We have the training and skills required. We and have demonstrated them, and built on them, for over twenty years.
Second, hiring and managing a full-time engineering staff is costly and time consuming. The current economy has required most firms to take cost cutting measures and many have reduced their engineering staffs. Many do not have the level of problem solving skills that are required to successfully solve difficult technical challenges. Or their skilled staff are overtaxed an unable to give adequate attention to the challenges. Innalytical Solutions can provide the problem solving skills firms require without the ongoing expenses of maintaining another staff member.
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Can we afford a consultant?
Most definitely! On average, half of any engineer’s time is spent on non-problem solving activities such as meetings, computer issues, etc. We only charge for time actually solving your problems. In addition we work very hard to work with our customer’s to come to a cost that is equitable for the actual value of the services. If we don’t think the benefits to you justify our fees we don’t want to take the work!
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What are the problem solving tools you talk about?
First there is TRIZ, an acronym for Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. This is a systematic approach to finding inventive (innovative) solutions to problems. There are numerous web sites, books. and training courses dedicated to this subject. There are even software packages available which guide the user through the TRIZ process.
Secondly, there is quantitative analysis. This term pertains to methods for quantifying problems so they can be approached with mathematical methods of analysis.
When considering design problems or part failures Finite Element Analysis is often used.
Another tool that we make use of is high speed video. In many machinery related cases the problem cannot be understood because of the high speed at which things happen. Viewing these occurrences at frame rates of 1000 per second (or even more) can provide useful insight into the root cause of many problems.
Of course, more traditional troubleshooting tools like meters and oscilloscopes are also used when appropriate.
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In what CAD format is your design work done?
Your existing designs can be imported directly from SolidWorks files. We can also import, AND EDIT geometry generated by common translators including STEP, IGES®, SAT (ACIS®),
VDA-FS, and Parasolid® files.
In addition to 2D drawings that are compatible with most 2D CAD packages, the finished work can be exported back to your 3D package in many formats including Catia, ProE, STL, VRML, STEP, IGES®,
SAT (ACIS®), VDA-FS, and Parasolid® files.
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