A Methodology of Engineering Design for a Plastic Straw Cutting Machine for Pillow Filling to Relieve Pressure Ulcer by QFD
Keywords:
engineering design, Quality Function Deployment, conceptual design, plastic straw cutting machineAbstract
This research aims to design a tube-cutting machine for pillow fillings used in pressure ulcer prevention, employing an engineering design approach. The study addresses common issues encountered during cutting, including plastic tubes scattering outside the container, some cut tubes having sharp or flattened ends, and operator fatigue from prolonged cutting. The Quality Function Deployment (QFD) technique was applied to optimize the design, utilizing the House of Quality (HOQ) tool to identify technical requirements. The analysis revealed that the three most critical factors, ranked by weight, were cutting method, operational sequence, and blade type. The identified design parameters were synthesized into alternative design concepts through a Morphological Chart, resulting in three potential design concepts. The most suitable concept was then selected using a Concept Scoring Matrix. The final design of the tube-cutting machine meets user requirements and features a conveyor system that transports tubes to the cutting blade. The optimal blade angle was 60 degrees, ensuring high-quality cuts without deformation or damage. Additionally, the machine operates continuously, achieves a cutting capacity of 5,250 tubes per minute, and has an Emergency Switch to stop working in an emergency.
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