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Reid's engineering design knowledge base (outline)

 

This engineering design knowledge base is a 3-tier outline of topics in which principal Robert D. Reid, P.E. designs and/or interfaces.  Intra-page links allow quick browsing within the outline.
 

 

Reid Product Development is a consulting engineering firm which specializes in the design and development of durable medical equipment, clinical laboratory instrumentation, and disposable medical devices.

For complementary talent, Reid often turns to trusted associates in his Project Partners Network SM

 


FLUIDS
(within Reid's engineering design knowledge base)


Gases & vapors
Liquids
Measurement
Control

Gases & vapors
also see FLUIDS, Measurement
also see FLUIDS, Control
air
oxygen (O2)
respiratory gases (also see RESPIRATORY)
inert gases
flammable gases
compressed gases / compressible gas
industrial gases
specialty gases
ethylene oxide (EtO)
vaporization (water, inhalation anesthetics, hydrogen peroxide, et al)
concentration monitoring (also see ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY)
adsorption
fixed gas
ideal gas
thermodynamics
humidity & hygrometry & psychometrics
gas volume (10 cc to 20 liter, std.)
gas flowrate (0.1 cc/s to 20 liter/min, std.)
gas pressures (low vacuum, -10 to 50 cm H2O, 0 to 100 psi., ...to 2,500 psi.)

Liquids
also see FLUIDS, Measurement
also see FLUIDS, Control
water
physiological saline solution
enteral fluids
clinical reagents
potable water (NSF)
carbonated water (beverage)
adhesives (also see MATERIALS, Adhesives)
non-Newtonian thixotropic fluids
aerosols (also see RESPIRATORY)
admixtures / mixtures
slurries
drops
jets
sprays
aspiration
dispensing
rinsing
melting
boiling
surface tension & wetting
deposition & coating
liquid volume (1 ul to 10 liter)
liquid flowrate (1 ul/s to 10 liter/min)

Measurement
also see ELECTRONICS INTERFACE
also see ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
volume displacement, gases (incompressible regime)
volume displacement, liquids
flowmeters, variable-area
flowmeters, laminar
flowmeters, turbine
flowmeters, hot-wire anemometer (gases)
flowmeters, thermal mass
flowmeters, ultrasonic
flowmeters, vortex shedding
flow visualization
pressure transducers
pressure transducers, physiological
pressure regulators
pressure gauges
leak detection

Control
also see SMALL-SCALE PROCESS CONTROL
fluid power control (hydraulic & pneumatic)
aerodynamics
viscous flow (i.e., laminar flow)
turbulent flow
pipe flow
discharge co-efficient
transients & acoustics
critical flow / sonic flow (gases)
fluidics (gases)
filtration, gases (coalescing, HEPA, breathing, aerosols)
filtration, liquids (mesh, bacterial)
fluid sealing
pressure regulation
viscous metering
time pressure dispensing
shot metering (liquids)
dispensing
pipetting (liquids)
micropipetting (liquids)
precision volume displacement
mixing & blending
volume displacement, gases
volume displacement, liquids
nozzles
ejectors (momentum entrainment)
injectors
precision orifices
fluid bearings
cylinders
solenoid valves
isolation valves
piloted valves
proportional valves / servo-valves
metering valves
vaporizers
saturation blending (vapor in gas carrier)
fans & blowers
compressors (rotary vane, diaphragm, piston)
peristaltic pumps
syringe dispensers
tubing
manifolds
fittings
seals (static and dynamic) & gaskets
closures
packaging (glass, foil, plastic)


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MOTION AND POSITION
(within Reid's engineering design knowledge base)


Analysis
Mechanical components
Electro-mechanical components
Sub-systems

Analysis
friction
second-order systems (mass, spring, damper)
shock & vibration
kinematics (position, velocity, acceleration)

Mechanical components
leadscrews
slides & rails
precision bearings (ball-bearings, roller-bearings)
shock & vibration mounts
dashpots
gears (spur, helical, worm)
timing belts
slip clutches
linkages
springs (compression, extension, motor)

Electro-mechanical components
also see ELECTRONICS INTERFACE
motors (sub-fractional, stepper, d.c. servo, d.c., a.c. synchronous)
motor drives (sub-fractional, stepper, servo)
solenoids (discrete, proportional, rotary)
torque motors
stepper motors
d.c. servomotors
d.c. motors, non-servo
a.c. motors
proximity sensors (optical, inductive, capacitive, Hall-effect, microswitch, fiberoptic)

Sub-systems
also see SMALL-SCALE PROCESS CONTROL
small motor / gearing / sensor systems for smooth velocity & positioning
small motor / gearing / sensor systems for smooth rotary motion & precise rotary positioning
small motor / leadscrew / sensor systems for smooth linear motion & precise linear positioning
mechanical mixing / blending systems
pneumatic cylinder, linear bearing systems for two-position load shuttling
small conveying systems
micro-positioning stages
linear positioning stages
multi-axis positioning systems (x-y, x-y-z, theta-z)
mechanical indexing systems
gripping & load-transfer systems
small-scale robotics
locking mechanisms


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TEMPERATURE
(within Reid's engineering design knowledge base)


Heat transfer
Thermometry
Thermal control

Heat transfer
heat conduction
forced-air convection
forced-air incubation
radiant heating
recirculating chillers
heat exchangers
heat pipes
heat dissipation
evaporative cooling
enclosures, thermal vs. acoustic

Thermometry
also see ELECTRONICS INTERFACE
thermocouples
thermistors
resistance temperature detectors (RTD)
infrared (IR) thermometry

Thermal control
precision temperature control
heaters (miniature, flexible, radiant, convective)
heater control
heaters, self-regulating
phase-change materials
thermostats
ovens
thermoelectric coolers
chillers


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SMALL-SCALE PROCESS CONTROL
(within Reid's engineering design knowledge base)


also see FLUIDS
also see MOTION AND POSITION
also see TEMPERATURE
also see ELECTRONICS INTERFACE


automatic controls
proximity-activated electro-pneumatics
stepper motor positioning
pneumatic sequencing circuits
motor control
microliter dispensing
industrial dispensers (timed-flow, variable-displacement, & shot-metering types)
motion & position controllers
precision forced-air temperature incubation
spectrophotometric gas concentration monitoring systems
robotic pick & place system
gas concentration control systems
gas flow control systems


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ELECTRONICS INTERFACE
(within Reid's engineering design knowledge base)


also see FLUIDS
also see MOTION AND POSITION
also see TEMPERATURE
also see SMALL-SCALE PROCESS CONTROL


data acquisition
test & measurement


Sensing
Control
Power
Packaging

Sensing
proximity sensing
proximity sensors
encoders, rotary
force & strain measurement
small motor control
Ag/AgCl electrodes
3-wire sensors (npn / pnp)
photosensors
photoelectric sensors
force/strain gauge

Control
programmable controllers
stepper motor control (indexing & driving)
servo-motor control

Power
power cords
power supplies
batteries

Packaging
electro-static discharge
r.f. interference (EMI / RFI)
shielded signal conductors
miniature connectors (list types)
custom strain-relief
flexible ribbon cable
printed wiring (custom integration)
fiberoptic coupling
NEMA enclosures
panel meters
switches / footswitches
electrical hazards


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PRECISION COMPONENTS & ASSEMBLIES
(within Reid's engineering design knowledge base)


also see MOTION AND POSITION, Mechanical components
also see MATERIALS
also see FABRICATION PROCESSES


optical mounts
optics, reflective (UV, visible, IR)
optics, refractive (UV, visible, IR)
optics (mirrors, windows, filters, fiberoptic)
injection-molded precision optics
optical alignment fixtures
closely-fitted, nested parts
thermally-coupled parts
composite layered assemblies (film, elastomers, circuits)
structural framing systems
silicon micromechanical devices (a.k.a. MEMS)


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MATERIALS
(within Reid's engineering design knowledge base)


Metals & alloys
Thermoplastics, commodity
Thermoplastics, engineering
Thermoplastics, high-temperature
Thermosets
Elastomers, thermoplastic (TPE's)
Elastomers, thermoset
Ceramics
Glass
Adhesives
Composites & laminates
Films
Foams
Finishes & protective coatings
By nature of use (examples)

Metals & alloys
[principal metals & alloys with which Reid designs]
aluminum (principally wrought 6061, 6063, and cast)
brass (principally 360 free cutting)
carbon steel
stainless steel (principally 17-7PH, and austenitic 303, 304, 316)
titanium
zinc-aluminum (casting alloys)
precious metals
extruded, wrought, machined, cast, powder-injection-molded, surface finished

Thermoplastics, commodity
acetal (homo- and co-polymers)
acrylic
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)
polyolefins:
   polyethylene, low-density (LDPE)
   polyethylene, low-density (LLDPE)
   polyethylene, low-density (HDPE)
   polypropylene (PP)
polystyrene
polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
polyvinyl chloride, flexible (f PVC)
general purpose
impact resistant
cast, extruded, molded, thermoformed, NSF, FDA (food & bev), medical

Thermoplastics, engineering
acrylonitrile copolymer
ethylene vinylacetate (EVA)
polyamide (nylon)
polybutylene
polycarbonate (PC)
polyester, saturated (thermoplastic) (PBT)
polyester terephalate (PET)
polyethylene (UHMW-PE)
metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene block co-polymers
polyphenylene
polyurethane, ester-type
polyurethane, ether-type
polyvinyl acetate
styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN)
styrene-maleic anhydride(SMA)
thermoplastic elastomers (TPE's)
thermoplastics, heat-shrinkable
glass-filled and other additives
cast, extruded, molded, thermoformed, NSF, FDA (food & bev), medical

Thermoplastics, high-temperature
liquid crystal polymer
polyamide/imide a.k.a. polyimide
polyarylate
polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
polyetherimide (PEI)
polyimide
polyfluorocarbons:
   fluorinated ethylene-propylene (PEP)
   perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)
   polychlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE)
   polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
   polyvinylfluoride (PVF)
   polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
polysulfone
glass-filled and other additives
cast, extruded, molded, thermoformed

Thermosets
alkyd
allyl ester
epoxy
melamine-formaldehyde
phenolic
polyester, unsaturated (thermoset)
polyurethane, isocyanates (thermoset)
vinyl ester
epoxy/urethane casting resins
cast, molded, extruded, coated, stereolithographed

Elastomers, thermoset
butadiene (BR)
butyl (IIR)
chlorinated polyethylene (CM)
ethylene propylene (EPDM)
fluorocarbon elastomers (Viton, et al)
fluorosilicone
isoprene (IR)
natural polyisoprene (NR) (i.e., natural rubber)
neoprene (chloroprene, CR)
nitrile (Buna-N, NBR)
polyurethane, aromatic-type (AU)
polyurethane, ether-type (EU)
styrene butadiene (Buna-S, GRS)
silicone
cast, molded, extruded, die-cut

Elastomers, thermoplastic (TPE's)
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyether & polyester types
styrenic block co-polymers (SBS, SEBS)
thermoplastic olefins EPDM/PE, EPDM/PP (TPO)
molded, extruded, thermoformed, NSF, FDA (food & bev), medical

Ceramics
alumina
sapphire
silica carbide
silica nitride
titania
zirconia
rare-earth magnets
machinable glass ceramic
cast & fired, ground, powder-injection-molded

Glass
aluminosilicate glass
borosilicate glass
fused silica glass
soda lime glass
glass ceramic
plate, drawn, float, photo-etched, custom-cut, ground, polished, coated

Adhesives
epoxy (2-part)
acrylic
cyanoacrylate
silicone RTV
urethane (2-part)
anaerobic (i.e., cyanoacrylate)
electrically conductive (epoxy)
hot-melt thermoplastic (polyamide, polyolefin, EVA)
high-temperature (epoxy)
pressure-sensitive (acrylic)
solvent-based (various)
structural (epoxy and urethane)
UV-curing
blended, cast, coated, dispersed, dispensed, NSF, FDA (food & bev), medical

Composites & laminates
also see FABRICATION PROCESSES, Converting
structural composites
fiber-glass / epoxy
nanotechnology

Films
also see FABRICATION PROCESSES, Converting
polyolefin (LDPE, LLDPE, metallocene) & EVA
polyimide
polycarbonate
polyurethane
co-extruded barrier film
selective permeability film
extruded film
bi-axially oriented film
cast film
pressure-sensitive adhesive (psa) coated film
medical grade film
sterile film
breathable / non-woven fabric
electrically conductive / static dissipative
IR transmissive film
foil
packaging
converting (coat, laminate, print, slit, sheet-cut, die-cut, et al)
film testing (gauge, permeability, gloss, light transmission, et al)
blended, coated, dispersed, dispensed, pressure-sensitive

Foams
also see FABRICATION PROCESSES, Converting
cross-linked micro-cellular foam
pressure-sensitive adhesive (psa) coated foam
impact absorbing foam
sound absorbing foam
conformal form
thermal insulation
foam-in-place
structural foam
blended, coated, dispersed, dispensed, pressure-sensitive

Finishes & protective coatings>
see FABRICATION PROCESSES, Surface finishing
see FABRICATION PROCESSES, Converting

By nature of use (examples)
rigid structure / chassis w/ mounting features
load-bearing appendage / component
water-resistant enclosure / surface / component
protective enclosure / surfaces / component
hard surface / component
soft, flexible, pliable surface / component
durable seal
gripping surface / component
thin, conformal coating
tactile surface
glossy, reflective surface / component
finely-featured component
tight-tolerance component
rugged, abrasion resistant component
outdoor-exposure resistant component
biocompatible component
ultra-clean components
thermal insulation (normal and high-temperature)
thermal coupling
hermetic sealing


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FABRICATION PROCESSES
(within Reid's engineering design knowledge base)


Molding, polymers
Molding, metals & ceramics
Machining & forming
Additive processes
Surface finishing
Joining
Converting

Molding, polymers
injection molding:
   injection moldmakers
   injection molders
   injection molding industry standards
   injection molders, optics
   injection mold bases
   molded tool inserts
molded prototypes
over-molding
insert injection molding
extrusion
co-extrusion
injection blow molding
compression molding
transfer molding
reaction-in-mold (RIM)
rotational molding (rotomolding)
epoxy / urethane casting

Molding, metals and ceramics
investment casting
die-casting
hot isostatic pressing (HIP)
powder metallurgy (PM)
powder-injection molding (PIM) (metal, ceramic)

Machining & forming
conventional machining
CNC machining
precision machining
prototype machining
Swiss-tool machining
threads & tapers
electric discharge machining (EDM) & wire EDM
laser machining
photochemical machining, chemical etching
abrasive machining
water jet cutting
grinding
shearing & bending (sheet metal)
stamping
fine-blanking
die-cutting
spin forming
deep-draw & impact extrusion
coining
forging
annealing
thermoplastic thermoforming (pressure-forming, vacuum-forming)

Additive processes
electroforming
rapid prototyping, (stereolithography, other)

Surface finishing
cleaning
polishing (abrasive, electro-, laser)
photochemical machining, chemical etching
surface modification (surface free energy)
shot peening
hard coating (thermal spray coating, et al)
vacuum coating (thin-film)
evaporative coating
anodizing
chemical conversion coating
electroless-plating
electro-plating
brush plating
precious metal plating
painting (liquid vehicle)
powder coating
organic coating
PTFE coating
lubrication
color
gloss / reflectance

Joining
also see MATERIALS, Adhesives
metal cladding
spin bonding
welding
brazing
soldering
ultrasonic bonding
RF (dielectric) heat sealing
inductive heat sealing
heat lamination (conductive, convective, radiative)
staking
crimping
fastening (various)
riveting
fixtures

Converting
also see MATERIALS, Adhesives
also see MATERIALS, Composites & laminates
also see MATERIALS, Films
also see MATERIALS, Foams
slitting
laminating
thermoforming
die-cutting
sealing
coating
printing
embossing
labeling
filling
packaging
cartoning


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ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(within Reid's engineering design knowledge base)


also see FLUIDS, Gases & vapors
also see RESPIRATORY


infrared (IR) spectrophotometry
non-dispersive infrared spectrophotometry (NDIR)
ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrophotometry
gas chromatography
refractometry
mass spectrometry
infrared (IR) patient temperature
oxygen (O2) monitoring / monitors (polarographic, fuel cell, et al)
end-tidal carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring / monitors (a.k.a. capnography)
nitrous oxide (N2O) monitoring / monitors
anesthetic gas monitoring / monitors (halothane, nitrous oxide (N2O)
trace anesthetic gas monitoring / monitors
atmospheric analyzers
OSHA trace gas monitors / monitoring
toxicology
charcoal sampling
molecular sieves
carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption
water (H2O) adsorption
carrier-gas conditioning
calibration gas mixtures (standard, specialty)
water quality
clean room
chemical disinfectants & sanitizers
sterilization (autoclave, ethylene oxide, gamma, E-beam, plasma)
lyophilization


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RESPIRATION
(within Reid's engineering design knowledge base)


also see FLUIDS, Gases & vapors
also see ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY


pulmonary / respiratory / breathing
inhalation anesthesia
anesthesia rebreathing circuits
anesthesia equipment (gas machines, vaporizers)
carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbers
respiratory therapy
volume ventilation
intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (IPPV)
high-frequency positive pressure ventilation (HVPPV)
pressure-assist respirators (e.g., sleep apnea)
ultrasonic nebulizers
bronchoscopy
tracheostomy (a.k.a. tracheotomy)
airways (mucosal, upper, bronchial, alveolar)
aerosols particle-size distribution
aerosolized drugs
pharmacology, respiratory
blood gases
cardiac output, Fick
oxygen consumption
transcultaneous pCO2 & pO2
pulmonary function tests
exercise physiology
VA/Q & shunt (.'s & sub typography omitted)
embolism


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DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGIES & ISSUES
(within Reid's engineering design knowledge base)


business planning
venture capital
due diligence
marketing / medical marketing
product development phases
pre-production quality assurance
project engineering
specifications
human factors
OSHA ergonomics
toxicology
bioacoustics
controls and displays
industrial design
failure mode & effects analysis (FMEA)
design-for-assembly (DFA)
design for manufacturability
value engineering / mechanical assembly
design-of-experiments (DOE)
design validation
validation / testing
dimensional inspection
first-article inspection
co-ordinate measuring
reverse engineering
digitizing
engineering documentation
device master record
engineering change control
intellectual property law (patent / trademark / copyright)
product liability / professional liability
ISO 9000 (including ISO 9001)
CE-mark (generic, medical)
regulatory affairs / quality assurance (RA/QA)
medical RA/QA (510k & pre-market approval)
contract manufacturing
Mexico / maquiladoras / NAFTA
contract manufacturing (electronics)
contract assembly (medical)
special equipment / automation


 <Robert Reid's engineering design knowledge base -- eof>
 

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