The Bimini Mechanism
Bimini
The Hague University of Applied Sciences
Client: The Hague University of Applied Sciences | Representative: Satish
About the Project: We were tasked to reengineer a Bimini Mechanism that was already a product on the market, to make it more user-friendly, and capable of being assembled by one person instead of three.
Solution: After months of research and prototyping, we arrived at a solution which put more reliance on the tower structure and less on the user (weight-wise) during assembly and disassembly. The arms at the back provided rigidity to allow the structure to stand on its own, allowing the user to focus his efforts on the front tubes, which also required less maneuvering thanks to the telescopic tubes installed in the vertical arms in the new design. Those features put together, as well as a theoretical pitch to the client about an automated version, provided everything that the client was looking for, leading to the client herself choosing our model to be taken back to the company she represented for further R&D.
My Role: As the Project Lead, I served multiple crucial roles for the success of this venture. I stepped up as the Team Leader, managed the project's timeline and deliverables, and became the primary liaison with our client. My involvement extended beyond mere leadership; I delved deeply into every facet of the project, from conceptualization to its final execution.
Skillset & Technologies Employed:
3D Modelling: Visualizing and testing our concepts digitally.
Hardware & Software R&D: Testing and iterating on potential solutions in real-world scenarios.
Sketching: Rapid ideation and visualization of initial concepts.
Physics Knowledge: Ensuring our solutions are practical, feasible, and sustainable.
Project Management: Overseeing all aspects of the project from initiation to completion.
Client Communication: Serving as the main point of contact and ensuring alignment with stakeholder expectations.
Materials Science: Understanding the properties and applications of materials like paraffin wax, rock wool, concrete, and terracotta.
Team Leadership: Guiding and motivating team members towards a shared vision.
