The development of a concept is the first phase of the design process. This stage begins with schematics and sketches, solid models, and simple analytical models as the primary products. The conceptual design phase results in a description of the proposed system in terms of a set of integrated ideas about what it should do, how it should behave, and what it should look like.
Visualizing your product is an important aspect of verifying the complete design intent. ATA mechanical designers and engineers have expertise in SolidWorks and NX and can create both simple and complex 3D models to visualize the general system layout or architecture. These models enable customers to provide more targeted feedback early in the design process, ensuring the delivery of an outstanding final product.
When partnering with ATA, clients can expect unmatched support in several areas of design, including ideation, concept development, system layout, concept refinement, 3D modeling, and package design. The conceptual design process usually begins with a review of functional requirements and performance metrics. ATA works closely with clients to ensure that the full design intent is captured and engineering considerations are incorporated at this early yet vital stage of development.
Once the scope of the design has been determined, the next level of design work can begin. Following concept development, ATA carefully evaluates the best path forward to achieve overall design performance in the preliminary design stage. Ideas are meticulously refined to meet the client’s unique objectives and product requirements. Through the use of engineering analysis and test methods, ATA identifies potential risks and explores design alternatives to guarantee that the most appropriate solutions are implemented. The ATA team then presents preliminary designs for review before moving on to the detail design stage. The ATA design team is committed to creating a solid foundation, ensuring that each product is properly aligned with customer specifications.
Detail design is often considered the most crucial stage in the design process. After general sizing and structural validation have been completed, all structures, features, and components need to be examined and optimized at a more detailed level to further reduce program risk.
ATA brings extensive design experience to this realm of product development. Our background in fatigue assessment, independent design assessment (third-party review), and structural analysis provides us with unique insights into the issues that must be examined during detail design.
From verifying that the product is designed for optimal lifecycles to minimizing manufacturing costs, ATA can guide your product toward success with support in joint design and analysis, design for manufacturability, design-build and manufacturing support, and more.
Joint failure is one of the most common types of failure in structures. ATA staff are able to address this concern during the detail design process with our unique skillset in joint analysis. ATA’s extensive experience covers a wide range of important connections:
Welded
Joint strength can vary depending on loading environments, parent material, extent of the heat-affected zone, weld detail classification, and a number of other factors.
Bolted
ATA has the expertise needed to select the correct type of connection (slip-critical or bearing) for the desired application, as well as correct bolt sizing and numbers.
Bonded
The ATA design team has experience using adhesives for structural connections involving special considerations, and we have dealt with adhesive-critical joints in industries ranging from aerospace to sporting goods.
Design for Manufacturability
Successful detail design includes design for manufacturability, which provides benefits including cost control, meeting schedule deadlines, and reduced lifecycle costs. In this field of knowledge, ATA has expertise with the following:
- Manufacturing methods
- Material selection
- Structural element sizing and optimization through analysis and simulation
- Manufacturing tolerances and tolerance stack analysis
- Engineering drawings and other design documentation
DESIGN-BUILD AND MANUFACTURING SUPPORT
ATA Engineering’s unique, extensive experience in analysis-driven design and understanding of mechanics, materials, and manufacturing equip us to facilitate the transition to the production manufacturing of highly engineered designs. Our capabilities in this area include providing manufacturing support, assisting in the development of manufacturing methods, or even leading your design-build projects.
In all cases, having our analysis and design team closely involved in the fabrication process will reduce technical and programmatic risks. ATA has strong relationships with multiple fabrication providers, and we can support design and build of systems and equipment that also include electronics, embedded software, and other nonstructural or mechanical components.
Connect with us to discuss how our advanced multi-disciplinary team can help you achieve your engineering goals.