Dell Click Pad Deisgn
The Challenge
Dell Technologies needed a new design to tackle issues raised by the UX team about the laptop click pad. Dell was receiving comments on how our click pad is uneven or users are experiencing inconsistent clicking force across the click pad.
Creating The Design
I Designed the click pad assembly using Solidworks and Creo to achieve flushed click pad surface and satisfy Dell click pad requirements. Using foam/Sponge material as support (Sponge supports are hidden between the click pad and bottom bracket), I was able to tackle all the problems presented by the UX team including the uneven surface and inconsistent clicking force of the click pad.
Validate Result On Ansys
The new design was validated using ANSYS. The key is to determine triggering force on various positions of the click pad. Multiple sponge materials are tested to examine systems response to the different material behaviors. (Note the simulation result on the right is amplified to showcase the interaction)
Final Presentation
I presented my results to 3 regional vice presidents at Dell Technologies. Through the presentation, I was able to demonstrate my work in detail. Most importantly, I provided a future development plan which considers manufacturability, user experience and product life to ensure this project is carried out in the future. I won second place out of 25 interns in the intern program final presentation.
What I learned
I learned how to consider product design at a broader scope. Considering materials, user experience and manufacturing throughout the design was exactly what I did throughout this internship. I also gained experience in using different engineering tools such as Creo and ANSYS to help me reach my goals.