CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
18 September 2007
Implementation Investments
PTC® Pro/ENGINEER® Helps Designcraft Create The AmphibianT - The World's First Dynamic Scuba Fin
PTC announced that Designcraft Inc., specialists in high quality industrial design models, engineering prototypes, high speed CNC Machining, 3D visual models and product development used Pro/ENGINEER® exclusively to complete the design of the Amphibian dynamic scuba fin, the world's first fin made for total mobility in and out of water. The design project was commissioned by Omega Aquatics , an entrepreneurial growing company that focuses on the development of innovative aquatic products. Designcraft used Pro/ENGINEER, PTC's 3D integrated CAD/CAM/CAE solution, including its powerful surfacing and styling capabilities for the entire design process of the Amphibian scuba fin.
Scuba fins are not designed for walking, and putting them on before entering the water has traditionally presented a challenge for both novice and experienced divers. Omega's founder, Ronen Moyal, an experienced veteran of the Israeli special forces, recognized the need for a fin that was maneuverable both in and out of the water to eliminate the risk of military divers drifting away as they attempted to put on fins in the water while fully loaded with scuba gear. The Amphibian fin is uniquely designed to be strapped on prior to entering the water and removed after exiting, and allows divers to walk while wearing their scuba fins.
Designcraft uses PTC Pro/ENGINEER as its standard 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software for all product design. Using Pro/ENGINEER, Designcraft developed and prototyped the two-piece fin brought together by a special hinge that allows the webbed blades of the fin to be kept in the up or walking position until swimming in the water. Torsion springs push the soft blade webbing against the shin to allow divers to easily maneuver in and out of the water. The blades are locked into swimming position by a simple kick in the water.
"Omega Aquatics brought us an innovative concept in rough 2D sketches. Pro/ENGINEER allowed us to interpret and develop the idea into a 3D solid model that could easily be modified throughout the iterative design process," said Casey Stahl, lead designer, Designcraft. "Initial design and development was completed in less than six months enabling Omega Aquatics to revolutionize the diving industry with the first dynamic scuba fin. The initial design has evolved since its debut but because everything was designed in Pro/ENGINEER, it's been easy to incorporate modifications without impacting production."
"Leading companies around the globe leverage the powerful capabilities of PTC solutions to help drive innovation, improve product development processes and shorten time to market," said Michael Campbell, vice president, product management, PTC. "The successful collaboration between Omega Aquatics and Designcraft demonstrates the value that Pro/ENGINEER provides to companies of all sizes."
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