Friends of PCDworks,
Do you ever wonder why engineers
don't trust their own experience?
Mike certainly has -- and in this
month's column, hot off the presses
from Product Design and Development
magazine, he'll explain why he
thinks engineers are a
good bet.
We'll also share our secrets for
recombinant technology, taking
existing technology and repurposing
it for another. Also in this edition
is a follow-up to last month's
introduction of the digital torque
wrench. We share our
case study on how a cheap
automotive part makes this
revolutionary tool possible!
As always, we want to hear from you.
So, drop us a line and let us know
your thoughts, concerns and
interests.
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 A
Good Bet
Engineers Know Many Things, They
Just Don't Trust the Knowledge
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 I
have been thinking about
epistemology lately as it applies to
engineering. Now, I don't sit down
and decide 'I am
going to think about epistemology'
like I'm Immanuel Kant thinking
about phenomenology, - I do have two
businesses that run me now. Rather,
this question has evolved from years
of trying to understand why
engineers don't trust what they
know.
Many of you may react with
indignation at this question. "Of
course I trust what I know, I know
everything," you might say. Bear
with me and I will suggest some
evidence to the contrary...
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Recombinant
Technologies |
 Have
you ever looked at a cool new
technology and wondered how else it
could be used? At PCDworks, we pride
ourselves on our ability to take a
technology from one industry and
apply it to a problem in a
completely different industry. Like
taking a hand washing technology and
using it to clean automobiles, or
using an electric motor to create a
better crash protection system.
For a simple example of
cross-industry technology (or should
I say recombinant technology), check
out the picture above. Who
would've guessed that a cooler would
evolve into an instrument for
transporting organs!
What's our secret?
- First, we serve a wide range
of industries, which means we're
forced to stay in tune with
technological advancements in
the fields in which our clients
operate.
- We also maintain a
proprietary technology database
and are constantly scouting new
discoveries, so when a problem
needs to be solved we're ready
with potential solutions.
- Finally, we never say
something can't be done; we look
for ways to prove that it can.
Recombinant technology is a powerful
concept for any company looking to
develop new products, but it doesn't
come easily. It requires a
commitment to studying new
technologies, products, and trends.
It means stepping out of your
comfort zone and attending a variety
of trade shows, and it means
constantly exploring other
industries for new applications.
After all, you never know when a
medical widget can make your
automotive product work better and
cheaper! |
Case
Study: Digital Torque Wrench
Cheap Automotive Part Revolutionizes Precision Tool Market
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When we set out to create a digital
torque wrench with lower cost
without sacrificing accuracy, we
knew that we were looking for a
cheap way to digitize motion in
either a linear or rotary fashion.
Competitive products use strain
gauges to turn the applied torque
into a measured signal, which
provide high accuracy,
but are rather expensive to
manufacture.
Our solution: Take a low cost part
used in automotive
assemblies and convert rotary motion
to digital readings (with high
accuracy) The novel
mechanism turns this part into a
functioning digital torque wrench.
Learn more about how we applied
a simple, common technology to
create this revolutionary new
product. |
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About PCDworks |
Founded by Mike and Donna Rainone in
1997, PCDworks is a full-service
technology development company
specializing in breakthrough product
innovation for a broad range of
consumer, medical and military
clients. Located on a 25-acre wooded
campus outside Tyler, Texas,
PCDworks houses testing labs,
engineering shops, sleeping
accommodations and meeting
facilities. Client services include
technology problem solving, product
ideation, research, engineering,
prototype manufacturing and product
testing. The company is closely
networked with research and
production facilities in the region,
including UT Tyler and East Texas
Medical Center.
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Want
a Lively and Thought-Provoking
Speaker?
Book a lively and
thought-provoking speaker
who can challenge, motivate and
inspire your management or
engineering team.
Mike Rainone is a highly
regarded expert on emerging
technologies and breakthrough
product creation, and a sought
after speaker for companies
looking to light a fire under
their research and development
efforts.
Whether it's a hands-on look at
emerging technologies and their
applications, or a lesson in
rapid and effective product
development, Mike offers a
unique perspective designed to
both inform and challenge his
audience.
Choose from a
list of topics, or
contact Mike to create your
own agenda for a session that is
guaranteed to be inspirational
and though provoking. |
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Be a Guest Contributor
Do you have some interesting
technology news to share? We welcome
guest contributions to our
newsletter, so if you come across
breakthrough technology or weird
science, send an email to
Mike Rainone. We'll make sure to
attribute it to you. |
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