Plastic Toy Shovel

The assignment was to design and technically develop a plastic toy shovel, focusing on manufacturability, material choice, and mechanical loads.

The challenge was to develop a product that:

• Is suitable for mass production via injection molding
• Is strong and durable enough for children
• Withstands various loads (bending, impact, wear)
• Meets safety standards for toys

The design also had to be fully substantiated with analyses in material, mechanics, and production.

The result is a fully developed design for a plastic toy shovel, including a 3D model and technical substantiation. The design includes:

• A thin-walled, injection-moldable construction with draft angles and fillets
• An ergonomic handle and smooth transitions between parts
• A shape that withstands various use scenarios
• A material choice (ABS) with a good balance between strength, toughness, and cost

Analysis of loads and critical use scenarios A comprehensive requirements program Material research and selection via EduPack CAD development in SolidWorks including draft analysis

I carried out this project independently, going through the full technical design process. My approach included:

• Analyzing existing plastic products and production methods
• Researching loads and use scenarios for children
• Drawing up a requirements program
• Conducting material research and selection with EduPack
• Designing and modeling the shovel in SolidWorks
• Optimizing the design for injection molding (draft, fillets, shell)
• Checking manufacturability with draft analysis

Technical development of the design Material choice and substantiation CAD modeling and validation Translating requirements into a manufacturable product

This project is a strong answer to the brief because:

• The design is fully injection-moldable and suitable for mass production
• Realistic loads and use by children are considered
• Material choice is supported by technical and economic criteria
• The design meets safety and usability requirements
• Able to conduct technical analyses and apply them in design
• Able to develop a product with a focus on manufacturability
• Able to translate materials science into practical choices
• Able to work well with CAD and design validation
• Able to independently develop a technical design from analysis to final model