CONCEPTUAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION DRAFT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ………………………………........................................
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ………………………………..........................

1. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

1.1. PROBLEM STATEMENT……………………………….................

1.2. IDENTIFICATION OF STAKEHOLDERS………………………..
1.3. FUNCTIONS ………………………………......................................
1.4. OBJECTIVES……………………………….......................................
1.5. CONSTRAINTS………………………………...................................
1.6. SERVICE ENVIRONMENT ……………………………….....

2. CONCLUSION

REFERENCES
APPENDICES

1.2. IDENTIFICATION OF STAKEHOLDERS

Stakeholders are defined as “individuals or organizations who stand to gain or lose from the success or
failure of a system” [1]. They play an integral part in the successful delivery of a project. Hence it is of vital

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importance that the stakeholders be identified and recognized. In our case we would utilize the tool of stake
holder analysis. Stakeholder analysis is a technique used to identify and prioritize our stakeholders and
their needs.

We are going to divide our stakeholders into two main categories: Internal Stakeholders and External
Stakeholders. Internal stakeholders are people with in our own company and project team while all others
are identified as external stakeholders.

INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS:

1. Mr. Art Vandelay:

Mr. Art Vandelay is one of the basic internal stakeholder as he is the head of this project and the
outcome of the project affects him and his company. Our design team is answerable to him and
need to satisfy his requirements and provide him with a successful design which will cater to his
motives such as profitability.

2. The Design Team:

The design team itself is a stakeholder in this process as the outcome can greatly benefit or harm
their reputation. Also the design team needs to provide the client with a design exactly according
to his needs in order to get paid for their services and also to create goodwill in the market.

3. All other people involved in organization and production of the project:

EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS

1. Suppliers (people who will supply raw material):

Suppliers of raw material for the end product are stakeholders who would be affected positively by
this project. They would benefit in the shape of increased sales and extra profit. Although it is to
be kept in mind that there are a lot of suppliers in the market and their interests conflict as every
one wants to supply the raw materials.

2. Competitive Companies:
This category includes transportation, cargo hauling companies and moving equipment
manufacturers. They deem real importance in the stakeholders group as they are greatly negatively
impacted by our project. The sale of their products or services could fall as a result of our project’s
success.
3. NGO’s:
There are many NGO’s relating to different causes and many of these could have an impact from
our project. For example, if the device is adaptable to disabled people then NGO’s working for the
cause of disabled would be positively affected by our project. While on the other hand if the
device disrupts environment or depletes natural resources then some NGO’s working for that
cause may react to our project in opposition.

4. Government (National and Provincial):

The government is one of the most powerful stakeholder and is interested in the project. The
government makes sure that the project doesn’t violate any laws or cause any kind of unrest
amongst the community.

5. Workers
There are many companies which provide services for moving of equipment which is categorized as

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medium cargo. If we widen our scope of study, we see that in middle eastern countries workers
themselves carry stuff for people at a small cost. Now creating a device for this purpose might
result in unemployment of these workers and enrage them.

6. Pedestrians:
The pedestrians might be identified as stakeholders if the final device travels on the sidewalk. In
which case it might disturb or block pedestrians and create an issue for them. As a result of which
there could be a big problem as there are many organizations particularly working for welfare of
pedestrians.

7. The press and media:

The press and media are also stakeholders because along the development of the project they
would be continuously try to find information about our project and convey it in a negative or a
positive way. We need to make sure there is no negative information going on in the market or
reaching our prospective consumer which might adversely affect the project.

8. Prospective customers
Prospective customers are one of the most important stakeholders. Under any conditions the deem
the highest priority and their needs should be totally satisfied with the product. The success of the
project mainly depends on the fact if the customers buys it or not.

9. Traffic (if device travels on the road)

If in case the device is mechanically driven and uses the roads to travel, it will add to the overall
traffic problems and might enrage the traffic regulation departments.

10. Environment:
With the increase in awareness of environment, eco friendliness of any upcoming projects or
products is perhaps one of the most pressing issue and deems great importance as a stakeholder.
Lets briefly look at how our project affects environment. In case the final product is mechanically
driven, it produces both air and noise pollution. It also adds to overall traffic load.

11. Trades association

12. Environmental groups
13. Sponsors (if any)
14. International Organizations

NOTE: A power-interest table is attached in appendices for prioritization of the

stakeholders.

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1.2. FUNCTIONS
This section will outline and define what a potential design must do in order to meet the
requirements of the project. This includes not only the primary functions but also
secondary functions and potential unintended functions. Through research of such
existing devices such as wagons and carts, heavy lift helicopters [2], Boston dynamics'
“Big Dog” [3], dollies, cargo bicycles etc; as well as through discussion and exercises, we
have come up with a list of primary and secondary functions that the design must satisfy.

1. The primary function of the device is to transport small to medium cargo.

According to the memo sent by Vandelay Industries; “We define “small cargo” to be an
amount that could be carried a short distance by a single fit person, but would cause some
difficulty over any significant distance. We define “medium cargo” to be an amount of
cargo that is too large, heavy or bulky to be carried by a single person, over any
distance.” As this is rather vague, we have researched averages of human capabilities and
have decided to define “small cargo” as ________ and “medium cargo” as _______

2. Secondary Functions .
In order for the device to perform it's primary function it must perform various secondary
functions. The following functions are only the general, no design specific functions that
the design must account for:
The device must:

Support/contain the cargo

Convert energy into motion
Receive user input
Interpret user input
Act on user input
Reduce the effort needed to transport the cargo
Resist the elements
Protect the cargo
Acquire the cargo
Present to cargo at the destination
Save the user's time and effort
Navigate obstacles

Note: since we have not yet decided or come up with potential designs, we cannot
speculate on unintended functions.

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1.3. OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this section is to highlight some of the goals towards the design team
intends to work towards and keep in consideration while designing this project. These
projections are based on external research conducted by the design team, as well as based
on the client statement and FAQ of Mr. Vandelay.

1. Should be Environmentally Friendly enough to be certified by the Environmental

Choice Program in Canada (susceptible to audit -> inspection of over 20 criterion
listed in reference).[4]

2. Should be small
Metric: Overall should be Less than 61 cm in width and less than 2.44 m in height to
accommodate to metrics below.

Should be storable
Metric: Should be Less than 62 cm as per closet width research. [5]
Metric: Should be Less than 2.44 m as per closet height research.[5]

Should be able to Utilize Existing Technologies

Metric: Should be Less than 61 cm in width as per Escalator width
research [6].
Metric: Should be Less than 2.13 m as per Elevator widths research [7].

3. Should be inexpensive
Metric: Should be around the range of 200-300 dollars to remain competitive with other
cargo transportation products as per research. [8]

Should have low number of parts.

4. Should be Reliable

Should be Resistant to Whether Conditions.

Metric: Should withstand varying temperatures including levels below freezing
(-15 degrees Celsius) to very hot whether (up to 30 degrees Celsius). [9]
Should be durable.
Should be usable over different terrain.
Should be Low maintenance.

Metric: Should not require more maintenance then once month to remain competitive
with existing devices which only require maintenance once a month.[10]

5. Easy to Use
Should be accessible
Should be versatile

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Should be quiet.
Should be maneuverable

Metric: Should be adjustable to the height of a person who is 1.5 – 1.7 meters tall to
accommodate for the average person. [11].

Metric: Should be less than 60 db in sound, about the sound of an air conditioner as per
research. 60 db is reasonable to accommodate to construction workers working within
areas such as school hallways. [12]

Should be maneuverable.

6. Should be fast.

7. Should be aesthetically appealing.

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1.5. CONSTRAINTS

Design constraints are chosen by our team through discussion and research, based on the
issues presented by Vandelay Industry through email and Request for proposal.
Constraints are listed so that our design will meet the desired expectations and
requirements. They are set so that the device can meet its performance goals.

The design shall not cost more than other products with the same features.
The design shall not cause injury to the user while loading/ unloading cargo.
It shall not have sharp edges.
It shall not have folding device near hand grips, in case of hand/fingers
being stuck.
The device shall not pose electric shock.
The service environment holds a temperature within -50C to 45C. The device shall be
functioning in the temperature from -50C to 45C.
The device shall not have flammable color paint on it.
The device shall not emit hazardous gasses. Since, Vandelay is more looking for an
environmentally friendly device in which they can sell to companies that have "green"
purchasing guidelines.
The device shall not be made of hazardous materials such as lead. [13]
The device should operate indoors, the smallest dimension of doors is about
(76cmx203cm) (According to our experiment). The device shall have less than 203cm
(height) and 76cm (width).
According to Vandelay Industry, small to medium cargo is defined to be the amount
that can be carried over a short distance by single fit person. Referring to the research
done[14], the average weight for workers can lift safely is about 15kg. Therefore, the
device shall be able to carry minimum weight of 15kg.
The device shall weight less than 20kg. Therefore, a worker can move the device
easily.[14]
The device shall stop on cyclist lane, since "it is illegal to park or drive in a bike lane"
in Ontario.[15]
If the device is a trailer, driver shall have proper driver’s license. [16]

License Types of Vehicles Allowed

A Any tractor-trailer or combination of motor vehicle and towed vehicles where the
towed vehicles exceed a total gross weight of 4,600 kilograms
A with condition (R) Drivers with a restricted Class A licence condition would be
prevented from operating:
- A motor vehicle pulling double trailers
- A motor vehicle pulling a trailer with air-brakes
D Any truck or motor vehicle combination exceeding 11,000 kg provided the towed
vehicle is not over 4,600 kg

License Types of Vehicles Allowed

A Any tractor-trailer or combination of motor vehicle and towed

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vehicles where the towed vehicles exceed a total gross weight of

4,600 kilograms

A with Drivers with a restricted Class A licence condition would be

condition prevented from operating:
(R) - A motor vehicle pulling double trailers
- A motor vehicle pulling a trailer with air-brakes
D Any truck or motor vehicle combination exceeding 11,000 kg
provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg

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1.6. SERVICE ENVIRONMENT

Physical environment:

The design must operate outdoors in the North American climate as specified by
Vandelay Industries. Therefore, the design must operate:
In temperatures of about -16 to 27 degrees Celsius. [17]
In extreme temperatures of -50 to 45 degrees Celsius. [18]
To endure conditions of rainfall anywhere between 83mm to 314 mm per day [18]
Snowfall anywhere up to 145 cm per day. [18]
Humidity ranging between 53% to 75%. [17]
Wind speed ranging from 8-12 mph. [17]
Pressure ranging from 500Hpa- 850Hpa. [19]
The design will also be used outside so it must be expected to endure muddy, sandy
and dirty conditions.

The design must operate indoors as well, therefore it will be used:

Through doorways and hallways (researching needed for government regulations)
Clean, smooth, dry surfaces

Studies show that slips on ramps and stairs are the second highest cause of injury in the
transportation and warehousing industries [20], therefore, it must operate safely along
indoor and outdoor ramps and stairs

Human Environment:

The people operating the design are individuals in North America, as specified by
Vandelay Industries, therefore, the design will be maneuvered by:
Males and females
People who need to lift heavy objects, probably around the legal working age of 14-
16 years and up.
People of all varieties of race, educational back round and culture.

Transportation, and warehousing industries has the third highest rate of fatal occupational
industries behind mining and agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting.[21] Research shows
that the most common injury among truck drivers is back, arm, shoulder or hand
overexertion or strain and this usually occurs from awkward lifting, and loading and
unloading freight and because the objects are too heavy. [4] Therefore:
The design must aid in the heavy lifting and carrying of freight safely, without
injuring those operating it.
Must be able to lift over 25 kg of weight [22]

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REFERENCES

[1] Understanding Organizational Stakeholders for Design Success

by Jonathan Boutelle on 2004/05/06
[2] www.aviation-history.com/sikorsky/s64.htm
[3] www.bostondynamics.com/robot_bigdog.html
[4] http://infomancie.wordpress.com/2007/11/28/ecologo-canadas-leafy-
environmental- certification-mark/ [1]
[5] Personal closet sizes using all 6 group members [2]
[6] http://www6.schindler.com/SEC/websecen.nsf/pages/esca-
ATable9300AEDimensions-01
[7] http://www.hkaconsulting.com/Pages/Elevator%20Car%20Sizes.html [4]
[8] http://www.nextag.com/appliance-dolly/stores-html [5]
[9] http://www.trailcanada.com/canada/weather/ [6]
[10] Guy from lecture [7]
[11] http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-522-x/2008000/article/11002-eng.pdf [8]
[12] http://www.jimprice.com/prosound/db.htm [9]
[13] Woolf AD, Goldman R, Bellinger DC (2007) Lead Poisoning [Online]. Available:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002473.htm
[14] Mital, Nicholson and Ayoub (1997) A Guide to Manual Handling published by
Taylor and Francis [Online]. Available:
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/subjects/manualhandling/issues/limits/inde
x.htm
[15] City of London, Ontario (2010) Bike Lanes: Frequently Asked Questions
[Online]. Available: http://www.london.ca%2Fd.aspx%3Fs%3D
%252FTransportation%252FBike_La nes.htm&h=115f0WHLG0KQAu-
_2miBcbUvL2w
[16] Government of Ontario (2010) License Types [Online]. Available:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/classes.shtml
[17] Climatetemp.info.(2008-2010) Canada Climate Temperature Average Weather
History Rainfall/Precipitation Sunshine. [Online].
Available:http://www.climatetemp.info/canada/
[18] Current Results Nexus. (2004-2010). Current Reslts Research News & Science
Facts [Online]. Available: http://www.currentresults.com/Weather-
Extremes/Canada/index.php
Stormfax Weather Almanac (1996-2010.) Beaufort Wind Scale. [Online].
Available: http://www.stormfax.com/beaufort.htm
[19] Environment Canada. (2012).Analysis Charts [Online]. Available:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/analysis/about_these_products_e.html

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[20] P.Spielholz. J.Cullen. C.Smith. N.Howard. B.Silverstein. D.Bonauto.

"Assessment of perceived injury risks and priorities among truck drivers and
trucking companies in Washington State." Journal of Safety Research, 39. 33, pp.
569-576, 2008.
[21] "NEWS RELEASE." Bureau of Labour Statistics U.S. Department of Labour, 1-
13, August 19, 2010.
[22] International Standard Organization (ISO) May 2003. Ergonomics- Manual
handling Part 1: Lifting and Carrying. ISO 1128-1.

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APPENDICE A

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