Product re-design using advanced engineering applications and function analysis: a case study for greenhouse clips

This paper presents a case study on the re-design of polymeric greenhouse clips using function analysis (FA), advanced computer aided design/computer aided engineering, reverse engineering and additive manufacturing applications. In the case study, based on a reverse engineered existing clip, alternative re-designs for five concepts have been created in consideration of the initial design needs and FA response. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has been utilised to simulate and validate the operating conditions of the selected candidate alternative design. No failure cases were observed in the FEA validation. Finally, physical prototypes were produced and the final decisions have concluded that the selected candidate design responded to the defined FA needs.