Montie Design Blog » Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com Mechanical Design & Product Development Services Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:29:36 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Merry Christmas and Innovation vs. Invention http://blog.montie.com/2011/12/14/merry-christmas-and-innovation-vs-invention/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/12/14/merry-christmas-and-innovation-vs-invention/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:52:39 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=555

Merry Christmas from all of us at Montie Design!  I hope you have a joyous Christmas and enjoy the holiday season.

Innovation vs. Invention – Case In Point

“Innovation” is an often misused term.  Simply put, innovation is where you combine existing intellectual property (or know how) in a new and creative way.  Invention is where you create new intellectual property.

There is an awesome video of a new product that has achieved viral status on YouTube.  You can watch the video here.  This device (called a Fly Board) allows the user to fly like Iron Man for a few feet into the air.

Water is pumped from an impeller (same as impeller on a Jet Ski) through a hose and then ejected from four nozzles to propel the user through the air.

Is this an example of invention or innovation?  There are many examples of using nozzles to eject water in a high velocity stream (think fire hose).  Water is often piped through flexible hoses (think fire hose again).  This product is an example of innovation because existing technologies from fire hoses were combined with using a personal watercraft as a remote power source.  This is a great example of cross pollination because technologies from different industries were innovatively combined to create a new product.  On a personal note, I want to try this new product.  But, I’m pretty sure I won’t be thinking about product development terminology as I’m flying through the air.

Want to talk product development or need help with a project?  Don’t hesitate to contact me at 919-481-1845 x107 or montie@montie.com.

Merry Christmas,
Montie

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/12/14/merry-christmas-and-innovation-vs-invention/feed/ 0 Recent Learning and Networking Events http://blog.montie.com/2011/11/22/recent-learning-and-networking-events/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/11/22/recent-learning-and-networking-events/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:33:03 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=531 Flex Circuits Seminar, and Networking Events

Paul Tome with EPEC Technologies  joined us for a lunch and learn event on Tuesday, Nov 15th.  He lead a discussion called the “Secrets of Flex Circuit Design”.  Paul has 15 years of experience designing flex circuits.  Paul is the Flex Circuit Product Manager for Epec Engineered Technologies (www.epectec.com).

 

IDSA Southern Regional Portfolio Review at VT

Last weekend was a lot of fun.  The industrial design students in our region have an amazing amount of energy and talent.  It was an honor to serve as a professional reviewer at the event.

 

PCB Carolina Show in Raleigh

The PCB Carolina show was held on Tuesday at the Raleigh Convention Center.  The convention center is an awesome venue for this type of event.  Shows like this are a great way to meet new clients and catch up with existing clients and friends.  You may be wondering why a mechanical design firm would exhibit at a show focused on PCB design and manufacturing.  All those printed circuit boards have to end up in some sort of enclosure (hint – think Montie Design).

 

DEFNET Event in Raleigh

Last night the folks at Wake County Economic Development put on the 3rd DEFNET event.  These events are designed to enable networking between the local companies that do work in the defense market space.  This event included a short speech by David Price.  Sign up for the event announcements by emailing Wayne Watkins.

Congressman Price speaking at the Wake County Economic Development DEFNET Event.

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/11/22/recent-learning-and-networking-events/feed/ 0 Montie Design’s Summer of Design Comes to An End – Part 2 http://blog.montie.com/2011/10/08/montie-designs-summer-of-design-comes-to-an-end-part-2/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/10/08/montie-designs-summer-of-design-comes-to-an-end-part-2/#comments Sat, 08 Oct 2011 20:14:40 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=516 Earlier in the year we sponsored a student design contest for students in NC and Virginia. Josh Little was the first place winner. Josh is an Industrial Design student at NCSU. It worked out that Josh was able to spend the first part of the summer commercializing his entry, a locking rack for assault rifles. His design allows owners to safetly exhibit their rifles while keeping them secure and out of the hands of unauthorized users.

autolever_450px wide

We don’t have a prototype to show you yet but the document below helps explain where we are headed with the design.

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/10/08/montie-designs-summer-of-design-comes-to-an-end-part-2/feed/ 0 Montie Design’s Summer of Design Comes to An End – Part 1 http://blog.montie.com/2011/10/08/montie-designs-summer-of-design-comes-to-an-end-part-1/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/10/08/montie-designs-summer-of-design-comes-to-an-end-part-1/#comments Sat, 08 Oct 2011 18:32:01 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=508 Earlier in the year we sponsored a student design contest for students in NC and Virginia.  Nick Pennington submitted a contest winning slingshot design.  We liked his design so much that we invited him to serve as a summer intern at Montie Design and commercialize his design.  Nick managed to successfully complete two versions of his design.  Look to see both versions in the Montie Gear catalog in time for Christmas.

"Y" fork Version

"Y" fork Version

 

Gloveshot Version

Gloveshot Version

 

Al Ely (ADR Hydrocut) teaching Nick the finer points of designing for waterjet cutting

 

"Y" fork frame as it comes off the waterjet

"Y" fork frame as it comes off the waterjet

 

Rob, our machinist, putting the finishing touches on the gloveshot cross member

Rob, our machinist, putting the finishing touches on the gloveshot cross member

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/10/08/montie-designs-summer-of-design-comes-to-an-end-part-1/feed/ 0 Mason’s High Tech Conference Table Test Build http://blog.montie.com/2011/09/03/masons-high-tech-conference-table-test-build/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/09/03/masons-high-tech-conference-table-test-build/#comments Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:06:15 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=491 All the parts were finished this week, so Mason could start assembling his new table this week. He was one of our interns this summer. If you are looking for an entry level Industry Designer, then check out his LinkedIn profile.

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Mason Assembling the New Conference Table that He Designed

Mason Assembling the New Conference Table that He Designed

 

Bottom Section Assembled, Upper Truss is Next

Bottom Section Assembled, Upper Truss is Next

Closeup of the Joinery
Closeup of the Joinery
Table is Made of Aluminum Plates for a High Tech Look
Table is Made of Aluminum Plates for a High Tech Look

 

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/09/03/masons-high-tech-conference-table-test-build/feed/ 0 Cutting the New Montie Gear Conference Table with a Water Jet http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/26/cutting-the-new-montie-gear-conference-table-with-a-water-jet/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/26/cutting-the-new-montie-gear-conference-table-with-a-water-jet/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:07:11 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=484

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/26/cutting-the-new-montie-gear-conference-table-with-a-water-jet/feed/ 0 Slingshots Coming – Sound Fun? http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/26/slingshots-coming-sound-fun/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/26/slingshots-coming-sound-fun/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:44:32 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=462 Rob and Nick are putting the finishing touches on the new Montie Gear Slingshots. These slingshots were the winning entries of Nick Pennington in the 2011 Montie Gear Student Design Contest. Nick worked with us all summer to commercialize his entry, resulting in 4 different slingshot models.

Cutting the Y-shaped Slingshot Body the Water Jet at ADR Hydrocut

Cutting the Y-shaped Slingshot Body on the Water Jet at ADR Hydrocut

Nick and Al Ely (ADR Hydrocut) Looking at the Slingshot Body

Nick and Al Ely (ADR Hydrocut) Looking at the Slingshot Body

Y-shaped Slingshot Body Just Off the Water Jet at ADR Hydrocut

Y-shaped Slingshot Body Just Off the Water Jet at ADR Hydrocut

Rob (Montie Design Machinist) Prototyping a Montie Gear Slingshot

Test Fitting the Collapsible Montie Gear Slingshot Parts

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/26/slingshots-coming-sound-fun/feed/ 0 Getting Feedback from Customers http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/25/getting-feedback-from-customers/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/25/getting-feedback-from-customers/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:27:12 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=455 The landscape of the average person is a very connected one.  As consumers, we are constantly bombarded with requests for our time and attention.  Surveys and focus groups only capture a sliver of the wealth of ideas and opinion that your customers already have.  Customers have amazingly valuable opinions and ideas for improving your product and customer service.  Maybe customer A has an idea for your next ground breaking, earth shattering product.  The dilemma is how do you engage your customers in a cost-effective manner.

Napkin Labs has risen to the challenge.  They are offering a service that provides a collaborative framework for customer engagement.  It even rewards participants using a point system.  Why not give your customers the opportunity to become super customers in the eyes of their fellow customers.  I like the idea.  Here are a couple of videos that describe the Napkin Labs approach.

Introduction to the Napkin Labs Way

 

Tour of the Napkin Labs User Interface and Overview of the Workflow

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/25/getting-feedback-from-customers/feed/ 0 More Troublesome Gap Goodness http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/05/more-troublesome-gap-goodness/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/05/more-troublesome-gap-goodness/#comments Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:09:40 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=432 Last weekend, we packed up again to Troublesome Gap to do more product testing.  This time we were testing a bracket system for a company called Ronin Metal Masters.  They have a really cool technology that allows you to ship a sheet metal part flat and bend it by hand when you need it.  They have turned this into a product line called BendAShed.  This is a big advance in metal folding technology in an industry where large press brakes are normally needed, because you can now do it by hand.  Al Ely of ADR Hydrocut in Morrisville, used their waterjet to cut out the stainless steel brackets that we use.

Al Ely (ADR Hydrocut) and Mike Binion (Ronin Metal Masters) Installing the Hand Folded Bracket

Al Ely (ADR Hydrocut) and Mike Binion (Ronin Metal Masters) Installing the Hand Folded Bracket

After some hardwork and a bunch of those really cool brackets we ended up with a picnic shelter.   The purpose of the picnic shelter is to use the challenging weather conditions at Troublesome Gap to test just how robust the Ronin Metal Masters design really is.

Completed Shelter at Troublesome Gap

Completed Shelter at Troublesome Gap

We also had the opportunity to test an assault rifle accessory that we are working on.  Seems like we also consume a lot of ammo on trips to Troublesome Gap.

 

Looking for How People Misuse Your Product

Some of the best product enhancements come from how users put make use of your products in creative ways.  This picture is a good example.

 

Montie Gear Tree Hook Strap Used Creatively to Keep a Diet Pepsi Bottle Out of the Dirt

Montie Gear Tree Hook Strap Used Creatively to Keep a Diet Pepsi Bottle Out of the Dirt

I also noticed how the cutting board grip (handle) didn’t fit into the Montie Gear Camp Rack slot, so a short length of 550 cord fixed that problem.  Similar situation for the black plastic ladel.  Future products and products enhancement goodness in this picture for sure.  By the third evening, Al had decided that the loft in the structure would be a great place to sleep, so after using enough clamps he gave it a try.  Thankfully he remembered that the first step off the cot is a big one.  I think that Mike was already rethinking some of his structure design when he saw Al’s creative use.

Al Ely Putting the Structure Above the Picnic Table to a Creative Use

I will admit it was hard to come back to Raleigh after 4 wonderful days on Troublesome Gap.  Here are some pictures of why it is so hard to come back.

1860s Cabin Near Troublesome Gap

1860s Cabin Near Troublesome Gap

 

View from hill above Troublesome Gap

View from hill above Troublesome Gap

 

Our Swedish Intern enjoying the benefits of the Second Amendment

Our Swedish Intern enjoying the benefits of the Second Amendment. Something he doesn't get to do in Sweden!

 

We had a steady stream of visitors. Great folks pass through Troublesome Gap!

We had a steady stream of visitors. Great folks pass through Troublesome Gap!

Now the only question is “Are you Troublesome Gap Tough?“  Come with us next time and find out!

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/08/05/more-troublesome-gap-goodness/feed/ 0 Calling Entrepreneurs – Free Office Space during the Durham Stampede http://blog.montie.com/2011/07/23/calling-entrepreneurs-free-office-space-during-the-durham-stampede/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/07/23/calling-entrepreneurs-free-office-space-during-the-durham-stampede/#comments Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:43:06 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=426 Durham Stampede

Office Space

The Stampede space will host about twelve startups and is in the middle of everything. Parking is free, along with the area’s fastest wi-fi, office furniture, and meeting space. You’re job is to bring a laptop, cell phone, and a good idea. We’ll take care of the rest.

Free Advice

Durham has lots of successful entrepreneurs who are committed to supporting future all-stars. The Bull City also has plenty of service providers who have worked extensively with startups. You’ll have access to all of this during your 60 days.

The Culture

You’ll be joined by over a dozen other startups so the culture is yours to create. The one guarantee is that you’ll have great coffee shops, nice bars, and tasty restaurants close by to fuel you along the way.

Sign Up at: http://startupstampede.com/#sec1

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/07/23/calling-entrepreneurs-free-office-space-during-the-durham-stampede/feed/ 0 Montie Design / Montie Gear New Product Testing Weekend http://blog.montie.com/2011/06/04/montie-design-montie-gear-new-product-testing-weekend/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/06/04/montie-design-montie-gear-new-product-testing-weekend/#comments Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:18:05 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=400 Last week we took our annual trek to Troublesome Gap for our product testing weekend.  This is when we suffer through the beautiful scenery and beautiful weather to make sure that Montie Gear products are truly Troublesome Gap Tough.

Putting the Camp Rack and Tree Hook to use

Putting the Camp Rack and Tree Hook to use

Camp Rack in use

Camp Rack in use

Tree Hook in Use
Tree Hook in Use

 

Got Story?

Got Story?

View from Inside the Cave

View from Inside the Cave

 

Brook Having Fun

Brook Having Fun

Meeting the Donkeys

Meeting the Donkeys

Montie Gear Display at Grits Restaurant in Spring Creek, NC

Montie Gear Display at Grits Restaurant in Spring Creek, NC

 

 

 

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/06/04/montie-design-montie-gear-new-product-testing-weekend/feed/ 0 Dennis Johnson of Stowaway Speaks Innovation http://blog.montie.com/2011/05/06/dennis-johnson-of-stowaway-speaks-innovation/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/05/06/dennis-johnson-of-stowaway-speaks-innovation/#comments Fri, 06 May 2011 14:41:27 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=391 Dennis Johnson is the man bringing the Stowaway Attic lift to the market (and a Montie Design client).  Here is his company’s creation:

This morning he had a great addition to the standard definition of innovation.  He said:

Innovation is not giving people what they asked for.  It is delighting people with something they never dreamed of.  Dennis Johnson, Stowaway, 2011

Its a great way to think about measuring the effectiveness of your innovation by the results. Never discount the “wonder” factor in your work or design.

Have a great day!
Montie

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/05/06/dennis-johnson-of-stowaway-speaks-innovation/feed/ 0 Fuquay-Varina Announces Sphere Incubator for Gaming and Defense Industry Start-ups http://blog.montie.com/2011/04/12/fuquay-varina-announces-sphere-incubator-for-gaming-and-defense-industry-start-ups/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/04/12/fuquay-varina-announces-sphere-incubator-for-gaming-and-defense-industry-start-ups/#comments Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:02:32 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=377 The Fuquay-Varina Economic Development Committee has announced the SPHERE incubator that provides low-cost space for start-up companies in the gaming, simulation and defense industries. Fuquay’s location between the Research Triangle and Ft. Bragg really puts them in a position to benefit from the growth of these industries. Flyer available for download at:

http://www.fvedc.com/assets/files/PDFs/SPHERE%20Flyer.pdf

If you have any questions please contact James Sauls at jsauls@fuquay-varina.org.

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/04/12/fuquay-varina-announces-sphere-incubator-for-gaming-and-defense-industry-start-ups/feed/ 0 Great Way to Look at Design http://blog.montie.com/2011/03/05/great-way-to-look-at-design/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/03/05/great-way-to-look-at-design/#comments Sat, 05 Mar 2011 15:52:11 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=358 Sometimes design isn’t about studios and renderings.  Sometimes design is about letting the function dictate the form and then going from there.  In this video, the custom car building describes how he does just that.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  The end result was one really great car!

Cheers,
Montie

]]> http://blog.montie.com/2011/03/05/great-way-to-look-at-design/feed/ 0 Jan 19 – Barry Cox / Wyle Labs Lunch and Learn http://blog.montie.com/2011/01/12/jan-19-barry-cox-wyle-labs-lunch-and-learn/ http://blog.montie.com/2011/01/12/jan-19-barry-cox-wyle-labs-lunch-and-learn/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:33:06 +0000 Montie Roland http://blog.montie.com/?p=269 If recent history has taught us anything, it’s that the business community cannot sit back and wait for someone else to deliver economic development. Collaboration, encouragement, and action are proven paths to success, and it’s a constant work in progress.
 
To that end Montie Design, in partnership with the RTP Product Development Guild‚ introduces the Montie Design Lunch and Learn series of semi-monthly presentation and networking events in 2011.
 
Each Lunch and Learn provides access to industry contacts and important insights related to the business of developing and bringing engineered products to market. Speakers at these events are expert practitioners in their fields, thoughtfully selected for their knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to support entrepreneurial growth. If you are involved in the technical or business side of designing and producing innovative products and technologies, Montie Design Lunch and Learns can help you find solutions and resources to help you prosper.
 
Our first Lunch and Learn features Barry Cox of Wyle Labs presenting “Alphabet Soup: The Acronyms and Steps of Military Contracting” on Wednesday, January 19. Barry’s presentation will introduce attendees to Department of Defense contracting, providing steps small businesses should take to prepare for DoD business and information on how to locate business opportunities and agencies who exist to help you succeed. A bio detailing Barry’s background and experience appears below.
 
Attendance is capped at 25, so reserve your space now. Tickets are priced at $20, but enter the discount code “alphabet” when registering to receive a $10 discount. The event will include a catered lunch by Panera Bread; all proceeds will be donated to Post 7383 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
 
The January 19 Lunch and Learn will be held at the Montie Design studio, 100 Dominion Drive, Suite 101, just south of RDU Airport in Morrisville, from noon to 1:15 p.m., with plenty of time for discussion and networking before and after the presentation.
 
We look forward to your participation!
 
Sincerely,
 
Montie Roland
President
Montie Design

About Barry Cox

Barry Cox has over twenty-seven years as a manager, director, and leader in the Department of Defense and Defense Industry to include 18 years providing program management for AF and USG acquisitions and training programs. Barry is currently a Business Manager for Wyle Laboratories conducting business development efforts in Fayetteville, N.C. focusing on expanding Wyle service to DoD and USG agencies in the Carolinas. He previously served as Project Manager for USD/SO-LIC delivering quick turn R&D for Irregular Warfare and counter-terrorism programs. Barry provided operations management, requirements definition and acquisitions management for HQ USAF. Barry served 12 years in the USAF in command, control and communications (C3), battle management (BM), data link operations, electronic warfare, training and counterdrug operations in the joint, combined, and interagency arenas. He has worked for small businesses serving DoD needs and has worked with small businesses to develop and pursue opportunities in DoD and the USG.

 

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