Product Design Show - ENGINEERING.com

To design an effective screw pump device (Archimedes screw), designers have to work within external constraints, including: i) Radius of the screw’s outer cylinder, ii) Total length from the bottom to the top and iii) Slope of the screw pump.

Key concepts of boat hull design include: The supporting force of the water or "buoyancy" must be greater than the weight of the boat. The thrust from the propulsion system has to overcome the "drag" of the water. Also, the weight has to be evenly distributed around the "center of buoyancy".

Machine tools make the metal parts that go into everyday items. To do that, they cut, drill, grind and polish. Engineers designing these high-precision devices have to make highly rigid cutting heads and incorporate sensors to maintain optimum distance from the cutting surface. In this episode, Vince and Allison look at common design challenges with several machines.

eThis week in the Product Design Show we look at the key design elements for an effective combat robot. From the center of gravity to chassis strength to the weapons, this short video describes how it's all done. And of course, there are robot jokes.

This week in the Product Design Show Vince and Allison explore design issues in constructing heavy equipment. Most large machines like tunnel borers and cranes begin with a "standard" design that is then customized for a specific project or purpose.

Design failure and success are the result when architects replace angles with curves.

Engineers feeding the world. This episode looks at how designers make farm equipment to plow, mow, plant and dig. As always, every story is delivered with Allison and Vince's wry humor.

Norton Motorcycles opens up their engine design before launch, and Ducati's monster art project lets riders customize their bikes with ease.

Future iPhone app to deliver mobile heart tests; finding veins without needles; and how to design the perfect hospital crash cart.

Ever wonder about the algorithms behind robot vacuum cleaners? Or how an induction stove works? This week Vince and Alison explore the design of tools for the home and garage.