Development Support
Challenge
In the early days, the Dyson development team was just a small group of design engineers. All internal regulations needed to be implemented and the company was growing rapidly.
Approach
Around every project, a core team consisting of 5 to 6 design engineers was created. Making prototypes and testing them is a key element in their product development. Changing one small item at the time and testing them one by one, allowed us to find new unexpected solutions.
Result
Wouter was grateful to be given a lot of responsibility and to be part of this exceptional team. He learned a lot from working with James. Some of his good friends are still at Dyson managing the different development departments.
DC03 Project
Dyson’s third vacuum cleaner was designed to be able to reach under beds and be stowed away by hanging in a closet. Wouter Konings was involved with the cyclone (and valve) development, the tooling management, and support during the start of production.
DC03 Project
Dyson’s third vacuum cleaner was designed to be able to reach under beds and be stowed away by hanging in a closet. Wouter Konings was involved with the cyclone (and valve) development, the tooling management, and support during the start of production.
Strategy + Innovation
Creation of features that bring added value.
CR01 Project
(Counter rotation washing machine)
James Dyson was determined to change the way we wash clothes. With traditional machines, folded jeans often come out still folded. To find a more thorough washing method we tested all possible techniques. The conclusion was that manipulating the fabric, similar to hand-washing, gives the best results. The counter-rotation drums mimic this action. Wouter Konings was part of a small, selected team of engineers with the task of making this happen.
CR01 Project
(Counter rotation washing machine)
James Dyson was determined to change the way we wash clothes. With traditional machines, folded jeans often come out still folded. To find a more thorough washing method we tested all possible techniques. The conclusion was that manipulating the fabric, similar to hand-washing, gives the best results. The counter-rotation drums mimic this action. Wouter Konings was one of a small, selected team of engineers with the task of making this happen.
Strategy + Innovation
The traditional wash machine has a small door opening and a big rubber gasket. Clothes are only lifted and dropped and some times they come out folded.
Additionally, several other unique features were incorporated into the design to obtain an optimal washing experience.
Production Withdraw
In the end, the bigger drum and high-cost price made that it was often used in a commercial setting. Due to this heavy use and increased complexity the maintenance costs increased and finally the machine was withdrawn because it was not optimized for this type of use. However, the machine was a successful feat of engineering, and well-loved by those that owned it.
“Don’t be afraid to fail“ James Dyson
Production Withdraw
In the end, the bigger drum and high-cost price made that it was often used in a commercial setting. Due to this heavy use and increased complexity the maintenance costs increased and finally the machine was withdrawn. But it was a successful feat of engineering, and well-loved by those that owned it.
“Don’t be afraid to fail“ James Dyson
Movie explaining the counter-rotating technology.
Sir James Dyson, Founder | Dyson Ltd.
“Wouter has been involved with several of our products and has been involved in the complete design process from product conceptualisation through to manufacturing support. He has proved to be an excellent designer having a strong ability in concept, detail, and manufacturing design. I have no hesitation in recommending him as a Design Engineer of high ability.”
Samsung
Quick Drive Action Wash
We were happily surprised that SAMSUNG introduced the Quick Drive with the same wash principle when the patents run out. We were pleased to see that our basic idea was correct, but maybe we just pushed the technological boundaries a bit too far.
Want to learn how we can provide R&D support for your company?
R & D Support
We know how bureaucracy and protocol can kill corporate innovation. We provide a lean and start-up orientated approach by supporting your internal team or work independently. From idea to cosmetic + functional prototypes in 3 months.
Design & Innovation
Innovation is key for any business which wants to stay ahead of its competitors. When we cooperate, we see our self as part of your team. We provide our product development knowledge, expertise and network to make your project a success.