Vikash Balasubramanian
Senior Product Design Engineer
Work
Detetermines % elongation of yarn @ various loads
Calculates yarn shrinkage due to heat
Detetermines % elongation of yarn @ various loads
Constant Tension Transport - Electronic (CTT-E)​ & Attachments
CTT-E and its test modules are a dynamic test instrument that can run more than 10 different types of tests like Entanglement count, Lint Generation, Yarn to Yarn Friction and Elongation on natural, synthetic and technical yarns like carbon, glass fiber and spandex. The instrument maintains a constant tension or fixed draw on yarn while running a test.
My contribution: Replaced the mechanical drive system of the old Constant Tension transport to a servo operated electronic drive. Designed various test modules to plug in as attachments on base machine.
Automatic Package Changer (APC)​
APC is a brand new 25 position yarn package changer developed by Lawson Hemphill. The APC splices and feeds host machine a new yarn package after pulling the predefined sample length for testing. The APC features a unique concept of introducing a control/reference yarn into test sequence in order to make comparisons of the yarn much easier.
My contribution: As the lead engineer,I was responsible to take the product from an idea to reality. I was deeply involved in all phases right from information gathering to ideation to prototyping to testing to vendor management to costing to building the pilot product.
Draw Force​ Tester-High Temperature (DFT-HT)
High Temperature Draw Force Tester is a test instrument that measures the consistency of a POY type of yarn. The yarn passes through a heated chamber that draws and sets the POY.
The instrument features 500 degree C hot air temperature and 1000m/min test speed on the running yarn.
My Contribution: Responsible for the mechanical engineering aspects of the product. Worked with an electrical engineer to develop the heater and its touch safe enclosure, knot detector mechanism that identifies when yarn package has been changed, yarn in out mechanism and isolate the load cell to prevent vibrations in frame affecting test results.
Pensa's Street Charge​
Street Charge is the first drop in solar powered USB charging docks for smart phones and tablets. Street Charge is able to provide reliable and free recharging at community and public places.
Winner of Architizer A+ award, Fast Company innovation by Design, and Inc. Magazine Best of design.
The first prototype was mounted on outdoor umbrellas and made available to the public at Dumbo districts pearl street traingle in New York.
My Contribution: Contrived the engineering aspects of the first prototype.
People at Union Square, New York using the Tower Optical Digital Viewer to see content presented by TD Bank
People at Union Square, New York using the Tower Optical Digital Viewer to see content presented by TD Bank
Tower Optical Digital Viewer
The internals of the classic Tower Optical viewer have been modified to become a versatile and customizable tool for displaying media. The new viewer can play videos, slideshows or interactive content to tell stories at public spaces, exhibits, tradeshows, retail, and anything else you need.
TD Bank loaded the Tower Optical Digital Viewers with special content and placed the units at Union Sqaure.
Pensa teamed up withDUMBO BID to allows users to embark on a virtual journey through the DUMBO nieghborhood's history.
My Contribution: Involved in developing the software and electronics for Tower Optical Digital Viewer.
Pensa's DiWire Bender 2.0
Di Wire Bender is a rapid prototype machine that bends metal wire to produce 2D and 3D shapes, pushing the limits of what can be produced in different materials, forms and methods, anywhere from a model shop to your home.
A second generaion version, called D.I. Wire 2.0, that mounts flush on a workbench and has more powerful motors for bending thicker materials was developed and showcased at MakerFaire New York 2012.
My Contribution: Responsible for the software, electronics and smooth interaction between electrical, mechanical and software components.