Vestner NZ - Platform Lift Design

Client: Vestner NZ

Category: Mechanical Design + Mechanical Analysis

Date: 2017

Background

Vestner is a German lift firm founded in Munich in the 1930’s. In 2015 they purchased the successful NZ lift firm, Pandect Ltd. Vestner are committed to continuing Pandect’s legacy of providing better living through the use of professionally designed, built and installed low-to-medium rise platform lifts. They provide exterior accessibility options up to 1.5 metres, and interior options up to 4m.

To fill a gap in their range of solutions, Vestner approached Motovated to design a scalable outdoor lift completely from scratch.  They wanted to expand their outdoor lifts range to 2.0m for the Australian Market and up to 3.6m for the NZ market.

Motovated set out with an end-user focused AGILE design strategy to establish what the end user would want to see and feel.  We took into consideration the user interactions, jerk, acceleration, noise, speed, colour, lighting, rigidity and safety etc.

Solution

  • A user-focused AGILE design strategy that allowed the requirements to adapt to new learnings as the project progressed
  • Budget established early, and scope modified during design to maximize value
  • Architectural and Design Standard driven engineering
  • Simulation driven design of key structural components
  • Functional CAD model virtual prototype, with a full manufacturing drawing pack developed and a physical prototype build and tested within time frame and budget
  • We worked closely with suppliers to deliver a quality physical prototype and insulate Vestner from manufacturing related risk

Results

The prototype lift has met its design goals, performing exceptionally in testing.  It met its requirements for strength, deflection and end-user experience, while acting as a platform for the development of the finer details.

Result? Success!  This is a world class next generation lift, safely providing wheel chair access to clients worldwide.

Figure 1: Prototype Lift Structure

Figure 2: Floor and Ramp Finite Element Analysis

Figure 3: Concept Illustration

“I wanted to mention the appreciation and respect that Vestner NZ limited has for the team at Motovated Design & Analysis Ltd.  The reasons for originally working with Motovated have only been strengthened by the work that has been conducted for us over the past year.  I continue to be impressed by the ability and professionalism of your team.”

 

Russell Cockburn, CEO
Vestner NZ Limited