MOSQUITO NET DESIGN

To design a mosquito net in three-tier sleeper of Indian Railway coach having:1. Minimum Weight 2. Minimum size after folding The mosquito net has to be designed in such a way that it should have a low cost of production and maintenance. While designing the mosquito net the hassles of railway travel in 3-tier sleeper of the Indian railways has to be kept in mind.

Stages in mosquito net design 1) Information Phase In this phase data regarding the birth dimensions, material costs etc. are gathered. 2) Functional Analysis Phase The conditions of minimum weight and minimum size after folding of the net are taken care of. 3) Speculation Phase Analyzing the space requirements and details of each tier of a three tier compartment; and the various types of mosquito nets available in the market is made a priority in this phase. Various ideas and alternatives are generated. This is done by holding brain-storming sessions, in which all ideas are recorded without any criticism. The various ideas suggested are then converted into useful alternatives: Alternative 1:-This alternative suggests that ordinary mosquito nets which are easily available in the market should be used with strings attached to the four corners. After using the net for the night, the passenger can raise the net with the help of a dual string attached to the four corners of the net. On pulling one end of the string the net will fold towards the ceiling. And on pulling the other string the net can be allowed to fall in place. Alternative 2:- Alternative 2 suggests the use of a different net material. It suggests that the net material should be either nylon or similar to it, instead of cotton. The reason is that this will make the nets lighter and hence easier to handle.

 Alternative 3:-Alternative 3 suggests the use of single L-shape nets for 3-tier sleeper. Alternative 4:-Alternative 4 suggests individual L-shaped nets for each berth on a 3-tier side. This takes into account ease of usage and personal likes and dislikes. 4) Analysis Phase:- To ascertain the superiority, suitability, cost-effectiveness etc. of one alternative over the others by following a certain criteria like: Whether the alternative is cost proportionate. Whether its features be combined with the features from other alternatives or whether some of the features be eliminated. Whether it can be obtained directly from the market. Whether it can be obtained at a lesser cost from somewhere else. Other contributing or better ideas if any. Alternative 1:a) Weight will be more since cotton is used. b) Size after folding will be larger. c) Problems in storing. d) Aesthetically not so good as compared to nylon ones. e) Cost will be less. f) Usage will be a problem since strings may get entangled. g) Less durable than nylon ones. Alternative 2:a) b) c) d) Use of nylon ensures lighter weight Nylon is more durable than cotton. Nylon nets also cost lesser than cotton nets. Nylon nets are aesthetically better than cotton ones.

Alternative 3:a) The use of single nets makes it cost effective. b) There will be inconvenience caused to passengers due to single net for all the three tiers.

Alternative 4:a) The use of single L-shaped nets for individual tiers of the three tier sleeper solves most problems faced with other alternatives. 5) Decision and Action Phase:It is clear from above that Alternative 4 is the best under the circumstances. It provides the following advantages:a) Weight:-Weight is less as nylon or other synthetic material is used. Also, optimal design helps in curbing the weight which is not possible in conventional nets. b) Size after folding:- As it is in one-piece, it consumes minimum space after folding. c) Looks:- When kept folded, it does not become displeasing to the eye. It can be used as a substitute for pillow. d) Cost:- Cost is more; but compared to the advantages provided it is accepted. e) Ease of Usage:- Because of this design, it is easy to use. f) Durability:- As it is designed for individual berths, it can be easily replaced when damaged. Its chances of being damaged are also less as it is made of one-piece and each one is used by one individual at a time.

Basic Design & Manufacturing Work

MOSQUITO NET DESIGN FOR 3-TIER SLEEPER FOR INDIAN RAILWAYS

Name: Roll no.: BE/55 /10 Branch: Mechanical Engg.