Development of the Mechanical Design of a Video Magnifier : A Comparative FEM and Cost Analysis

Sammanfattning: LVI develops, manufactures, and sells products for people with impaired vision. These products include different types of video magnifiers and reading machines. The MagniLink ZIP is a foldable and portable video magnifier with an HD monitor which comes in two sizes: 13” and 17”. The video magnifiers have several types of materials produced using different manufacturing methods such as casting, injection molding, 3D printing, etc. The stand holding up the monitor and camera, and the plate module in MagniLink ZIP are cast magnesium alloys. LVI is interested in using composite materials in their products to possibly reduce weight. Composite materials can offer good mechanical properties while maintaining a low density. In order to replace magnesium alloy, it is important to find a fiber-reinforced plastic with Young’s modulus in the same range as magnesium alloy. PEEK is a high-performance polymer that has excellent mechanical properties among polymers, however, it is relatively expensive as well. By reinforcing PEEK with glass and carbon fibers, the Young’s modulus can be increased to the same range as the magnesium alloy in this study with 41 GPa.The video magnifier is today made up of different types of materials including plastics. Choice of material influences the design as one should consider the manufacturing method and mechanical properties of the material.