This project showcases a complete engineering design and validation workflow for a functional, lightweight laptop stand. The model was designed from scratch in Autodesk Fusion 360 with the goal of being easily manufactured via FDM 3D printing.
To ensure its structural integrity, a static structural analysis was performed using SimScale, a cloud-based FEA platform. The simulation tested the stand's ability to handle the load of a standard laptop, allowing for the validation of the design before any physical prototyping.
- CAD Software: Autodesk Fusion 360
- FEA Software: SimScale
- 3D Parametric Design: Creating and modifying robust geometries in Autodesk Fusion 360.
- Sketching & Constraints: Building fully defined 2D sketches as a foundation for 3D features.
- Solid Modeling: Using features like Extrude, Fillet, and Chamfer to create functional parts.
- Pre-Processing: Setting up simulations by defining materials, applying boundary conditions (fixed supports), and simulating real-world loads.
- Meshing: Generating a high-quality computational mesh for accurate results.
- Post-Processing: Interpreting simulation outputs like Von Mises stress and displacement plots to make informed engineering decisions.
- Stress Analysis: Identifying and mitigating areas of high stress concentration.
The simulation results confirmed that the design is robust enough to safely support a typical laptop load.
- Maximum Von Mises Stress: The analysis identified a maximum stress of 7.57 x 10⁵ Pa. This is well below the yield strength of common 3D printing materials like PLA or ABS, indicating the design will not fail under the specified load.
- Key Insight: The highest stress concentration was observed at the sharp internal corner where the angled support meets the base.
While the current design is validated, the following improvements could be made:
- Design Optimization: Make a modular mode the ability to add ascessories like fans for cooling phone holder etc.