Envest Product Development
Engineering Consulting & Autonomy
Envest is an engineering consulting firm specializing in product development and supply chain sourcing for a diverse range of clients, from single-person startups to large multinational corporations.
My time here was defined by high autonomy and responsibility. As part of a lean engineering team, I personally managed several projects with tight deadlines. While the environment was high-pressure, it accelerated my learning curve significantly, offering my first deep exposure to industrial-level assembly and client management.
The Smart Chair Project
My primary initiative was the design of an ergonomic "Smart Chair" that automatically adjusted to the user's optimal sitting posture. This was a complex electromechanical assembly requiring extensive cross-disciplinary engineering.
Key Engineering Contributions
- Drivetrain Design: Designed and iteratively prototyped the electromechanical drivetrain to achieve smooth, automated adjustment.
- FEA Analysis: Conducted structural analysis on critical load-bearing components to validate safety factors and prevent failure.
- Tolerance Analysis: Performed detailed tolerance stack-ups for the entire assembly to ensure proper fit and function.
- Supply Chain: Managed sourcing for mass manufacturing, bridging the gap between prototype and production.
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Sensor Housing Design
I led the design of sensor enclosures for hardware clients like Mero Technologies. This process followed a rigorous development cycle:
- Rapid Prototyping: Initial design and 3D printing (FDM/SLA) to verify form, fit, and function.
- Client Validation: Shipping physical prototypes to clients for field testing and feedback.
- Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Converting the validated prototype into an injection-moldable design, including draft angles, wall thickness optimization, and boss design.
- Sourcing: Establishing supply chain channels for mass production.
Sheet Metal & Material Science
Beyond plastic enclosures, I designed structural brackets which introduced me to the nuances of sheet metal fabrication.
The Challenge: One critical bracket was experiencing plastic deformation after repeated cycling in the field.
The Solution: I performed a root cause analysis and redesigned the bracket geometry to better distribute stress. Additionally, I researched and specified higher-grade steels and strain hardening methods. By leveraging material properties (work hardening) alongside geometric improvements, I eliminated the deformation issue and extended the component's fatigue life.