The Engineer's Perspective

On the internet we love to see pictures.  We learn faster and absorb more with an image or video.  On the outside we take the technology for granted most of the time, but on the inside, there are some important image technology differences.  JPG or WEBP or PNG or GIF.  Which image type is really […]

I bumped into a video on YouTube the other day covering a topic I have been contemplating.  The topic?  Joining Beams.  Or more specifically, the topic of research is "How to Join Beams at the ends", like to extend a beam.  Or, maybe better put, what is the cheapest, easiest, most robust way to join […]

Lately, we have seen an uptick in labor strikes across various industries, with dock workers, airline staff, and auto workers in turn, all on the rampage.  Even coffee makers.  On the surface, labor union strike might seem like the ultimate power move

There is a long-standing debate about humans versus automation.  Machines in manufacturing have revolutionized production processes, with faster and more precise operation.  Especially redundant operations - which is a lot of what modern manufacturing entails. 

Everywhere you look, trailers are hard at work, moving goods and equipment all around.  While many are traditional trailers performing routine duties, there is also a whole world of custom trailers engineered for specialized tasks.  If your custom work requires precision engineering and innovative design

How often do you use Creo "Insert Mode"?  Then, get really unpredictable or unexpected results on "Resume"?  This seems to happen a lot when "Suppress" is mixed with "Insert Mode" because Creo confuses the interaction.

With the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, AI is promising awesome advancements in business efficiency, improved data management, advanced marketing techniques, and so much more.  However, within the buzz of possibilities, unintended effects and disparities are emerging, particularly with AI for small business. How do we, as small business owners, grab the opportunities for growth and […]

If pencil and paper design is like walking, then Sketchup is a bike, and Rhino a car.  Fusion 360 is cheap CAD akin to a railroad.  Solidworks is the quintessential Cessna Citation (that PTC wants to be), and

Creo, by PTC, is extremely capable CAD software, maybe the best.  Yet, PTC has wrapped this beautiful gem in a mire of mixed paradigms and inconsistency making it hard to learn and slow-er to use. 

How well can available AI write a technical-ish article?  With all the Buzz lately about AI writing papers for students, that question keeps popping through my head.  I see AI written articles around on the web and I wonder just how complete

The list of advantages and benefits for bikes are numerous.  Health, Emotion, Financial, and so much more.  Also, the many societal benefits.  Yet, in the United States, people overwhelmingly prefer the automobile or other powered forms of transportation. 

New bike?  Yup, good day!  Yet, both the path and result have things to think about.  From the perspective of an engineer who does work in the bicycle industry, this is a review of both the bike, a Pivot 429 Trail, and the journey.

Please note the following Credit Card Transaction Identifiers  —  SYN ENG / PDF PLANS  —  and  —  SYN ENGRNG & ME PLANS  —  (and those similar) which may appear on your credit card statement if you have payments with  Synthesis Engineering Services  OR with  MechanicalElements.com

April 2022.  I have just re-done my annual coaching training for youth sports.  One of the topics is "Bullying" and I have a question.   Why do we work so hard to eliminate Bullying with youth, while allowing it — even making it policy to bully customers — in many businesses?

As a customer, how many times have you run into "Can't"?  As in "Sorry, we can't do that."  It is a disastrous business paradigm, yet it happens all the time.  While it is easy to fix, too many people in business get stuck in the rut.  Here are the customer service tips.

With every adventure, it's a good idea to look at what we are learning, to manage our failures, then direct our future toward success.  Some say that's not so with things largely out of our control (like COVID), but there are always things to learn,

I am looking for a good source of Unobtainium.  With the pandemic in full swing, it's really hard to find.  Yet, the demand keeps growing.  I have a few customer projects that need it to solve conflicting constraints, so if you know

One of the coolest things in modern rapid prototyping is the ability to build (what was) impossible.  Now the 3D printing complex parts and features are the things we could only dream of previously.  Now they are so easy.  Best of all, the parts are completely functional, not just for show.

The concepts around Quality are central to a lot in engineering.  We think about quality control in terms of delivering product that meets customer expectations.  In some industries that's considered in measurables

Last month we received notice of yet another bicycle chainring patent award for previous design and engineering.  Of course these patents take a long time, usually years to process, and this one is no exception.

It seems like a lot of work and cost to build a prototype - and perhaps a big unnecessary, expensive step.  Why not just do the design really well, then send it to production?  Why make prototypes?

I ask the question "Do You Have To Be Stupid To Protest?" because of the hypocrisy in protest with current events.  Though I totally agree with the roots of the cause, I fail to understand why protesters act contrary to success

You have seen them - industries that feed on the success or misfortune of others.  "Ambulance Chasers" are probably the most famous, but it is also in the patent world.

We received word last month that the "Bicycle Carrier Maintenance Stand" patent is coming.  Great to see it now with a new utility patent award and recognition.

I received a threatening letter the other day that made me laugh.  However, after the laughter died down I started to ponder how we as a society, and especially in business, solve disputes.  In this case it is a one-sided

In how many ways can your company benefit from improvements by design?  This is not a rhetorical question.  Engineering design precipitates so many areas, and a design touch may well increase your profitability.  Perhaps drastically!

In all that is new, some things remain the same.  2019 was another year of advancing technology - both globally and in the micro sphere here at Synthesis.  A new decade of engineering.  So, what will the next New Day / New Year / New Decade bring for you?

You want High Performance!  Absolutely.  You want it Cheap!  Of course.  Only the best in Quality!  We agree.  Now let me show you this cool new material

How does your company protect against competitive threats?  What is your long-game business strategy?  How do you thwart market changes?

When thinking about your new project, one of the first things you want to know is:  How much will it cost?  And, how long it will take?  Those questions are the essence of an Engineering Quote, yet

Can we make it all fit?  That was the big question of the moment when that "little" shipping container arrived.  The truck driver was worried, yet trusting the CAD models, we fired up the forklift

What is 'Total Design'?  I suppose many definitions exist, but we like to encapsulate the concept as the 'Elegant Solution'.  It involves more than just the look or the feel of a product.  It includes

For some, there is anxiety in hiring a consulting engineer.  Others thrive with Consultants.  Still others, have been there, but the experience wasn't good - too much money without the desired result.  Is it the Consultant?  Or the Client?  Or . . . ??

We have been doing this for years, yet I still get excited when the new prototype parts arrive.  It does not matter if they are 3D Printing or CNC, or like these, MJF.

There are times you need additional insight with a project or problem.  If you have not sought out or worked with an Engineering Consultant before, the thought of finding the right one can be a little daunting.  After all, you will rely deeply

Took time this week to attend the Outdoor Industry Summer Market in Denver, Colorado.  Couldn't spend a lot of time, but did go for a day and was impressed (again) with the bits of innovation and evolution on display.

While visiting Provo Utah, we stopped to have dinner at Guru's, a small cafe in the center of town.  As we talked, I happened to look up at the ceiling, and noticed the "track" lighting.  The track they have is not for lighting

What does it take to create a custom trailer design?  And what does it cost?  These are some great questions, so we will look at a case study for an example.  This is a trailer design

My heart aches for those touched by the terror of shooting violence - in any of our yesterdays.  I just can't wrap my mind around WHY.  Why do we, yes, You and I, accept and perhaps even encourage

We love the expansion of technology in rapid prototyping (like 3D Printing) with new materials almost daily.  While technology is ever improving, the boundaries for choosing the best

If you read our other posts discussing SolidWorks or Creo, then you know we use, and value both.  Of course, in the CAD industry there is a constant bit of bantering

Commercial kitchens such as those found in restaurants are amongst the highest consumers of energy.  They use a yearly average of 38 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and 111 cubic feet of natural gas per square foot (ft2). 

What happened at your last project design review?  Think about it, was it valuable?  Maybe more than you think . . .

Numbers are exact, and engineering is full of numbers.  The world, on the other hand is imprecise and full of all sorts of anomalies.  Where does that leave engineering?  Is it relevant?

The big dilemma:  Should we get this new widget made offshore?  Or here at Home?  There are a lot of interrelated and complex parts to answering this question,

A Quick Service Addition For Customer Convenience For those who transport bicycles a lot, having a great bike rack for your vehicle is a must.  Another good thing is a service stand that allows simple maintenance for the bike when you get there. 

This is the second part of our Case Study combining Tandem Torsion Axles with a Walking Beam for smaller trailers.  In this post we'll get into strength

The Walking Beam Suspension is not new, nor are Torsion Axles.  They both have unique advantages and cool benefits, so what about putting them together?  . . .  For smallish trailers?  Oh, but there are some interesting design challenges.

OK, be honest.  The title question above is rude, but really . . . How many times have you asked this, or a similar question?  Did you find a customer use case that the designers didn't think about?

I visited a link on YouTube the other day, and on completion, it gave a "next up" that caught my attention.  The title is "Torsion vs Leaf Spring Suspension ...".  Since I engineer trailers with both

Very honored to participate with a group of eighth grade science students practicing the engineering and design process with their "Dream Invention" projects.  Training, if you will, the next generation of engineers.  What a great way to learn by doing.

The USPTO (United States Patent Office) is full of patents for inventions that did not launch.  At Synthesis we have also seen some amazing ideas that have not materialized in the marketplace.  Why?

Recycling is sometimes called a "Best Friend of the Planet".  Does that include recycling bike invention ideas too?

Which is better?  (Pro/E) Creo vs SolidWorks?  That debate has raged for years, for good reason, and here is more fuel for the fire.  Here is a high-level look at some fundamental differences.

Get yourself ready for one of the best Mountain Bike Race events ever.  Yes, ever!  Is that too bold?  These courses are the best yet.

Every book I've read about succeeding in business talks about the customer experience - from first inquiries, through the sales process and on to resolving issues.

I have heard it said there are more patents for bicycle related inventions than for any other industry.  Is that true?  If it is, then what drives bicycle industry innovation so much?

Just print it!  That has been a dream of engineers and inventors for ages, and now 3D printing prototypes are everywhere so common.  Such a fun way to build, but are they worth it?

Go Code Colorado 2018 challenge weekend happens again with some fantastic ideas highlighting the really creative people and concepts. 

Artistic expression in 3D CAD - is art with a purpose - and, in this case recognition of innovation with a design patent.  This one is more than just a design, however,

Word just in, a new Bicycle Derailleur Patent issue (March 20, 2018) for work we did a few years ago.  One of two passed this week through the patent office and added

There are a ton of Video editing software packages around.  Recently we decided to take a step up, and chose Corel Video Studio 2018.  It is a recent release, and there are some good reviews online, so why not?

In the wake of the horrific and violent incidents in Florida as well as the uptick in violence and threats of violence following, like many of you, we are also pondering questions of "What can be done?"

As part of an experimental project, we combine 3D CAD System files of Pro/Engineer with SolidWorks.  The project is an experiment with concept applications in trailer design, and since

You have probably seen them, trailers that just don't tow very stable.  Sometimes it is a little scary following one down the road.  Even worse if it happens to be your trailer! Here is a quick video we captured along the highway

In certain industries, the company design department is a key to keeping customers interested.  It is the new products coming out periodically that bring excitement to what is next. 

This article comes from a Frequent Question and our FAQ, written here with a little more detail.  While we do have a few favorite industries, we cover a broad spectrum and love expanding.  We serve in the

Many new inventors (and some small companies) approach us at times with questions about how to trade Engineering Services for part ownership in their company.  We believe that 

Rapid prototyping is awesome - especially when we get the chance to push the envelope a little. Making things that they didn't think we could is kind of fun!

So much is written about Creative People and even more about the Creative Process.  Obviously in design engineering, Innovative Thinking (Creativity) is absolutely essential.  So that brings up the important question:  Can you become more creative?

If  DESIGN  is "the art or action of conceiving of and producing a plan . . ." * And,  INNOVATION  is "something new or different . . . ;  the introduction of new things or methods." * Then together,  Design Innovation  describes the Synthesis Approach. What is the Value of Innovation? Over the last half century, there is […]

How many times have you thought . . . "I have just GOT to get my site to rank better on Google!  But How?"  There is so much conflicting info about Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Do you work on SEO for your website?  If so, What are your SEO Metrics?  How do you measure progress? The almost universal answer for measurement is:  Traffic.  Website visitor traffic.  In other words, More Traffic = Success?  While that's a nice thought, it is also misleading.

Just a little fun with a video explanation of  Who We Are.  The animation with SyBots and building Synthesis is our way of saying "We love to Create, and to Build!"  This is our DNA, and it really is who we are.

We are now in the season of previews and promotions for Solidworks 2018.  Perhaps you have also been hearing about the new stuff?  Well, they finally hit the desk where we can drive them.  I love going to the big demo events where

Machines are all about making life simpler and easier.  They help us do a lot things that we could not otherwise accomplish, and there is no place that is more true than in the Service, the Production and the Manufacturing environments. So many times a simple Machine, a Jig, or a Fixture has saved the […]

Sometimes you just need another set of eyes.  Sometimes it feels like you are just too close to the trees.  And, sometimes an outside perspective is just what you need to see things not yet noticed.

"We need a new ______!" "I've got this great idea!" "What if we made ______?" "Customers are asking for ______" . . . just a few statements that start the process to develop a new product for market.   Do any of these sound familiar? The concept of a new product starts with a need. 

As a follow-up on bicycle helmets and safety after talking with several manufacturers at Interbike 2017, here are a few highlights of what I saw and learned.

I need a new bicycle helmet, and my wife says "Buy whatever protects you best".  That's a nice sentiment, but how do I choose? 

It doesn't seem to matter how experienced you are as a cyclist, at some point, you will likely end up on the ground.  But will you get hurt?

A good foundation is important in any venture, and so very true for a Tiny Home Trailer!  Yes, for a Tiny House on wheels, the trailer IS the foundation - both literally and figuratively.  What is more important to a house than a solid foundation?

"Oh Man!  I got these babies down to 20 PSI - they're gonna hookup today."  Then, a few hours later "Hello, bike shop? Can you repair . . . carbon rims?"

When I think about manufacturing and particularly mass production I am usually sitting in an office or conference room discussing details of concept contraptions and machines

Your competitor just released a new product that has your customers talking.  Yeah, that can be pretty cool, and also scary - particularly when they have a new patent.  Now what can you do?

Are you part of the movement?  It is not really about the Coffee.  "1 Million Cups" is much more than Caffeine or Networking.  For us, it is about

I've asked the question about SolidWorks many times, and the answers are polar.  People love it, or they dislike it.  There is not much gray area.  Why?

The Quest:  From concept, through the design process, and on to production in the shortest time with the least cash.  What is possible?

Sure, we can change that.  No problem.  Engineering Change Request(s) are common through development (and often well beyond), but what is the REAL cost? 

With the world progressing more to mobile devises and mobile access to information everywhere, Synthesis has been updating our older - still very popular engineering article (s) - making them current and mobile-friendly.

How many times have you, as a customer, felt like a Quality Control Guinea Pig when you purchase a new product?  How patient are you with really poor quality?

Intensity.  That is what it takes sometimes to find needed answers in short order.  Planning helps too.  Those concepts describe the past two weekends at Synthesis

There are dozens of great ways to make prototype parts.  3D printing in many variations (in many materials) are all the rage these days

The State of Colorado puts on a pretty interesting challenge each year called Go Code Colorado.  It is a series of events which bring awareness to using public data for the public good.

We love patent day because it is always fun to see another patent issue.  This one, a design patent, for another license plate frame is published on March 7, 2017.

From the start, as thoughts form around new design concepts, a trajectory begins to emerge.  The starting thoughts in design are often the most critical because they influence results

Success in business is most often measured in dollars.  Even with all the great things business owners do outside of making dollars - like providing employment, helping social causes, building community - none of it would be possible without a positive bottom line.

The DIY Plans section on Synthesis  (synthx.com)  that was called "By The Way" has now found its new home at MechanicalElements.com.  All the DIY Plans are now available there.

When it comes to engineering, sometimes the mind just never turns off.  Even problems around the house, like in Do-It-Yourself mode, tend to get (perhaps) more thinking than they should

Have you ever pulled up a favorite website and found your name in an article?  It is an odd feeling, but when it is about a cool patent application, I will take it.

Well, it is winter again, and with winter in Colorado comes snow.  Amazing, beautiful, slippery snow.  So great for skiing, of course, but skiing is not what you want to do on the highway!  We need traction, and as much as we can get.

A few years ago, there was a terrible accident involving a single motorcycle traveling on the freeway.  The cause listed in the police report:  Engine & rear wheel lock-up.  Terrifying incident!

Beginning as a startup in the Bicycle Industry, Synthesis helped this customer grow to World Cup Winning performance, Tour de France debuts, and many patents.  This is a story of Full Service Engineering.

Startup Week is a fantastic event that happens each year in many cities - including here in Colorado Springs.  This year (2016) Synthesis presented.  So, if you missed it, we have now posted the -shortened - content as an article.

For the past 10 years Synthesis has served as the Engineering Department (and more) for WickWerks (Bicycling Components).  Now, after a great adventure, we say "So Long, and Thanks!" 

WickWërks Chainrings, by Synthesis.  The photo shows a collection of 42 tooth bicycle chainrings (aka sprockets or gears) designed specifically for Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes & Cyclocross. 

A flag - Well, a banner - No, a Course Feature.  A landmark?  OK, we're not sure sure what it is, but it was created by Synthesis for WickWerks as a promotional piece to be used at Bicycle Races like the US Open of Cyclocross and CrossVegas (during Interbike).

When we think of safety on the ski slopes, it is not usually tractors or bright, warm summer days that come to mind.  Yet, that is the topic of this cool Engineering Case Study.

A very long time in the process, this new USA Patent 8,617,015 titled "Bicycle Chain Rings" has finally issued, Dec, 2013.  It covers the fundamental elements of the bicycle chain front shifting technology used to make the "World's Fastest Shifting Chainrings"

We just recently received notice that 5 new design patents are official as of September 17, 2013.  These new patents cover the designs of several license plate frames with various artistic elements, and some complex CAD design.

Obstacle Race events like the "Muddy Buddy" and "Foam Fest" have become fun entertainment for many people wanting a different type of athletic challenge.  Indeed, if you've seen them, heard about them, or participated in them, they offer some amazing challenges

The "Buy the Way" feature of Synthx.com is now Back On-Line!  This has always been a special section of our website for the Do-it-Yourself builder including plans for great projects.  The title which is a play on words - Buy the Way -

In Louisville, KY at the Cyclocross World Championships, 2013, many of the top athletes were riding products that were designed, engineered and developed at Synthesis!

I have to say, it is really kind of fun to turn on the television and see your customer and the prototype you made as a news spotlight for the world to see.  Here is the Stun Shield product.

Announcing new article revisions and updates on two of our most popular articles - including revisions in every chapter.  Thousands of people read these technical article features each year, which makes us happy.  Yet, things keep changing, so we need to keep the articles up to date.  Now these articles have updates with even more […]

Expanding their market to include ever more in the product range, 3 Gun Stuff is adding more scope levers for the shooting sportsman. — A concept they came up with, but Synthesis did the scope levers design.

To support our customer in presentation and promotion of their products (products designed at Synthesis), we spent several days at the Sea Otter Classic - Laguna Seca near Monterey California at the

A long time in the works, this U.S. Patent for "Bicycle Chain Rings with Ramps" covers elements of the chainring shifting technology that we at Synthesis are working on for several years. 

January 2012 – New Release A new license plate frame is now available from Cruiser Accessories.  The new design shown in the image below, Morphed Skulls, is also the subject of the US Design Patent #D656,872.  It is a combined design effort with Synthesis complex CAD which brings this new frame with the cool 3D […]

Here are two videos showing a custom machine made by Synthesis.  The videos are a demonstration tour, SIM Demonstration.  The project started with conceptualization and design, but only of what we call the "heart" of the machine.  It then continued with fabrication and some initial testing.