BEST PRACTICE CASE STUDY
ERGO HOME LTD
About INDEX
INDEX (Innovation Delivers Expansion) is a unique demand-led innovation voucher scheme led that invites Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to apply for a voucher to purchase academic support from one of the 13 Higher Education Institutions in the West Midlands. The project is funded by Advantage West Midlands (AWM), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Innovation Vouchers allow SMEs to purchase academic expertise knowledge to develop their innovation and enhance their business.
The Innovation Voucher scheme aims to build links between Universities and SMEs to create a demand led approach to innovation.ABOUT THE BUSINESS: Ergo Home Ltd
Suite 213
27 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B3 2EW
Email: paul.chadwick@ergohome.com
Telephone: 0845 2267543
Main contact name: Paul A Chadwick
ErgoHome, a new "easy lifestyle" home incorporating advanced convenience features with quality and affordability.
Small factory-built homes targeted at the "first" and "last" homes markets. Engineered using an environmental conscience that ensures low lifecycle costs. A standardized design that makes alterations or repairs easy on a budget.
THE BUSINESS CHALLENGE
A structural materials connection challenge, Ergohomes needed to connect an innovative SIP's (Structural Insulated Panels) composite material to conventional fabricated steel structure. A simple & robust method of attachment that can last over 60 years was required.
They asked the academic to explore different forms of connection, evaluate the choices, and make limited tests & final recommendation.
Their factory built home critically relies upon a solution to ensure structural performance & longevity.
They are sponsoring a phD at the University of Birmingham to help computer model structures. This built on undergraduate work done at the University of Bristol in 2006.
- Generated alternative design concepts for structural treatment of ring beam / TGI joist / SIP floor / SIP wall connection, illustrated in AutoCAD
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Selected preferred solution by QFD process in conjuction with client and computer modeling researchers at University of Birmingham
- Made recommendations on adhesives, fasteners and manufacturing process specification for the selected design solution
ABOUT THE HEI: University of Wolverhampton
University of Wolverhampton
Wulfruna Street,
Wolverhampton,
WV1 1LY
ABOUT THE ACADEMIC
Professor Andrew Pollard, Caparo Innovation Centre
Prof Andrew Pollard was appointed Caparo Industrial Professor in 2003 with responsibility for establishing the Caparo Innovation Centre. This is a collaborative venture between Caparo plc and the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, located at Wolverhampton Science Park.
The Caparo Innovation Centre specialize in the early stage development of new products; with expertise in design concept development, CAD modelling, prototyping, market research, competitor and patent analysis and business plan development.