This thesis presents the process of designing the mechanical structure for a commercial particle size analyzer of granular material based on on-line 3D optical granulometry technology. The analyzer can be used to monitor and increase the performance of various processes within the mining, mineral, and metal industry (MMMI), particularly grinding processes that utilize autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding mills. The analysis system contributes to the evolution of the MMMI in a more energy efficient direction, resulting in a decreased ecological footprint of the industry as well as financial benefits for the operators. The design work done for this thesis contributes to a product development project by Outotec, a technology company specializing in the MMMI. Prior work within the project included a detailed business analysis and software development. A systematic methodology to carry out the design work was derived from the field of engineering design literature. The methodology is based on decomposition of the design problem into smaller subproblems. By finding solutions for each subproblem individually, an overall conceptual solution is produced. This methodology was used to create explicit engineering parameters and a conceptual solution for the mechanical structure of the product, based on the prior work done on the product development project. The conceptual solution was then defined further into a complete mechanical design and a functional prototype. The prototype was tested and evaluated based on the engineering parameters. Based on the results, a second iteration of the design was created, improving on the initial design.Based on objective evaluation of the second design iteration, the design meets all the criteria set for the product development project and can be taken to market. However, the evaluation and further iteration of the design will continue after product launch based on customer feedback and product performance.
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