1 Client : Expresslock Ltd

2 Product Description Expresslock Ltd are manufacturers of security equipment for the commercial vehicles. The company had recently launched into the market a "slam-lock", which had been designed and developed in conjunction with the Innovative Product Development Centre. This product is targeted as an aftermarket replacement of locks on the roller shutters of large box vans. The unique feature of the slam-lock design is its ability to self lock when the shutter is pulled down to the closed position, so making it much more convenient for the driver to secure the vehicle. This feature is especially useful for delivery vehicles, where the driver is frequently needing to remove goods from the van and leave the vehicle unattended.  3 Critical Issue The slam-lock was an instant success with customers and the company quickly received enquiries for fitment to new vehicles. However, the slam-lock is dimensionally large because it was designed to replace the original lock and "make good" the roller shutter. A new, more compact design was required that was more appropriate for fitment as original equipment.

4 What we did
Following an initial discovery meeting to understand the context and need, we agreed with Expresslock
that the new design would use the working principles of the original slam-lock, include modifications that
had emerged from operational experience, and "carry-over" as many parts as possible from one design
to the other. Since the original product had been designed using computer-aided design (CAD) tools, the new product could be designed more quickly by modification of the existing CAD models. The CAD model
of the new design allowed us to inspect and evaluate individual parts and the system as a whole before
committing to any prototype manufacture. Critical parts were then manufactured using rapid prototyping
methods to allow a practical evaluation of the design.

5 Outcome
The slam-lock family of products has been extended to include a smaller, more compact product that
retains the snap-shut characteristics of the original and uses many its parts. The new product is designed
to be fitted as original equipment to new vehicles not only on large box vans, but also on smaller vehicles
with side shutters. The company has secured new orders with clients who are attracted by the simplicity
and ease of use of the product.

6 More information

Contact Tony Robotham at Innovation-Direct on 01902 321 713
or why not visit the Expresslock web-site at www.expresslock.co.uk

May 2003