Custom gear knob
- Thread starter Buckley06
- Start date
so how do you know there is science behind the design of a gearknob?
Please only make statements that you can quantify or it looks like you are belittling the efforts of a skilled and knowledgable engineer with no credentials of your own.
On the plus side, that was really good of you to take the photo's of your knob against the plastic rule....chapeau!
Please only make statements that you can quantify or it looks like you are belittling the efforts of a skilled and knowledgable engineer with no credentials of your own.
On the plus side, that was really good of you to take the photo's of your knob against the plastic rule....chapeau!
Davz said:
"This shift knob is the result of extensive development, from its size and shape, to its weight. (Please scroll down).
CNC precision machined from Stainless Steel billet and fully optimised for an improved gear change. This is NOT the usual aftermarket gear knob - this is a fully engineered solution to improve your overall driving experience.
Weight
Weighing in at just over 500g, the stainless steel shift knob really does feel substantial. The "notchy" nature of the BMW gearboxes is significantly smoothed out with this weight through providing a greater pivot force, giving you an effortless and precise gear change every time. Prototyping revealed that with the shift knob too light - the notchiness would still be there, too heavy and gearchange would become laboured and sloppy. With the weight optimised, we have met both criteria - smooth and swift.
Size & Shape
The standard shift knob sits at an awkward height - for both ergonomic and aesthetic purposes. Our aim was to optimise the height for reduced throw and a more natural feel. Prototyping revealed that if it sat too low - users would grip the shifter with fingertips rather than the palm of the hand. This was more apparent with cars having centre arm-rests. Iteration resulted in an optimum height, correcting both aesthetic and ergonomic problems of the standard position. Furthermore, by merging a 2" sphere with a cone, every gear-change technique is accommodated for with an intuitive grip.
Short Shift Kits
This shift-knob is an ideal add-on to a factory or aftermarket short shift kit. Such kits increase the resistance during gearchange - amplifying the inherent notchiness but our shift knob allows you to have the benefits of your short shift kit without this extra resistance. "
Ahem.
Davz said:
Buckley06 said:
Ahem.
thanatu55 said:
This is more marketing embellishment than complex engineering. To say that this product is "optimised" for a variety of vehicles and a wide variety of users with different size hands and personal preferences just isn't really possible. I'm not knocking the product itself - I'm a big fan of my Stormwerks V1, but I wouldn't be suckered in to believing all their claims...
thanatu55 said:
As a former nuclear and aerospace design engineer I have to admit to the left half of my mouth changing shape when I read Stormwerks rather flowery description of their 'extensively developed' gearknob. :lol:
I don't question that weight, size, shape and mounting position play an important part for the end-user and to that extent, simply trying a number of different sizes, shapes and possibly materials would help to determine a useable/marketable product.
But I doubt very much whether any destruction-testing, thermodynamic analysis, FMEA, FMECA, FEA, stress analyses or any other form of 'extensive development' methodology, as I would normally expect when I hear that description used, has played any part in this. I suggest the marketeers have had a chat with the design engineers at some point. 'Aye lads, what would sound good on our website if we wanted to market this as a precision-engineered bit of kit? Whatdya reckon?'
My point is that research and development has been undertaken rather than placing a ball on a stick. That was the question posed to me and I quantified it with an answer. Marketing speak aside, the point stands.
All I said was that simply copying a shape doesn't make it the equal in all aspects of the other, then Billy Big B*****ks wanted more information and I obliged.
All I said was that simply copying a shape doesn't make it the equal in all aspects of the other, then Billy Big B*****ks wanted more information and I obliged.
I made a comfy catbox last week. somewhere nice and warm that the visiting kittykat could chillax when he comes over to my gaff for a visit.
My research and development phase consisted of taking his physical measurements and seeing what material I could line it with that would keep him cosy and comfortable.
Admitted, not the most scientific r&d but still....it was a legitimate, well thought-out r&d exercise leading to an exceptionally well-received end-user product. :lol: :lol:
My research and development phase consisted of taking his physical measurements and seeing what material I could line it with that would keep him cosy and comfortable.
Admitted, not the most scientific r&d but still....it was a legitimate, well thought-out r&d exercise leading to an exceptionally well-received end-user product. :lol: :lol:
C8H18 said:
Refer to my edited quote, the initial statement was that copying by eye doesn't make all things equal. Can this statement be proved by science?... yes. The spiel is irrelevant.
I was actually trying to be helpful by providing further information on a product that by it's manufacturers own admission is an attempt to replicate another.
Is this going to drag on all night? The boxing is on and my one statement is not worth all this p****ng about.
thanatu55 said:Not the most scientific approach but here you go :wink:
Depth:
Thank you for the pics mine is not to far out 50mm od 75mm long and 65 deep on the 14mm hole.
But I can do a quick shape change on Tuesday.
I will give it to my new friend chris_D and he will do some awesome rendering on it I'm sure.
You have all been helpful regardless of the science or jargon that stormweks has done.
This is a z4 only gear knob and one you can't get in the shop and has input from like minded z4 fans.
So as a matter of fact they are priceless as it's being made by people that care not to make overheads look good.
Please keep that in mind that you are buying a z4 custom gear knob not a replica of something from the USA.
Thank you for everyone's support I have enough people wanting one now so I will order the material on Tuesday.
Quoting the Beatles
Peace and love
Buckley06 said:
I think "Helter Skelter" is more appropriate at this point lol.
In all seriousness I wasn't looking to get into a petty squabble, I'm more annoyed that it's cost me £17 for the boxing and I've spent about £10 worth of that in tit for tat.
The gear knob is great, the concept is great, the guesture is noble, the forum is happy, I'm happy...
I'm keeping out of it. :lol:
Might be a good idea to have a running list of who's signed up and available slots left... :wink:Buckley06 said:
While I'm here I have made an executive decision; I would like no engraving on mine please....just clear....pure....simple...nadda...noffink. lol