Our client planned to design an arena drag that was a significant improvement over the current models available by advancing the technology behind effective surface leveling and integrity. The arena drag product market had been stagnant for years, and our client saw an opportunity to modernize it.
The client was starting from scratch and needed to take their arena drag from concept to market. The business planned to take existing arena drag designs and incorporate some of the advantages used in farming implement designs. There were no existing models and no images or drawings that existed for this type of arena drag that would add a new level of sophistication to the equipment.
Finite Engineering first visited the client on site to observe their process and document their needs. The goal was to approach the concept from a first principles perspective to ensure the quality and reliability of the fundamental design requirements. Our engineers would not simply create a new iteration of a competitor’s design; they needed to start fresh. We also brought a critical benefit to the process: our multi-industry knowledge, which equipped us to introduce solutions that may not otherwise receive consideration.
Finite Engineering and Elite Equipment worked together to create an arena drag that incorporated a walking beam axle and trailer leveling system, a first in the industry. The features common in farming implements were adapted to improve the effectiveness of arena drags. Finite Engineering utilized SOLIDWORKS® and SOLIDWORKS® Simulation, resulting in 3D models and analysis that identified stresses on the arena drag during operation, allowing the engineers and designers to refine and showcase the adjustable features.
Finite Engineering provided the client with the elements they required to build their first prototype. To achieve this, the team of engineers completed several steps:
Elite Equipment is currently working with a U.S.-based manufacturer to develop the first prototype and plans to achieve mass production.
