Universal Plastic Engine Storage Fixture: A Study in Engineering Expertise

Showcasing the product engineering and design capabilities our specialists bring to VectorQX through their prior development of complex, multi-variant fixture solutions.

Quick Facts

• Project Type: Universal Plastic Storage Fixture Design
• Sector: Automotive Engineering
• Service: Product Design & CAD Development
• Platform: CATIA V5
• Deliverables: 3D CAD Models & Manufacturing Drawings
• Application: Engine Storage & Handling
• Focus Area: Commonization & Cost Optimization

Project Overview

This case study showcases the specialized product engineering and fixture design expertise our team members bring to VectorQX, demonstrated by their prior success in developing a universal plastic engine storage fixture for multiple engine variants.

The engagement focused on designing a single injection-moulded fixture capable of supporting two different engine configurations while maintaining structural stability, manufacturability, operational safety, and storage efficiency.

The project emphasized design optimization, fixture commonization, manufacturability, and cost reduction through intelligent engineering and CAD-driven development workflows.

Client Challenge

The project required the development of a robust and manufacturable storage fixture capable of supporting multiple engine variants while reducing tooling and inventory complexity.
Key project challenges included:

• Accommodating two engine variants with different support conditions
• Maintaining sufficient structural stiffness under engine load
• Ensuring manufacturability for injection moulding processes
• Reducing tooling costs associated with separate fixture designs
• Maintaining compatibility with existing storage rack systems
• Achieving safe and efficient loading/unloading operations

Scope of Work

The engagement scope included:

• Requirement analysis and feasibility assessment
• Universal fixture concept development
• 3D CAD modelling using CATIA V5
• Structural feature optimization
• Injection moulding design support
• DFM (Design for Manufacturing) recommendations
• Manufacturing drawing preparation
• Fixture validation and compatibility assessment

The Approach & Solution

The workflow involved detailed evaluation of engine contact surfaces, storage rack constraints, operator handling requirements, and variant-specific support conditions.

A universal fixture concept was developed by identifying common mounting and resting regions shared between both engine variants. The design approach incorporated a common base support structure combined with adaptable locating features to accommodate variant-specific geometry requirements.

Using CATIA V5, the fixture geometry was developed with optimized side walls, locating profiles, seating zones, and load-bearing structures. Special attention was given to structural stiffness and manufacturability through the integration of reinforcing ribs, localized strengthening features, consistent wall thicknesses, and optimized load transfer paths.
The design also incorporated key injection moulding considerations including:

• Draft angles for Mold release
• Fillets at internal transitions
• Controlled wall thickness
• Reduction of sink marks and warpage risks
• Mold-friendly geometry optimization

Validation activities included seating compatibility checks, accessibility verification, stability evaluation, and operational assessment for storage rack applications.

Key Deliverables

• Universal plastic fixture design concept
• 3D CAD models
• 2D manufacturing drawings
• Mold-ready plastic part design
• DFM recommendations
• Storage rack interface details
• Variant-specific locating and contact features
• Structural stiffness optimization features

Project Benefits

• Fixture Commonization
  A single universal fixture concept replaced multiple dedicated fixture designs, improving operational flexibility and simplifying inventory management.
• Reduced Tooling Investment
  The optimized commonized design reduced tooling requirements and associated manufacturing costs.
• Improved Manufacturability
  Injection moulding-focused design optimization improved production feasibility and reduced moulding-related risks.
• Enhanced Structural Performance
  Reinforcement strategies and optimized load transfer zones improved fixture stability and durability under operational loads.

Project Outcome

The project demonstrates expertise in automotive fixture design, CAD-based product development, manufacturability optimization, and cost-focused engineering solutions.

Through a combination of commonized design strategy, structural optimization, and injection moulding considerations, the engagement supported improved storage efficiency, reduced tooling complexity, and enhanced operational flexibility for multi-variant engine handling applications.

Technology Stack

• CATIA V5
• CAD Modelling Workflows
• DFM Methodologies
• Injection Moulding Design Principles
• Manufacturing Documentation Tools