CASE STUDIES

Friction Brake

Cost-Optimized Redesign for a Classroom Workhorse

Challenge

As part of a major refresh of their flagship motion dynamics cart, the customer sought to redesign a key accessory — the friction brake. While heavily used in physics experiments, the original version was costly to manufacture and complicated to assemble, relying on metal parts that no longer aligned with the aesthetic of the new cart. The goal was to reduce material and labor costs while modernizing the form to match the cart’s updated design.

Solution

Steiner Enterprises redesigned the friction brake using injection-molded plastic, dramatically reducing material and assembly costs. By incorporating molded-in hard stops, the need for multiple mechanical components was eliminated. This allowed the brake to maintain its functional performance while streamlining the installation process. The new design also offered greater internal space, simplifying integration of the brake’s most complex subassembly.

Design & Engineering Highlights

Replaced metal housing with high-strength molded plastic

Integrated mechanical stops eliminated extra fasteners and brackets

Enlarged internal space for easier installation

Matches the aesthetic of the redesigned dynamics cart

  • Injection molding and mechanical redesign
  • Labeling and product marking
  • Cost reduction without loss of performance

Domestic assembly using globally sourced components

Outcome

The redesigned friction brake delivered immediate cost savings for the customer, while improving ease of installation and maintaining compatibility with the upgraded cart system. The consistent visual styling and simplified build supported the larger product family’s modernization goals.

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